Res Sony
How do you caputure video off a Sony DCR-HC96E camera?
I can only capture video off the camera using Sony's provided software and windows movie maker. On both the resolution is poor. Is there a way to campture video in a much higher res? Is there any free software that will so the job?
Are you streaming it off the camera using USB or using firewire (sony call it i-link in the camera manual)? If you do have firewire on your pc, that's the best way to capture your footage. If it came pre-installed then your pc may have come with pre-installed DV capture software of some kind. If not, then you'll need to get your hands on a firewire card (which may or may not come with DV capture software).
The other thing you have to bear in mind is that though your camera says "3 Megapixels", the video resolution is about 2 million. Also, if you're shooting in low lighting, your video will probably look pretty grainy. Just don't expect too much from it.