Is a viewfinder really that important?

I bought the GF a second hand Canon 40D for xmas. I looked at the photos on it the other day, and she literally hasn't used it since February. Is the missus definitely going to "get into this photography lark" or is this something where being a bit more user friendly, nice big lcd (possibly touchscreen) and plenty of auto modes, could be preferred?

If it's second hand cameras, My first stop would be your nearest brick and mortar camera shop. They should have a selection of used cameras. From there you can get a feel for what tends to be available, and either buy from them, or take that info and take a gamble and buy for a bit cheaper, either on ebay or an internet camera shop with a used section.

I tend to buy from my local camera shop if the prices are reasonable. They tend to be a little more expensive than the internet, but once you add on postage costs, and consider the ability to test products in a shop etc, I think it makes sense. The local shop would probably be happy for me to take a lens away for a day to test before I buy etc.

I'd also check what her mum has, both body and lens wise. If it is a Canon DSLR, I'd maybe consider Canon. The lens borrowing works both ways. If the missus and the mother are ever at a party or event etc with their cameras, they'll easily be able to swap lenses, if they want.

Canon wise, for reference, their order of "professionalism" (and thus cost) goes (from most expensive):

(these 3 are full frame, mega bucks)
1D
5D
6D

7D (top line cropped sensor) ~£750-850 second hand

Mid range bodies, in order of newness
70D - £1000
60D - £500
50D - £300
40D - £200

Low end (Order of newness) (There's also x50ds inbetween)
700D -£400-£500
600D - £300-400
500D - £250
400D - £150-200

And then there's the 1000, 1100D etc, which are Canons cheapest, smallest, lightest etc. Pretty plasticy. Retail around £250-350 NEW.

(Prices are just pulled quickly from the web and what I've seen around lately. Could be out by a little bit!)

If the camera is going to get a bit of use, and the missus is serious about it, I'd consider getting a second hand 60D, or 600D if the 60 is too much. If it's just going to be an occasional use thing, I'd probably otherwise consider the 1000/1100D new. Though they're very plasticy, this does equate to being lighter weight, and a bit smaller than the other offerings. You'd also likely get as much use out of it new, as you would a second hand, but more expensive model.

As far as I know, Canon cameras since the 500D have live view + video. As they've progressed the technology has advanced (I think the 500D for example can only record at most 15 mins video at a time). Things like liveview autofocus are improved in the more recent versions.

if your in-laws are likely to be happy to lend lenses and/or photography will take place with them on outings etc so that their kit will be available, then going Canon EOS makes sense. I originally went Pentax for exactly this reason, having the same system as a more established friend or family member makes for a low cost introduction to photography.

I know you probably want this to be a surprise, but speaking for myself I'd say that picking a camera, especially a first system camera, is a very personal decision. If I were you I'd surprise her with "we're going to a camera shop" and have her involved in chosing which one you buy. You might find that things you think are vital don't matter to her at all, and things you don't even notice will matter to her a great deal. For example, she may hate the plasticy feel of the 1100D, or she may think the 60D is too big and heavy.

This is one field where "better" is not necessarily better for everyone.

The tilt screen might be worth it for "family" stuff. I can see it's use for:

Group photos (You can compose the group without having to be behind the camera (use it with a remote shutter release (peanuts on ebay))
Family outings/events. You can hold the camera above everyones heads and still compose the shot
Messing around. Similarly you can have the camera down low, without having to be a contortionist or break your back etc.

Is it worth spending extra money on the IS lens? Its £20 extra on the 1100D packages I've seen.

Which brings me to memory cards, where do you guys buy your memory cards?

And finally, local shops sound good in principle but if they close at bloody 5:30pm and I get home from work at 5pm then there is little to no chance of me getting there to actually peruse their service. And then weekends are always super busy for me so I never get the chance to go then either. Nightmare.

Think I'm gonna have to go to John Lewis tonight to have a look, see what the missus thinks. At least they're open late.

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

Might be an option once you decide what you want. Always been very impressed by their second hand stuff.

32gb Class 10 SD Card would do you right.

I get over 1000 (I think it's about 1400) full resolution RAW 18mp pictures on a 32gb compact flash card.

I don't bother with the expensive brands. I just get the cheapest I can find that doesn't have a load of bad reviews. If it fails, I'd be able to afford 2-3 more for the price of one of the branded proper cards.