A DSLR is a camera that will give you better shots. However, its the bigger bulkier kind, the kind you would see a professional photographer using on sidelines at a sporting event or in a studio. They sound and look more complicated then they really are. These are the cameras with the detachable lenses. I will always recommend a DSLR over a point and shoot (the smaller almost pocket cameras), but it really depends on the person using it, what they want to carry around, and how much they want to spend. For a DSLR, you are looking at, at least $500 I would say, maybe a bit more for a kit. Lenses can be hundreds by themselves too. But IMO, its a more future proof solution and takes higher quality photos. The problem you might run into with a new DSLR, is the lens that usually comes with the kit is not that great of a zoom lens, doesn't zoom very far. For a quality point a shoot, you will probably be looking in the $300-400 range.
Might I ask if you have a budget in mind?
I'll have to do a little more digging and research for you tomorrow for some suggestions. You might start here though.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...ghlight=camera