yes my mind is lost, but could you help?

[Chooby]

hello, i am in the process of editing a short film, capturing from minidv using firewire, recording into avid using it's omfi file format, I have been then converting them into .avi's using its codec at a 1:1 resolution Pal progressive scan, and dropping some of them into premiere 6.5 to edit certain bits together.
Now the problem is that when rendering in premiere i have set it to use the avid codec, but it seems to have problems rendering it, ie freezes, and there are unrendered bits for no apparent reason. I can remedy this by using something like the mainconcept dv codec, but loss of image quality is visible.
Basically I want to know what codec is the best to use, which one will give me the best image quality, i don't care how big the file size, nor how slow it takes to render. I have been trying to read up on the topic, but have had little joy. (btw if you did't figure it, i have little to no real knowledge in this area)
Can anyone here help my cause, i' be much greatful.

[DJRumpy]

If size isn't an issue, use Huffman. It's lossless for quality, although the file sizes can be extremely large.

[Chooby]

ah yes huffyuv2.1.1 i have, and yes it seems good, how does it compare to the avid avi, canopus dv, or mainconcept dv codec...as good, or better?
Also I have resolved that the playback freezes, and apparent render problems are actually caused by premiere's playback system or something because I can open the actual files in the "premiere preview" folder and they all run fine in windows media player...so i dunno what's really going on.
I can get the MainConcept codec to work smoothly in premiere but i am not 100% on its image quality, is it acceptable to use this codec if attempting to produce something of professional standard?

[DJRumpy]

Let the file size be your guide. Less compression usually means better quality in your end product. When your working with an 80gigabyte file, a couple hundred megabytes here or there isn't going to be noticable. When it comes down to a close match, I just choose the faster of the options. Read the specs for the codecs that your using. If they specify lossless, then you should be able to use any of them, and expect the same quality for output. If your worried about it, you can always save the AVI uncompressed. Using the huffy codecs will get you about 2:1 compression, without loosing any quality.

I would suggest you try a small sample using each codec. If the file size of one is drastically smaller than the others, then it is probably using more compression, and as a byproduct, introducing artifacts into your material. Quality is so personal to each person, your going to have to judge for yourself to see what you find acceptable.

[Chooby]

cheers mate, it has been a bit of a sticking point for me, trying to make sure of optimum image quality, especially through disolves etc where most damage seems to occur.
I have to say that the way codecs work, and why some work better than others and some dont work at all baffle me. But i think I am onto it now....i hope.