I got my hands on an older Playclaw release. 1.8 something.
Tested the newest 3.0, apparently u could even capture 60 fps with it.
Playclaw definetly is worth a try, since its more sophisticated compression options make it stand out before fraps, atleast for live capturing, assuming you dont have a SSD but an otherwise nice comp.
For best codec use 3 out of 4 cores (4 core cpu).
25 fps is pal standard.
Fluent image and most important, not as much to write for the HDD.
No worries, ingame fps will be stable.
After that, use Vegas for cutting (merge into uncompressed avi)and StaxRip for encoding.
Somebody send me premier pro or after effects xD. Need those programs!!!