020606

This manual is designed to assist you in using the VQ300 mini camera. Information in this
document has been carefully checked for accuracy; however, no guarantee is given to the
absolute correctness of the contents. The information in this document is subject to change
without notice.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Note!
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void your authority to operate the equipment.

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Use of shielded cable is required to comply with Class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC
rules. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in
the manual. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop
operation of the equipment.

Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-causing
Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel
brouilieur du Canada.

Trademark Recognition
Windows (an abbreviated term referring to the Microsoft Windows Operation System), NetMeeting,
and Media Player are registered trademarks and products of Microsoft Corporation registered in
the USA and other countries. ArcSoft PhotoImpression 5 and Arcsoft VideoImpression 2 are
products and trademarks of ArcSoft Inc. Other corporate, product names, or trade references are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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General Warnings
When fitting batteries into the camera, check the polarity of the batteries (- and +) to ensure that
you insert the battery correctly. Incorrect polarity may result in the batteries splitting or leaking
and causing a fire, injury, or soiling of the battery compartment.

Remove the batteries if the camera will not be used for an extended period of time. The batteries
may leak and cause a fire, injury or soiling of the battery compartment. If the batteries leak, clean
and wipe the battery compartment carefully and install new batteries. Wash your hands carefully
if you touch the battery fluid. Please note that when you remove the batteries your images
will be lost from the camera memory.

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CONTENTS PAGE
1. GETTING STARTED ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1
ABOUT THE CAMERA ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
UNPACKING THE CAMERA -------------------------------------------------------------- 1
----
CAMERA FEATURES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
INSERTING A BATTERY ------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
2. CAPTURING IMAGES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
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TURNING THE BATTERY ON BAND OFF -------------------------------------------- 4
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LCD INFORMATION/STATUS DISPLAY ----------------------------------------------- 4
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CAMERA ICONS AND DESCRIPTIONS ---------------------------------------------- 5
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CAPTURING DIGITAL STILL IMAGES ------------------------------------------------- 6
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POWER OFF THE CAMERA -------------------------------------------------------------- 6
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SELF-TIMER ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
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TAKING CONTINUOUS IMAGES -------------------------------------------------------- 8
CAPTURING VIDEO CLIPS --------------------------------------------------------------- 8
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DELETING IMAGES AND VIDEOS ------------------------------------------------------ 8
3. SOFTWARE AND SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ----------------------------------- 10
------------
UNINSTALLING SOFTWARE AND SOFTWARE ------------------------------------ 11

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 ARCSOFTWARE PHOTOIMPRESSION 5 --------------------------------------------- 15
ARCSOFTWARE VIDEOIMPRESSION 2 ---------------------------------------------- 17
--------
4. DOWNLOADING THE IMAGES AND VIDEOS TO YOUR PC ------------------- 20
CHECKING THE CONNECTING OF YOUR CAMERA ----------------------------- 21
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INTERNET VIDEO CONFERENCING -------------------------------------------------- 22
SPECIFICATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
TROUBLESHOOTING ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

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 GETTING STARTED

About the camera

Congratulations on your purchase of the VQ300 Mini camera. Your camera has been
ergonomically designed to allow you to quickly and easily capture quality digital images and
short video clips.
With a 0.3 Mega-Pixel image sensor you are assured of clear images that can be printed,
displayed on a web site, or sent to friends and family through e-mail. The 0.3 Mega-Pixel image
sensor is capable of capturing digital still images and streaming snapshots. Using the Picture
Manager interface software, the streaming Snapshots from your camera will automatically
converted into digital video clips. You can also use the camera as a PC/web camera, taking
real-time images when connected to your PC with the supplied USB cable.
The included software enables you to easily download your images and video to your PC. With
Arcsoft PhotoImpression5 and VideoImpression 2 software you can edit your images and video
with ease. For more information on how to use Arcsoft PhotoImpression 5 and VideoImpression
2, you may visit their website at www.Arcsoft.com.

