Camcorders with Firewire (iLink) should work directly with iMac. You will need software, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere, to capture the footage with. USB Camcorders can download the video directly to the iMac running Leopard, however the file format is designed for PC, so you will need conversion software to make it Mac compatible.

I wouldn’t recommend any camcorder while riding. When your not, use a camcorder with a larger LCD screen, 2.7” would be good, 3” would be best. This will make it easier to follow the action. Getting a Hard Drive model would give you less items to carry. Not tapes or DvDs needed, it all records directly to an internal Hard Drive. Look for a rugged camcorder. Sony and Canon are some of the more durable brands with Panasonic and JVC being the next. Try different models, look for one that feels comfortable in YOUR hands.

Almost ALL the new camcorders have this function,some call it Super Steady Shot (Sony) or O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer) on Panasonic camcorders. Other manufactures just call it Stabilizer. Sony was one of the first to make this a standard in there camcorders and do have one of the best. Panasonic's O.I.S is also an exceptional stabilizer. Either of thees would work well for you.

You have an interesting decision ahead of you. The portability and “point and shoot” ease you get with a compact vs the creative control and far better quality photo with a Digital –SLR. Well to suggest the obvious. Consider BOTH. With an inexpensive compact and a entry level D-SLR she’ll have a carry around camera for the every day kind of photos, the one’s that JUST HAPPEN. With the D-SLR she’ll have the quality camera for special events and once in a life time family memories. There are several entry level D-SLR’s that are in the $500-$700 range and many compacts under $150.