Fish Finder Advice- Christmas Gift Ideas

[Kayser]

I'm considering getting my dad a new depthfinder as a Christmas present this year- he currently uses a scupper-mounted transducer for a 2-color output with the resolution of a potato. Oh, and it runs off of the old massive 6V batteries. Two of them, every trip out, it seems.

I was considering getting him a newer depth finder, as he's trying to get into the more technical side of fishing, especially spider-rigging for crappie, but also some trolling. I was hoping to get a good gray-scale or color output, with good target resolution- I was hoping to be able to pick up baits and lures when vertical jigging/spider rigging. I mainly want to be able to look at a shaded arch of a fish, instead of 2 red pixels for a crappie, 3 on bottom for catfish. Being able to tell bottom composition is a definite plus, as well.

I honestly have no idea where to start, other than price-point. I was hoping to stay under $200, but might be able to swing up to $300, as it's a joint gift. I have no idea what the specs mean (I'll be reading the Fish Finder Training thread again later- not much sunk in on the first read.)

All advice/suggestions welcome.