Best application for Standard Def DVD creation?

I have a bunch of MiniDV tapes shot in standard def that I want to make into DVDs for my family. I want to preserve as much picture quality as possible during the process and will be using transitions, overlays, and credits.
I have used iMovie 08 and abandoned it because I needed dynamic chapter markers. I am now ready to edit the next DVD in the 'series', and with the advent of iMovie 09 and the availability of Final Cut Express at a reasonable price, I am trying to decide which way to go. I also have a copy of iMovie HD 6 which I used for my previous DVD.
From reading the reviews of iMovie 09 I am pretty confident that I would be happy with it functionally, but not if it costs me in picture quality. I noticed on my first effort using iMovie HD 6 and iDVD, that the DVD picture was not as sharp as the video viewed directly from the camera. Did I do something wrong, or is that a "feature" of iMovie? Would FCE be better?
My only concern with FCE apart from spending money that I may not need to spend, is the talk of a steep learning curve. With two little kids at home I don't have a lot of spare time. That said, I'd rather spend the time and get a sharp looking DVD than get a mediocre one quickly.
Thanks for any advice.
-John

skalicki` wrote:
What do you mean by "dynamic chapter markers"?
I meant the ability to define the precise location of the chapter within the movie, such that when exported to iDVD the menu allows you to jump to any point you have defined in the movie. By "dynamic" I mean they may be placed at random locations, rather than fixed intervals. iMovie 08 deleted the ability to add chapter markers, iDVD allows only fixed interval chapters (which seems useless to me), as does Toast. I tried the work-around of using Garage Band, but it fails on larger projects. I've read that iMovie 09 has restored the ability to add chapter markers where you want, but if I'm going to shell out more cash I might as well get the package that will get me the best picture too (within reason).
In any video application, for Chapter markers you simply place them in the application, then edit them in iDVD, DVD Studio Pro, etc.
Not in iMovie 08/iDVD, but now that you mention it, how does DVD Studio Pro compare to iDVD? I'm mostly focused on picture quality.
Do you mean better animated titles that you could use within the program? For this FCE is much better, because you don't need to work with the premade things, you can create and animate your own from the ground up.
That will be fun. Not what I was talking about, but a nice feature. I know that FCE will have lots of capability that iMovie doesn't (by design), that's just gravy.
I have used iMovie HD 6 to place chapters where I wanted them in my last DVD project, I didn't have much trouble working with it although it is a bit more "professional grade" than iMovie (I know, not saying much). How do the two compare for learning curve/user friendliness? I would like to say that I'd get a book to read on FCE but the truth is that on an average day I don't have time to watch the news let alone read a book.
In my opinion, FCE is definitely worth the investment and once you learn it you will never want to go back to iMovie!
Thanks, just the fact that the output is higher quality is a big pull for me. I think I'm going to take the plunge.
Now for the next question: FCE 4 or 3.5?
-John

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Better is a very subjective term when it comes to editing and personal preferences play an important role. In any case on the Mac you have these choices:
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exporting the 10 minute sequence using QT conversion, as a pro res 422 HQ quicktime movie...
You are adding an unneeded compression cycle for a start. Export with QuickTime Conversion always recompresses your footage, even when you use the same settings as your Timeline.
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If your source material is interlaced it will look odd on a computer monitor. It will display correctly on a TV set.
having to do with de-interlacing, or something I have missed?
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