sony is good, especially the latest models out in the market. but honestly, canon is better. i actually tried the two and im quite satisfied with canon, picture wise.
i have a friend who has the latest sony cam, and i have my canon bought two years ago, she was amazed of the picture quality my canon has produced, to think it's only 7.2 megapixels, compared to her 13 megapixel sony cam... so its up to you...
any dad will be proud anyway receiving a gift from their loved ones...