I am not a professional photographer, and by no means a camera expert. I'm just a guy who enjoys taking wildlife photos as a hobby. Very relaxing.
Unfortunately, I find that expressing one's opinion about a camera, or lens, etc., is like venturing an opinion about a graphics card. There always seems to be someone, laying in the weeds, waiting to tell you you're crazy.
Here's my 2 cents. I really enjoy using, and recommend a "hybrid" camera for someone who wants great photos, but is not a camera fanatic. A hybrid, is simply a camera with many of the features of a more expensive and sophisticated, $800.00 DSLR, blended with all of the automatic, and simplistic features, of a simple $89.00 point n' shoot. Hybrids usually sell for around $400.00 new.
I am currently using the Sony HX100V. (Some pics below) It has recently been replaced by the HX200V. Same camera, but rated at 18mp, rather than 16mp. I buy a new hybrid every 3 years or so, when it's worth the price of the upgrade. Canon, and Nikon also make hybrids.
The two snaps below were taken at considerable distances. I am often 20' to 50' from my subjects, as I was in these photos, and I think I get really nice snaps. The camera also has a 1080p HD video mode with great sound as well. Panorama mode for really wide landscape shots, and a rapid fire "burst" mode, for holding down the shutter button, and taking snaps at the rate of 10 frames per second. Awesome results. Hopes this helps you in making a decision. What ever you buy, good luck!