Unpacking the camera

Open the package and examine the contents. Your package should contain the following items:
VQ300 Mini camera
Camera neck strap
USB cable
Software CD containing:
Picture Manager (Camera driver)
ArcSoft PhotoImpression 5
ArcSoft VideoImpression 2

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 VQ300 Features

Please refer to the following diagram to identify the camera features:

1. Shutter Button

2. Viewfinder

3. Strap eyelet

4. Lens

5. Removable face panel

6. USB connector

7. Status LCD

8. Power/Mode button

9. Battery compartment cover

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 Inserting a Battery
Follow these instructions to insert or replace the battery in your camera:
1. Turn the camera OFF.
2. Open the battery compartment cover located on the bottom of the camera by sliding the
cover in the direction indicated by the arrow.
3. Note the battery polarity marks inside the battery compartment. Insert (1) one fresh AAA
alkaline battery, and replace the battery compartment door. You will hear a click as the door
snaps into place.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS:
• Do not open the battery compartment when the camera is ON.
• Store your camera with the battery removed. However, download your images
prior to storing your camera. A small amount of battery power is required to
maintain images in memory and therefore the battery will drain completely over
time, even when not used. Loss of image data will occur should the battery lose
power.
• It is recommend that you always download your images within 24 hours to
avoid losing your images.
• Even without any images stored in the camera, the camera will slowly draw
battery power. To conserve battery power, after downloading images, remove
the battery from camera.

Note: The camera will use some battery power whenever a battery is
inserted. Remove the battery from the camera after downloading images if
the camera will not be used for more than a day.

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 Capturing Images

Turning the Camera ON and OFF

• To turn the camera ON, press and hold the Power/Mode button for about two seconds.
• To turn the power to OFF, press and hold the Power/Mode until the icon OFF appears
on the LCD, and then press the Shutter button to confirm.

Note: The camera will automatically power off after 60 seconds of inactivity.

LCD Information/Status Display

The following icons are used in the Information/Status LCD display to present mode and setting
options.

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 Camera Icons and Descriptions

To select your desired setting, press the Power/Mode button to scroll through the different
modes. The icons will display in the status LCD. Press the Shutter button to select a function
while it is displayed. The camera is now ready to capture an image or video according to your
selected preferences.

Note: If you do not press any button within five seconds, the LCD screen
automatically returns to the operational mode screen – ready to capture an image.

Icon Description

Number of images and videos captured

High Resolution mode

640 x 480 pixel resolution for still images

Turn of the camera.

Self-Timer

AVI capture: Take the video about 0.07M pixels (Default).

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Continuous capture

Delete all images and videos from memory

Delete one image or video from memory

LOW Resolution mode

320 x 240 pixel resolution for still images

Low/High Compress

Setting the flicker frequency to 50HZ/60HZ

When you use your camera as a PC Camera you will see the
icon appears on the LCD

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 Capturing Digital Still Images

Press the Power/Mode button once to turn the camera on. (Press and hold for about two
seconds.)

(No images, high resolution)

Frame your subject through the viewfinder and press the Shutter button to capture an image.
After approximately one second you will hear a beep to confirm the image was captured. The
LCD display will increment by one as it shows the number of images that have been captured.

Power Off the Camera

Press Mode button repeatedly until the icon “ ” appears on the LCD then press the
Shutter button within three seconds to power off the camera.

Note: The camera will automatically power-off after 60 seconds of inactivity.

Self-Timer

If you would like to get into the image you may use the self-timer feature to delay image capture
by ten (10) seconds. Place the camera on a tripod or a flat, stable surface. Turn on the camera.
Press the Mode button until the “ ” icon appears on the LCD display. Then press the shutter
button to take the image.

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Take Continuous images
Press the Power/Mode button repeatedly until the icon “ ” appears on the LCD then
press the shutter button to take the images and camera will take 3 pictures sequentially.

Capturing Video clips

1. Press the Power/Mode button to turn the camera on. (Press and hold for about two seconds.)

2. Press the Power/Mode button to scroll to the video clip mode setting.

Press the Shutter Button to select this mode and return to the main screen.

