User’s Guide
Before You Begin ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1
README file ..................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 1-3
Handling Your Camera ........................................................................................................................... 1-4
About Creative PC-CAM 900 .............................................................................................................. 2-1
About the Mode Selector dial ................................................................................................... 2-3
Using the Multi-Selector button ................................................................................................ 2-4
Inserting an SD Memory Card (optional) ............................................................................... 2-6
Disconnecting your camera properly ...................................................................................... 2-8
Windows 98 SE ..................................................................................................................... 2-9
Taking a Photo ........................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Previewing a Photo ....................................................................................................................... 3-2
Flash Modes ................................................................................................................................................ 3-2
i
Deleting a Photo or Recording ......................................................................................................... 3-4
Protecting a photo or recording ........................................................................................................ 3-4
Format .............................................................................................................................................. 3-8
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900 ......................................................................................................... 4-1
In Windows XP / 2000 / Me / 98 SE /98 .............................................................................. 4-1
Verifying the installation in Windows XP and 2000 .................................................. 4-5
Verifying the installation in Windows Me and 98/98 SE ........................................... 4-5
Starting PC-CAM Center ...................................................................................................................... 5-1
Taking a Photo ................................................................................................................................. 5-2
Viewing a Video ........................................................................................................................................ 5-4
Transferring files from your camera ................................................................................................... 5-4
Starting PC-CAM Center Help ............................................................................................................ 5-5
PC-CAM Center ....................................................................................................................................... 6-1
ii
ArcSoft PhotoImpression ...................................................................................................................... 6-1
ArcSoft Panorama Maker ....................................................................................................................... 6-1
ArcSoft Multimedia Email ....................................................................................................................... 6-2
Sensor ...................................................................................................................................... A-1
LCD Display .......................................................................................................................... A-1
Video Resolution ................................................................................................................. A-1
Picture Resolution - Still mode ........................................................................................ A-1
Picture Resolution - PC-Cam Center ........................................................................... A-1
Video Resolution - WebCam Monitor ......................................................................... A-1
Focus range ............................................................................................................................ A-2
Focal length ............................................................................................................................ A-2
Exposure control ................................................................................................................. A-2
White balance ....................................................................................................................... A-2
Audio Recording .................................................................................................................. A-2
Multi Snap Mode .................................................................................................................. A-2
iii
Introduction
Creative PC-CAM 900 is a digital video camera that gives you everything you need
to capture 24-bit still images and video in 16.7 million colors. Not only that, it also
allows you to communicate face-to-face with others on the Internet!
Applications included
on your Installation
CD may vary
Creative PC-CAM 900 comes with the following software:
❑ Creative PC-CAM Center
depending on camera
model and region of
purchase.
❑ Creative WebCam Monitor
❑ ArcSoft® PhotoImpression
❑ ArcSoft VideoImpression
❑ ArcSoft Panorama Maker
❑ ArcSoft Multimedia Email
Before You
Begin
Package Contents
Your Creative PC-CAM 900 package contains the following items:
❑ Creative PC-CAM 900
❑ USB cable
❑ Creative PC-CAM 900 Installation CD
❑ Application CD
❑ Quick Start booklet
❑ Soft camera case
❑ PC-CAM 900 stand
❑ 4 AAA batteries
❑ Wrist strap
❑ Video cable
Introduction 1-1
README file
The README file on the CD-ROM contains information not available at the time of
printing. Read the file before you begin installing Creative PC-CAM 900.
Minimum System
Requirements
❑ 233 MHz Intel® Pentium® II or higher IBM® compatible PC
❑ 64 MB RAM
❑ 600 MB free hard disk space on a hard disk drive (for installation of all software
titles)
❑ Available USB port or USB hub with an external power supply
❑ Microsoft Windows® XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me or Windows 98/98 SE
❑ AGP display adapter that supports 16-bit color at a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels
❑ CD-ROM drive installed
❑ Sound Blaster® or other Windows-compatible audio card. Sound Blaster 16 or
higher required for simultaneous two-way conversation with full-duplex support.
For Videoconferencing
❑ Modem or LAN access to the Internet at 28.8Kb or faster
Introduction 1-2
Document
Conventions
Tip. This tells you about short cuts or hints relating to a feature.
Note. This highlights additional or important information about a
feature.
Caution! This highlights proper usage of your product. Use this
information to avoid risky situations.
Warning! This warns you of possible hazards to yourself or your
product, that may result in injury or damage.
Introduction 1-3
About Your Camera
AboutCreative
PC-CAM 900
Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 highlight the features of Creative PC-CAM 900.
