Dad wants his first DSLR. We don't know what any of the lens terminology means.

The lowest price DSLRs from each manufacturer are:

£230 - Sony Alpha SLT-A37 (unknown lens type)
£300 - Canon EOS 1100D (DC lens)
£300 - Nikon D3100 (VR lens)

All of the above have 18-55mm lens, whatever that means.

Any suggestions? Recommendations? Comments? Alternatives?