Ben Scott, FCP Editor and Tutor
When capturing HDV, try using the HDV to ProRes through firewire settings as these will cause much less problems later on with the Media Manager and integration with other applications in Final Cut Studio 2. The footage becomes frames based rather than GOP based; basically it plays a lot better.
When capturing HDV to ProRes through firewire don't expect to get much device control, it will just play everything in off the tape. This means it may be a good idea to capture each tape to a separate logging bin and then go into the browser (and do what you normally shouldn't); change the Reel number and file to clip name (these will permanently change the Quicktime files that get produced). Expect to lose a few seconds from the handles when capturing HDV and when it is capturing you should monitor the audio through the deck and not the Mac.
NEVER capture more than 30 minute clips using DV or HDV through firewire, the audio will drift out of synch.