3. Frame your subject in the viewfinder. Press and hold the Shutter Button still to capture video

clips. You will hear continuous beeps as the image frames are recorded. Release the shutter

button to stop recording. The LCD display will increment by one with each movie clip captured.

Deleting Images and Videos

The delete function allows you to delete images or video clips saved in the internal memory of
your camera.

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Press the Power/Mode button to scroll to Delete mode.

Delete ALL images and Videos. Press Shutter button once to confirm the setting
and the icon will blink. Press the shutter button again to erase all images and videos
saved in your camera.

Delete the LAST image or video capture. Press Shutter button once to confirm the
setting and the icon will blink. Press the shutter button again to erase one image.

Note: Files that are erased cannot be recovered. Make sure you have selected the images you
want to erase.

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 DRIVER AND SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

• Installing Driver
1. Turn on the computer.
2. Insert installation CD into the CD-ROM drive and the
installation CD menu will appear.
3. When you see the following screen, choose
“Camera Driver”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For Windows 2000/XP only: During installation of the driver or software, computer
may display the message: “The software you are going to install doesn’t contain the
Microsoft signature, and may not work correctly.
Do you want to continue? “Y / N”

Please select Y to continue the installation.

• Installing Software
1. Insert installation CD into the CD-ROM drive and
the installation CD menu should appear.
2. When you see the following screen, choose
“ArcSoft Software” to install the software.
3. Follow the instructions on screen.
4. Installed software will automatically create
“VideoImpression 2” or “Photo Impression 5” logo
on your desktop.

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 UNINSTALLING SOFTWARE AND DRIVER

Following instruction will guide you to uninstall (remove) software from computer.

• Uninstalling Software
1.Click "Start" from the task bar and choose "Settings" -> "Control Panel". (For Windows XP:
"Start" -> "Control Panels")
2.Double click "Add/Remove Programs".
3.Select the program to be uninstalled: "Arcsoft Software Suite".
4.Click on "Remove Program" (For Windows 2000/XP: "Change/Remove") and then "OK".

• Uninstall Camera's Driver

1.Click "Start" from the task bar and choose "Settings" -> "Control Panel". (For Windows XP:
"Start" -> "Control Panels").
2.Double click "Add/Remove Programs".
3.Select the program to be uninstalled "MyDsc2".
4.Click on "Remove Program" (For Windows 2000/XP: "Change/Remove") and then "OK".

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 DOWNLOADING IMAGES AND VIDEOS TO YOUR PC

Note: Before connecting your VQ300 MINI CAMERA to your PC for the first time you must first
install the camera driver first. After the driver software has been installed, your still images and
movie clips can be transferred to your PC using the USB cable.

Connect your camera to your PC using the USB cable. The camera will beep once, indicating
the connection is established. The camera installation process will be completed at the first time
when the camera is connected to your PC.

Transfer Images to your PC –

* Click on Start
Programs
MyDsc2
MyDsc2.

* This screen (called the Graphical User Interface, or GUI) will

appear. Note that the twelve rectangles are empty.

* Click the “Download photos” button to start downloading your

images into the GUI.

* Images in your camera will appear as thumbnail sized images as

shown:

* Using your mouse click on images to selct them. (Right click

on an image to enlarge it.) You may click on the “Select all

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photos in this page” button to select every image.

* If there are more than twelves images in camera memory click on “Next Page.”

* Click on the “Save photos” button to save the selected images to your PC.

* A “Save As” dialog box will appear to allow you to save your images. You may specifiy a

location on your PC to store your images. The default directory will be “My Documents”

* All selected images will be saved sequentially beginning with the name Photo001. You may

specify a different prefix by typing the desired name in the “File name” space.

* Click on the “Save photos” button to save the selected images.

Note: After your images are downloaded to your PC, disconnect the camera. Your images

remain in camera memory. Delete the images from camera memory so you can capture

more.

