FCE "Easy Setup" Questions

[JLeephoto]

(first post) I think I've read all the threads on the FCE4 Codecs but still having some issues I hope you guys can help me resolve. I'm hoping to shoot in HD (HD30p?), and capture/edit in SD 16:9 for much of my work, allowing me to archive the HD on tapes in case they are needed and save HDD space. But, I don't think I've found the right Codec to do so yet. It seems that NTSC Anamorphic sequences are letterboxed and using HDApple Intermediate 720p30 gives me 720x480. The work will be used on the web and played from iDVD. So, in short what is the right Codecs to use in this and other situations. Is there a breakdown on the web somewhere of Codec choices in relation to final output and aspect ratios?
Thanks for your help.

[skinnyboy]

I would recommend capturing/editing in HD for quality issues. Capturing SD looks pretty bad. But capturing HD, editing and then outputting SD looks better.
Sure, it takes more space, but you can always archive the captured footage off when you are done editing.

Not sure what your question about aspect ratios is. Are you trying to not have anamorphic?

[JLeephoto]

Thanks skinnyboy. I tested HD to HD today and it does look beautiful compared to capturing in SD. Got a 7200 rpm HDD and think I'll go the route you suggested. I am do want 16X9.