Snap
Mode
Selector
dial
Flash
Strap lug
Optical
viewfinder
button
USB
connector
TV out connector
Normal /
Macro focus
switch
Self-Timer
LED
Microphone
Camera
lens
Side View
Front View
Figure 2-1: Creative PC-CAM 900 front and side views
About Your Camera 2-1
TV out and USB
connector
protector
Battery
compartment
Camera-stand
socket
Bottom View
LED indicator Power
Mode
Selector dial
button
Optical
viewfinder
Multi-
Selector
button
Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD)
Integrated
speaker
Display
button
Set/Flash/
Thumbnail
button
Menu
button
Back View
Figure 2-2: Creative PC-CAM 900 bottom and back views
About Your Camera 2-2
About the Mode
Selector dial
With your camera’s Mode Selector dial, you can access many features of your
Creative PC-CAM 900:
• Web Cam mode
— transfer photos and audio/video recordings with PC-CAM
Center, or use your camera as a webcam.
• Audio mode
— create audio recordings with the integrated microphone
• To select a mode,
turn the Mode
• Video mode
— record short videos
Selector dial so that
the mode icon is
aligned with the red
dot next to the dial.
• Playback mode
— view photos and videos and hear audio recordings
• Auto Photo mode
— take photos using the camera’s automatic exposure
and white balance settings
• In any mode except
Web Cam mode,
and when connected
to your computer,
the camera
• Manual Photo mode
balance settings
— take photos with your custom exposure and white
Manual
Auto Photo
Photo mode
mode
functions as a mass
storage device.
Playback
mode
Video
mode
Web Cam
mode
Audio
mode
Figure 2-3: Mode Selector dial
About Your Camera 2-3
Using the
Multi-Selector
button
The Multi-selector button is one of the most important features of your camera. Use
the directional keys to locate options on your Onscreen Display (OSD) menu, and
press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail button to select an option.
Up Key
For more details on
using the
Multi-Selector button
with your Onscreen
Display menu, see
"Using Creative PC-
CAM 900 as a Digital
Left Key
Right Key
Set/Flash/Thumbnail
button
Down Key
Figure 2-4: Multi-Selector button
Key
Description
❍ Playback mode: zoom in on displayed photo, or highlight menu
options
Up
❍ Auto or Manual Photo mode: zoom in
❍ Playback mode: zoom out of displayed photo, or highlight menu
options
Down
❍ Auto or Manual Photo mode: zoom out
About Your Camera 2-4
Key
Description
❍ In all modes except Playback, Menu: move to Exposure, White
Balance, Settings or Format options
Left
❍ Auto or Manual Photo modes: enable or disable Self-Timer
Multi Snap and Self-Timer
modes cannot be enabled
at the same time.
Selecting either mode will
disable the other.
❍ In all modes except Playback, Menu: move to Exposure, White
Balance, Settings or Format options
❍ Auto or Manual Photo modes: enable or disable Multi Snap mode
Right
About Your Camera 2-5
Inserting an SD
Memory Card
(optional)
You can purchase a Secure Digital (SD) memory card to extend the image storage
capacity of your camera.
To install your SD card:
1. Be sure that your camera is turned off.
2. Push and slide open the battery compartment door.
• Your camera will
turn itself off
3. Insert the SD card as shown.
To remove the card, push the card.
automatically, if the
SD removable card
slot cover is opened.
4. Close the battery compartment door.
• The SD memory
card has a write-
protect switch to
prevent the
accidental deletion
of valuable data.
This switch is
Write-protect switch
disabled by default.
• When the SD card is
protected, images
cannot be recorded.
If an attempt is
SD removable card slot
made to record or
delete an image
with the camera, the
"Card Protect"
message will appear
in the LCD screen.
• To write or erase
data from the SD
memory card,
Figure 2-5: Inserting a Memory card
release the write-
protect switch.
About Your Camera 2-6
Turning on
Your Camera
1. Push and slide open the battery
compartment door.
Battery
compartment
door
2. Insert the batteries according to the
battery polarity (+ and -) symbols
• Be sure to insert the
batteries in the
3. Close the battery compartment door.
correct direction. If
not, they may leak
and damage your
camera.
Battery
polarity
symbols
• Do not mix old and
new batteries
together.
Figure 2-6: Inserting batteries
4. Press and hold down the Power button to
turn on your camera.
To conserve battery
power, your camera
turns the LCD off if no
operation is made
within 60 seconds. See
information.
The LED turns red and the LCD monitor is
activated.
The LED turns green.
Power
button
Figure 2-7: Power button
About Your Camera 2-7
Usage
Precautions
Before switching modes, disconnecting your camera from your computer or turning
your camera off, note the color of the LED indicator. Wait until the LED indicator
turns green before attempting any other action with the camera.
Disconnectingyour
camera properly
Before disconnecting your camera from your computer, use the Windows Eject or
Safely Remove Hardware icon on the Taskbar to safely disconnect your
camera. If not, your camera may not be able to function normally. Follow these
steps below to safely disconnect your camera:
Windows XP,
Windows 2000 and
Windows Me
1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the Taskbar and click Safely
remove USB Mass Storage Device as shown.
Figure 2-8: Choosing a USB Mass Storage Device to
disconnect
2. Unplug your player when you are prompted to do so.
This prompt appears
on the Taskbar in
Windows XP. On other
operating systems, a
message box appears
on the desktop
Figure 2-9: Disconnecting your camera
instead.
About Your Camera 2-8
Windows 98 SE
1. Wait at least 10 seconds after all file
transfers are completed, or until the
LED indicator turns green.
2. In Windows Explorer, right-click the
Removable Disk icon and click Eject.
3. Unplug your camera after 10 seconds.
Figure 2-10:Disconnecting your camera in
Windows 98 SE
About Your Camera 2-9
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera
To use Creative PC-CAM 900 as a portable digital camera, simply disconnect it from
the computer. Use your camera’s default settings in Auto Photo mode
to take
photos. For finer control, adjust exposure and white balance settings in Manual
Photo
information.
Note: Remember to insert four fresh 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries into the camera’s
battery compartment.
To turn on your camera: press and hold down the Power button on the camera
until the LED turns red.
Turning on
your Camera
Taking a photo:
Taking a Photo
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Auto Photo
For normal focus pictures, ensure that the Normal / Macro focus switch is
moved toward
or Manual Photo
mode.
.
• While composing
your picture, use
the Up and Down
keys on the Multi
Selector button to
zoom in and out.
3. Compose your picture and press the Snap button.
You can also take multiple pictures in quick succession in Multi Snap
mode.
In Multi Snap mode, pictures are taken at 800 x 600 resolution, overriding the
default picture settings.
• To take close-up
pictures, move the
Normal / Macro
focus switch to
. The Macro
Taking a photo in Multi Snap mode:
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Auto Photo
or Manual Photo
mode.
3. Press the Right key on your Multi Selector button. The Multi Snap mode
icon appears on your camera’s OSD.
icon appears on
the Onscreen
Display (OSD)
.
4. Compose your picture and press the Snap button.
The camera takes five consecutive pictures.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-1
Previewing a Photo
1. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Playback mode
LCD.
to view your picture on the
2. Press the Left and Right keys on your Multi Selector button and locate your
photo on the LCD.
• Press the Set/
Flash/Thumbnail
button to switch
between full view
and thumbnail
view.
If you have a large number of photos or videos, press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail
button to display a Set/Flash/Thumbnail of nine thumbnails on the LCD. Use
the Multi Selector button to locate the photo.
• You can also
preview a photo
immediately after
taking it by
enabling the
QuickViewfunction.
more information.
In Auto Photo
or Manual Photo
mode, press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail
Flash Modes
button to choose a flash mode:
• Auto flash
— the flash is used automatically when required
— the flash is always used
— the flash is disabled
• Forced flash
• No flash
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-2
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Audio or Video mode
Recording
Audio or Video
.
3. For videos, compose your picture and press the Snap button to begin recording.
For audio recordings, place the camera close to the audio source and press the
Snap button.
You can see both the elapsed and remaining recording times, shown in
seconds, at the upper right corner of the LCD.
Press the Snap button again to stop recording.
• A "Disk Full"
message appears
when there is
insufficient
remaining memory
in your camera.
• All videos are
recorded at 320 x
240 resolution.
Replaying a
Recording
1. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Playback mode
.
2. Use the Left and Right keys on your Multi Selector button and locate your
recording on the LCD screen.
3. Press the Snap button to start playback.
To stop playback, press the Left key.
To pause playback, press the Right key To continue playback, press the Right
key again.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-3
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
Deleting a
Photo or
Recording
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Playback mode
3. Locate the photo or recording you want to delete.
4. Press the Menu button.
.
5. Use the Down key on your Multi Selector button to highlight the
press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail button.
icon and
The picture or recording is deleted.
To delete all photos or
recordings, highlight
the
icon and
press the Set/Flash/
Thumbnail button
twice.
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
Protecting a
photo or
recording
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Playback mode
.
3. Use the Left and Right keys on your Multi Selector button and locate your photo
or recording on the LCD screen.
4. Press the Menu button.
5. Use the Down key on your Multi Selector button to highlight the
press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail button.
icon and
When you want to
quickly erase all
photos and
The photo or recording is protected from accidental erasure.
recordings, regardless
of protection, you can
format your camera’s
memory. See
for more information.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-4
You can change Exposure and White Balance settings only in Manual Photo
mode.
