Re: 35mm > HDCAM > FCP ?

As others may point out, there is "HD" as in an HDV palmcorder, and there is "HD" as in mastering for PBS broadcast. The second type of HD will require a much more substantial system than a MacBook. Do some searching on storage requirements (capacity and throughput) for uncompressed HD, and you should get an idea of what to expect.

I'm also somewhat mystified by the decision to move to HD since your "source footage was so poor". Unless you mean the Beta transfer was lousy and are hoping for a better remastering to HDCAM; then I understand.

-Jeff