I would like to find if the CineAltas and Varicams can do 4:3

my client is asking for HD and will be outputing on DVD. As such , full screen is much more sensible.

Doing panscan will be superfluous and problematic

It shouldn't be too much of a problem as the high end cams I believe have 4:3 protection guides on screen if you want them. I could be wrong however.

I know the new Arri D20 digital "film" camera can do 4:3 in film
mode @ 3018 x 2200, but that is probably out of financial reach.

http://www.arri.de/prod/cam/d_20/tech_spec.htm

BTW, if anyone has one of those Arri cameras spare that they don't want...

How about just letterboxing the output or making an anamorphic DVD? I think most people are used to seeing widescreen footage letterboxed on 4:3 displays, and your source footage is the way it should be for an increasingly 16:9 world.

While I would also agree that an anamorphic DVD would be the way to go, some clients just insist on 4:3. Most of the higher end cameras like the CineAlta don't shoot 4:3, but they can provide the protection guides that have been mentioned. Essentially, you shoot the project using those guides as a means to frame the shot the way you need in order to crop it in post to a 4:3 image.

Now comes the question... Why would someone want to shoot on a CineAlta or Varicam if their destination is 4:3 DVD.... Unless the want an HD master created for future distribution as HD somewhere down the line, of course.

Oh, and I'll take one of those Arri cameras, too... While we're on the subject.

Completely OT for a sec. Is having to get your digital footage 'developed' for want of a better word, kind of cool or what?!

Digital footage but with the anticipation of what comes out of the lab! Perhaps all digital cameras should be like this. Might force a bit more discipline in production!