The quality can vary accourding to software and how much we compress along the way and ... the dvd creation software settings. I won't teach how to use such software.
Please read http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7594-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=196365&messageID=2127025
Bob
I have decided to get a camcorder that uses mini dv tapes because the video quality is superior to miniDVD cameras. I want to transfer all of my video to dvd's so I don't have to rely on my camera to watch videos. We have this problem with all the 8mm tapes we have and can't watch because my camera broke. My question is- Will the quality of video from dv tape transfer to DVD, or should I just get a camera that puts it on DVD end up with the same quality in the end and skip the middle man. I hate the thought of puting all my memories on a tape that depends on my camera lasting forever.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic