The quality of any Camcorder will depend on the video chip. If it is a 1 or 3 chip and the type and size of chip. The next factor is Lens. Then comes recording format. Mini DV is a great, reliable medium. The new Flash based Camcorders, especially the HD models, are very light, small and shoot great quality video. Most of the HD models are recording in the AVCHD format, the same format used on the Hard Drive models. The benefits of the Flash medium are: Lighter, smaller, high storage capacity, you do not have to “re-capture” to the computer for edit, almost unlimited reuse (tapes wear out) and no video heads to get dirty.

If your camera charges the battery in the camera you can also consider a Universal Adapter available online at BestBuy.com
Sima - Universal AC Adapter
Model: SUP-60 | SKU: 7011994

Any of the Digital-SLR cameras should work well for you. Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony all have models under $600. As for software, many Image Editing programs have Mac versions. The image from the Camera is generally in the JPEG format and is directly transferable to both PC and MAC by a compatible Card Reader.

There are a lot of cameras that will fit this description. FujiFilm and Casio both have some slim, colorful models. The Casio – EXILIM has a .6” depth. The speed of compact cameras has steadily been improving. The quality of the image should be very good with both manufacturers having cameras in th 10 megapixel range. For shake reduction, Panasonic and Sony have excellent image stabilization features.