1.3M Interpolation

Click the icon (Edit image) to enter ImageProcess program window, and then tick on

the Pixel Up option. The picture size will be interpolated to 1.3M pixels.

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Transfer Images with PhotoImpression 5

Follow the instructions below to transfer the pictures

using PhotoImpression 5.

1. Connect the mini camera to your computer.

2. Launch PhotoImpression 5 application: Start
→ Programs →Arcsoft software suite →
PhotoImpression 5.
3. Select “Camera/Scanner” → “DualCamera”.
4. The Picture Manager allows you to view each
individual image saved on your camera. You
can use the arrow keys to scroll to the previous or the next picture. Click on the
“Save photos” button to download the images to your computer.

Note: 1. Power off the camera before remove batteries.

2. Download your images before removing battery and faceplate

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Arcsoft PhotoImpression 5

ArcSoft PhotoImpression 5 is a complete digital image

editing application designed with real people in mind. Easy-
to-use “Getting Start” guides, user-friendly UI, complete
image editing functionality, give users wonderful experience
to organizing, viewing, enhancing, editing, printing and
sharing photos.

Click “Start” “Program” “ArcSoft Software Suite“ “PhotoImpression 5” to launch

PhotoImpression 5 or double click PhotoImpression 5 icon on the desktop and you will see a
window as the screenshot above.

Select the picture source. For example: 1. Click “Folder” for acquiring photos from your
computer 2. Select the file path. 3. You can start editing them.

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1. Get Photo – Choose how to view or acquire photos.

2. Enhance – Crop, brighten, rotate, resize and modify photos.

3. Create – Add clip art, special effects, frames and more.

4. Project – Make calendars, photo books and greeting cards.

5. Print – Print multiple images per page and multiple pages at one time.

6. Send – Email photos or upload them to online photo sharing accounts.

Note
For more detailed information, please refer to the Help of the program.

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Arcsoft VideoImpression 2
ArcSoft VideoImpression 2 creates home movies and
slide shows by combining existing videos, still images,
exciting scene transitions, and multiple audio tracks.
Though simple to use, the program provides intense and
broad video editing and export options perfect for owners
of digital still cameras, desktop and digital video cameras,
and camcorders.

Click “Start” “Program” “ArcSoft Software Suite“ “VideoImpression 2” to launch

VideoImpression 2 or double click VideoImpression 2 icon on the desktop and you will see a
window as the screenshot above.

Open a Project – Let you browse the project files in the VideoImpression system folder. By
“project,” we mean to say a file that contains all of the settings and each individual component on
the Storyboard. When you save your work as a project, you can go back and swap components,
add and remove them, alter audio, etc.

Create a Video – Create a new video project. You can retrieve media materials from the device
connected or choose media files from system folder. You can choose video materials from your
photo album as well.
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Create a Slide Show – Create a slide show project. You can retrieve media materials from the
device connected or choose media files from system folder. You can choose slide show

materials from your photo album as well.

If the box “Always show this wizard when VideoImpression starts.” at the bottom of the wizard is
checked, the wizard will appear each time you run the program. If you'd like to skip the wizard
the next time, uncheck the box.

Select the item you desire and the picture and videos you need then you will enter the editing
interface as below.

You can use the six steps in the Function Menu to create video clips and slide shows.

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1. Media - Select the videos and images that will comprise your final movie or slide show.
2. Edit - Modify video and image color and adjust the duration of each movie component. Only
available for video projects.

3. Effects - Add neat special effect transitions between each component, or apply a pre-made
theme.
4. Text - Place animated text on any movie component. Only available for video projects.
5. Narrate - Record audio directly from the program and add it to your movie.
6. Produce - Combine all components to create your final video; save it in a variety of ways or
email it to friends.

The Storyboard - The backbone of the creation process, it'

s where you assemble your movie.

The Player - Preview and modify your movies in this area.

Working with Albums - Albums let you organize your media for easy access.

Note: For more detailed information, please refer to the [Help] of the program.

