Wife needs camera for toddler

No dslr. Would an m suffice? She's not a gear head and I'm looking to stay between 250-500, preferably at the low end.

Why no DSLR if you are considering the M? Both use interchangeable lenses.

If the EOS M is an option, then perhaps the SL1 is an option too? Might be worth considering both of them.

My wife is not a technofile, so I need something that will get er done well.

Shell never carry a dslr around because I size.

I'm open to different brands and p&s

Frodge wrote in post #17187875
Shell never carry a dslr around because I size.

Sizing is always a good thing, especially sizing of shells.

I have a 3 year old and often even a 5D3's autofocus isn't fast enough. If she won't carry a DSLR, get a m4/3 camera with the fastest autofocus you can get.

Is her mobile phone too old? Update to better one in terms of camera. It might be #1 option if she wants to have pictures and video on Facebook and on the screen.
If she wants to have printable pictures and zoom, go to camera department, camera store with her and let her to get what she likes within your budget.
I was checking lately at the stores, you could get Sony, Nikon and Canon 20MP P&S under $100 now.

The EOS M is not known for its great auto focus speed, indeed just the opposite. Not ideal for a fast moving toddler. Understand not wanting to carry a dslr, but the SL1 set in full auto mode would likely net you far better results given the intended subject. The SL1 is pretty small, relatively cheap, and if set to full auto should satiate the best of technophobes.

I'd look at the water and schock proof P&S offerings. Easy to use, small, tough, and fun around the bath tub, sprinklers, pool, flying food and other messes. And she can hand it to your kid to have him/her take photos w/o having to wonder what to buy next, once it falls into the toilet or soup bowl

Frodge wrote in post #17187875
Shell never carry a dslr around because I size.

There are many different sizes of DSLRs, especially with Canon. There are 5 distinct sizes out there right now across the model lines. The SL1 is very small and makes for a great backup to an existing DSLR like the 60D.

Sounds like she needs a bridge camera then like one of the SX lines.

Another vote for the SL1.... add an 18-135 STM lens and you'll have a lightweight kit. My wife loves hers. She was using my G12 before but the SL1 is quite an upgrade, esp. for anything that requires a faster shutter speed.

the canon sl1 is very compact for a dslr

Eos m vs s110
For moving subjects

My wife uses an SX260HS. She loves it because it fits in her pocket. We looked at the SX50HS, a bridge camera, but it was too big for her. Also no difference in IQ; they have the same sensor. The SX50 has a lot more possibilities, if she's into cameras. My wife uses the SX260 on "P" and is satisfied with that.