Type of camera/lens/accesories : Compact/SLR
Budget : RM3000 include kitlens
Your Location : Penang
Preferable brand : Sony or Canon
Type of photography u want to do : Normal shoots for now
Any specific models in mind? : Sony TX-9, NEX 3/5
Any specific features u want? : Pink color?

My girlfriend planned to get one which is either the Sony TX-9 or NEX 3/5. One of the reason she prefer Sony is because of the color

Her plan was to get the NEX 5 but I'm trying to persuade her in not getting that one. She is still a beginner and I think it would be a waste for her to spend so much on a camera now. Any sifu can recommend compact camera's that fit the criteria above?

I'm not saying a beginner means that can't learn how to use a good camera fast.

What I'm trying to say is wouldn't it be better for her to learn from basic? I've read somewhere here where people asked beginners to learn from bottom with a compact camera until their skill > camera ability before stepping into SLR/DSLR.

And also perhaps some might suggest me with other camera's that would fit in the budget. I've got friends who said with the price of NEX, I would be better getting other models. And also I know nothing about photography, that is the reason I asked here.