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 Using the camera as a PC/Web Camera

There are many methods to view your image in PC-Cam mode if you have Video software.
For example:
A. Click “NetMeeting” “Start Video”.
B. About Arcsoft software:

a. PhotoImpression 5: Click “file” on the

function menu Click “Get photo”
an icon on the browse pane
as shown on the right “Live”.
b. VideoImpression 2: Click “Create a new video” “Get from Album” “Capture Video”.

Note: When you use your camera as PC Camera, you will see the icon is running on the LCD.

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 CHECKING THE CONNECTING OF YOUR CAMERA

For Windows 98/ME only

Double click “My Computer” icon ->

Control Panel -> System -> Device ->

Manager -> Imaging Device; when you

See “DualCamera” that means now the camera is

installed.

For Windows 2000/XP only

Double click “My Computer” icon

(Windows 2000) or go to Start button

and select “My Computer” (Windows

XP) -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager -> Imaging Device; when
you see “DualCamera” that means now the camera is installed.

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 INTERNET VIDEO CONFERENCING
To run a video conference with another person, you and the other person must have the
computer station configured with web camera, microphone, speakers, modem and have access
to the Internet.

You have to download video conference software, purchased or free, such as basic software like
I-phone or Microsoft NetMeeting, or Yahoo Messenger.

As an example: to download Windows NetMeeting, go to www.microsoft.com search for

NetMeeting and follow the download procedure.

Starting NetMeeting, you have to follow the simple set up procedure on the computer screen,
enter your personal information and adjust the microphone volume. Here' s how video
conferencing works:
To receive video:
1.Call someone you want to see/hear.

2.On the Tools menu, point to Video, and then click Receive.
If you have a video camera, you can send video to the person you are calling.
To send video
1.Call someone you want to see/hear.

2.Click the Start Video button.

Note: 1. You can also send video by clicking the Tools menu, pointing to Video, and then
clicking Send. After starting the video, the button changes to Stop Video. To stop the
video, click the Stop Video button again.

2. For software support, or detailed information how to work with PhotoImpression 5 or

VideoImpression 2 – contact www.ArcSoft.com.

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 SPECIFICATION

Image Sensor VGA CMOS Sensor (640x480 pixels), Sensor area 1/4"
Lens Specification F =2.4, f = 5.4mm, View Angle 53°
O/S Microsoft Windows 98 SE / ME / 2000 / XP
White Balance Auto
Exposure Control Auto
Continuous Capture 3 Pictures

Frame Rate – PC VGA (640 x 480 pixels) 7 fps

Mode
QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) 15 ~ 20 fps (Depend on system
performance)

Still Image VGA (640 x 480 pixels) 21 Pictures

QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) 76 Pictures
Video Capture AVI frame rate is 6 fps and in QVGA mode only
Display Status LCD
Interface USB 1.1
Storage Built-in 2MB SDRAM
Power AAA 1.5V Alkaline Battery x 1 (not included)
Bundled Software ArcSoft VideoImpression 2.0, PhotImpression 5.0

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 TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Possible cause Solution

The camera The batteries are discharged. Replace the batteries with fresh batteries.
has no
power. The batteries are inserted Check the battery orientation.
incorrectly.

Is the camera connected to a The camera buttons are not functional

computer? when connected to a PC. Disconnect the
camera to capture more images.

The camera Is the camera power on? The camera powers off automatically after
won’t approximately one minute. Make sure the
capture an camera power is ON before taking an
image. image.

Is the camera connected to a The camera buttons are not functional

computer? when connected to a PC. Disconnect the
camera to capture more images.

Use the TWAIN driver utility to capture an

image while connected to a PC.

The images The camera or subject was Hold the camera steady to capture images.
are blurry. moving when the image was The minimum focus distance is about two
capture. feet. Objects closer than 2 feet will not be
in focus.

The image is You are facing a bright light Change the angle of the image so that
too light. when taking the image. bright lights do not shine directly on the
camera lens.

C 2006VistaQuest Corporation www.vistaquestusa.com

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