Webcam Capturing Software

I was wondering if anyone knew of any good webcam software (to be used for the betterment of society). I already have something that will work for Microsoft's messenger (I have no idea what name they're calling it now), but my needs demand something that will trace the connections and intercept the video, downloading it to preferably *.avi format. I use a multi-messenger setup (Digsby, Trillian, Pidgin, Miranda, etc.), but all explanations aside, would someone help me?

webcamxp or snagit

Thank-you.