ive used them. and like them. i've used a d3000, but as far as nikon goes, its probably their worst camera.
d5k and d90 choose pretty good settings on auto mode.
as far as shooting in low-light, they are much quieter (2 or 3 stops worth) at higher ISOs than the d3000

She should take a bridge.. If sheé not going too learn anything, and is only shooting in auto mode, she wont change lenses.. this brings her too some crap lenses (compared with low range zooms etc.)


But if she really wants to waste some money.. Nikon D90 + 18-200VR

t1i has a full auto mode
not sure if the t2i does

well i doubt you will get any decent advice in the photography section as most people dont use auto settings, as far as my experience with auto, i have owned a d40x and d90 and both provide great picture quality, my friend has used my d40x on auto several times and it loves pumping out high iso's for no reason and causing some image degradation, im not sure if the d90 does this or not, but im guessing they use similar image processors ( not sure if thats the right term) to select auto setings. thats all i can help u with