Which camera to buy for a 8-year-old boy to learn photography?

So, my boy is interested in learning photography. Just want him to start getting a feel of taking pictures for now and grow with the camera in the next few years. He has good eyes and already can figure how to compose using rule of third, leading lines and strong subject contrast himself... I was shock honestly.

Now I want him to own his very first camera. He told me he wanted something that has a true viewfinder. But since he's still little, I don't think DSLR is an option. I was thinking about a G11 or a Olympus EPL-1. But they are much more than what he can manage and are quite large for his little hands. I believe a small compact point and shoot will fit his current use best .

Unfortunately, I've stopped using point and shoot for so many years and now only my wife uses a P&S ( A canon SD I bought her 3 years ago). Honeslty I am not familiar with the current models...

So, I am here and seeking some ideas from you guys.

I think the best ones should have IS and use Lithium rechargeable battery (no AA). The camera must be responsive.

High MegaPixel is not important but high picture quality in auto/P or creative mode is.

Want something that has semi/full manual modes (AV,TV,Manual..) so that I can introduce those ideas to him later.

Budget...hope it could be less than $200 for a good point and shoot... Max no more than $400. G11 and EPL-1 is still under consideration tho.

Canon for sure is the first choice but other brands are welcome. Please share with me some suggestions and the reasons behind. Thanks.

I'd really consider an XS or other older Rebel. While they are big for an 8 yr old, I don't think they are necessarily too big. But that's just me.

On the P&S side I'd be looking at something like A610, 620, 630 or 640 used on eBay. They have manual controls, OVF + flip screen, movie mode. Very nice cameras. No IS and they require AAs, so they don't meet all you requirements, but I think they may be a good choice. They are small, but not truly compact, and have a nice right hand grip. My A630 is a great size for my 5 yr old, although she sometimes carries it by the flip screen. Very good IQ; sort of a Junior G Series line of cameras imo.

Newer P&S options, especially cheaper ones, seem to be totally auto these days. Not sure how well they will serve as learning tools.

To learn photography, forget most of the A series.

I think the SX 110, 120, and 130 IS are the best bargains for cameras that can be full automatic or go to all manual settings.

EDIT: the above cameras have no viewfinder.

Best to go with the G series. The G11 is about to drop in price as the G12 is introduced (most likely in October, according to rumors).

I think some of the priorities for learning should include viewfinder as well as something that he can grow into. Without a doubt I'd recomend a good used G series such as the G9.

I just thought about the S90. It doesn't have a viewfinder, though.

Thank you for your help. I think you guys gave me some very good suggestions to consider. SX 120 and 130 looks very close to what I am looking for indeed if viewfinder is ruled out. I will stop by B&H tomorrow and check them out.

My son started with my Rebel XT when he was 5. At the age of 6 he had one of his images on display in a gallery in Denver and already has one image that has been published. The gallery in Denver was actually a contest for adults, but once they saw his five submitted images they let him enter. He has a natural eye for composition....I just don't know how to explain it. If he takes 20 pitures, about half of them will make you go 'wow, that's really good'. I have to read books and practice like crazy to look at things like he does naturally. He uses my old Tamron 28-300 lens.

The Rebel XT is a nice little body that is easy for a young kid to hold.