Well, if you want to recommend a camera system that is 3 to 4 times more expensive than any rational person would recommend as a starter set, then so be it. Just my opinion of course, but recommending a PRO level camera for a starter kit is ludicrous.
I would look for an M5, M50 or M50 II, possibly reconditioned, along with the 18-150 lens. Considering that there is a reasonable chance the teen will not end up being interested in photography at all - or might lose interest after a few months - spending more than $700-800 would be almost criminal. I see that the M50 with 2 kit lenses sells for $699 at the Canon refurbished store - although they are out of stock at the moment.
Unless, of course, your friend is rich and doesn't care if they spoil their son with a totally over-the-top gift. Or wants to waste a couple thousand dollars.
First, thank you to all that replied here on this thread, it has been very helpful.
I'm hesitant to recommend the Canon M line as that I don't have a great deal of faith in its future. I want to recommend something that can be built upon.
As for cost.
I'm the type of person that would rather save and save and buy the absolutely best I can get, and hopefully is a bit future proofed.
I'd rather buy something a bit more $$ at the beginning and have it last awhile, rather than buy a bunch of cheap crap multiple times over the years.
And my friend gave me his budget.
Different people have different levels of disposable income. I'm not wealthy by any measure, but for cameras/lenses, etc...I don't think of $2K price range as being expensive. I don't buy them every day mind you, but I save my nickels and dimes...and I often will drop $2500 or so twice a year on nice things.
These days, lenses.
I'm guessing my friend is somewhat the same....they aren't wealthy, but $2K-$3K isn't going to break the bank or dent the annual budget by any perceptible ways.
If they can afford the R packaged with the 24-105mm lens, this would give an excellent start for a LONG time....a base body that won't be obsolete very soon and a good workhorse lens that will work alone for quite awhile for stills and video (I started with the EF 24-105 lens myself).
My first DSLR was the canon 5D3 when it was just released. That was my starter camera. Granted I'm an adult (ok friends debate that)....but I started out as best I could.
So, anyway...it isn't really fair to throw judgements out about what people buy or buy for their kids. There is nothing wrong with buying the top level you can afford and feel comfortable with giving to yourself or your progeny.
I don't consider the Canon R to be a "PRO" level camera body. I think it is likely an entry level FF body. And if you can start with FF, why not?
There are a LOT of people...a LOT of them out there, that consider $3K to be pocket change. I don't begrudge them at all, I'm certainly not one of them.
But I also don't consider $3K to be too much to spend on a quality item/tool/toy that I would use...and I save and budget to drop that much 1-2 times a year, these days almost exclusively on camera gear.
I am debt free....I have the cash in hand before I buy.
There are a LOT of people out there that way too.
Yes, it sucks there are those that $2K is a lot of money. Yes, it sucks that the pandemic has caused a lot of folks to lost their jobs and are in fiscal straights.
But that is no reason to throw jabs at those who have weathered this and still have normal lives....rather than be jealous or look down your nose, why not be happy for folks that are happy and successful, and spend your energies trying to help those that are not rather than waste time and energy being negative against them.
[rant mode off]