best capturing options

[paglamon]

I had been discussing about lossless codecs for capturing(from a analog/digital handycam) in some other thread and Celtic_druid advised to start a new thread regarding this.So here it is.
We know that the ideal option for capturing will be uncompressed AVI.But this may not be practicable always due to the huge file size.So the question is,what is the more realistic format for video capturing and the capture resolutions in the following circumstances:
1.when the final output will be DVD
2.when the final output will be VCD
3.when the final output will be XVid or DivX encoded AVI
Please keep in mind that the captured video might undergo some simple editing(in Ulead or Pinnacle) like trimming,adding music or voice-over,transitions etc.
Here comes the question about lossless codecs.What is the best option?

[drfsupercenter]

I capture in Pinnacle with 90% compression (similar to how DVD shrink works, it's really only 10% compression) - as a 720x480 AVI.

[paglamon]

DRF,
U seem to b a big fan of Ulead.So am I.I capture in Ulead.But about that 90% compression,which codec?

[drfsupercenter]

I capture in Pinnacle, as Ulead just crashes when I go to capture (not enough memory). Pinnacle has a quality setting... not sure, I think it is a Pinnacle codec which is why it won't burn in Nero.

Now, are you looking to save disc space, or to get the best quality to burn?

XviD or DivX are good for space saving but leave a DivX watermark and often give grainy results.

Uncompressed is great for burning, but you need tons of disc space.

My capture rate is about 1GB/10 mins. You do the math. Not sure what quality setting that is - I just use the default

[sg211]

FRAPS FRAPS AND FRAPS

https://www.fraps.com

best thing ever made, perfect fps

(note: for video games only)

or camstudio (google it for link) (for desktop applications and stuff)

DIVX is the best, select HD option, and its not that bad, and you can turn off the watermark if you choose to

[paglamon]

as Ulead just crashes when I go to capture

R u sure this is about memory?I had a similar problem.Later detected that this was due to Windows Installer 3.1.I uninstalled version 3.1 and now have 3.0.No crashes now.
BTW sg211,I do know something about video capture.Thnx for the link.Capture software is not what I need.I actually started this thread on celtic_druid's advice since he wished that lossless codecs may b discussed in a new thread.
What r ur opinion regarding MJPEG(Morgan or Picvideo)?
@DRF,plz read my post.I asked about 3 different circumstances.I think it does not really help to capture in too high resolution if u want to produce a vcd.

[drfsupercenter]

Indeed - then try capturing in MPEG-1. For DVD, use uncompressed AVI 720x480, or a raw codec.

[paglamon]

Thnx DRF.Did u try that Ulead Capture problem solution?

[drfsupercenter]

Not yet.