[Larry In lv]

Then would it be better to capture at 1920X1080 and then scale the footage down to 720X480.

Or to capture at 720X480 in the first place.

I think capturing at the larger is would make for a sharper picture when it is scaled down, plus I would also have the option to “pan and Scan” within the picture if need be.

Larry in LV

[Larry In lv]

If you also use After Effects then go here https://www.videocopilot.net/fmp.html
and get Film Magic Pro. It consists of over 50 cinema style presets
and does exactly what you are asking for.
There are presets/filters that makes your film look like it came from the 3 different decades that you mentioned, plus a lot more.
Very cool.