Camera recommendations for filming?

I just got a new Mac and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of Final Cut Pro for a few journalism stories in the future. I’m pretty well versed in FCP, but since I graduated from SDSU, I no longer have the film department’s high-tech gear at my disposal. Should I go with a Flip? I’m not too concerned about film quality, but I wanted something that doesn’t shake when I’m shooting as not to appear amateurish. I’m guessing I need a tripod then? Would it be dorky to have a tripod for a flip? Are Flips even that good? Are they compatible with Mac? Can you tell I don’t like dealing with technology? *head explodes*