Configuring
Your Camera
Exposure
Compensation
Settings
Adjust exposure compensation settings so that the subject is lit correctly against a
bright background. Over exposure can lead to photos that are too bright, or white-
out objects in your photo, while under exposure can lead to photos that are too
dark.
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Manual Photo mode
3. Press the Menu button.
.
4. Use the Up or Down keys on your Multi Selector to select a exposure setting.
5. Press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail button to save the setting.
White Balance
Settings
Adjust white balance settings so that your camera reproduces colors more
accurately. Choose a white balance that closely matches the ambient lighting. If you
are taking a photo in a room with lots of fluorescent lighting, choose the
Fluorescent option.
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to Manual Photo mode
3. Press the Menu button.
.
4. Press the Right key on your Multi Selector until the White Balance icon
highlighted.
is
5. Use the Up or Down keys to select a white balance setting.
6. Press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail button to save the setting.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-5
General Camera
Settings
You can configure how your camera provides audio feedback, image quality and
size, plus other useful settings. You can access these settings in Audio , Video
, Auto Photo or Manual Photo mode.
1. Be sure that your camera is not connected to your computer.
2. Turn the Mode Selector dial to any of the modes listed above.
3. Press the Menu button.
4. Press the Right key on your Multi Selector button until the Settings icon
highlighted.
is
5. Press the Up or Down key to select a setting and press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail
button.
6. Use the specified control to adjust a setting.
7. Press the Set/Flash/Thumbnail button to save the setting.
Setting
Description
Control to use
Enable or disable audio feedback
when using controls
Beep
❍ Up or Down keys
❍ Multi Selector button
❍ Up or Down keys
Date and Time
Date Style
Set the date and time
Select the date style, for example,
dd/mm/yyyy or mm/dd/yyyy
Select a default image resolution for
photo-taking. High resolution photos
take up more space in your camera.
Image Size
Language
❍ Up or Down keys
Set the default OSD display
language
❍ Up or Down keys
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-6
Setting
Description
Control to use
Set your camera’s internal storage
or an SD memory card to be the
default storage media for photos or
recordings.
Media
❍ Up or Down keys
Set the default idle time before your
camera automatically turns off the
LCD. Choose a time interval or
disable power saving.
Power Saving
❍ Up or Down keys
For all settings except Off, the
camera automatically switches itself
off one minute after turning off the
LCD.
Select the default quality for photo-
taking. Photos taken with the FINE
setting take up more space in your
camera.
Quality
❍ Up or Down keys
Enable or disable the automatic
image preview after taking a photo.
QuickView
Self-Timer
❍ Up or Down keys
Set the default time delay for the
timer. Choose a delay between 2
and 10 seconds.
❍ Up or Down keys
Select the NTSC or PAL video
system, for video playback on a TV
set
Video System
❍ Up or Down keys
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-7
Format
With the Format function, you can quickly erase all photos and recordings from the
camera’s internal memory or SD memory card. Be sure to choose the default media
before using this function.
See "Media" on page 3-7 for more information on choosing a default media.
This method of
formatting erases
protected photos or
recordings.
1. Press the Right key on your Multi Selector button until the Format icon
highlighted.
is
2. Select NO to cancel the formatting.
Otherwise, select YES.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Digital Camera 3-8
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900
This chapter tells you how to quickly install Creative PC-CAM 900 and the software
that comes with it.
Use the installation procedures for your operating system.
Installing
Creative PC-
CAM 900
In Windows XP /
2000 / Me / 98 SE /
98
1. Do not connect Creative PC-CAM 900 to your computer before installing the
drivers.
If you accidentally begin installation with Creative PC-CAM 900 connected, the
Add New Hardware Wizard or Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box
may appear. Click the Cancel button and disconnect your camera from your
computer.
You can attach
2. Insert the Creative PC-CAM 900 Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. If it
does not run automatically, click Start → Run and type d:\ctrun\ctrun.exe
(replace d:\ with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
Creative PC-CAM 900
to a USB hub with an
external power supply.
3. Click the options for installing drivers and applications.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. You may be
asked, after an application is installed, if you want to restart your computer. Do
not restart your computer until all the drivers and applications are installed.
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900 4-1
5. If a Software Installation
dialog box appears (Figure
4-1), click the Continue
Anyway button. For more
details on this warning
message, see "Problems in
Windows XP" on page B-3.
Figure 4-1: Software Installation dialog box
6. Turn your camera’s Mode
Selector dial to Manual
Mode Selector
dial
Photo
mode.
7. With a USB cable, connect
Creative PC-CAM 900 to an
available USB port on your
Follow the steps below that are
for your operating system.
For Windows XP only
USB connector
8. The Found New Hardware
message box appears on
your Windows taskbar,
Figure 4-2: Connecting Creative PC-CAM 900 to your
computer
telling you that Windows
has detected your camera as a USB Mass Storage Device.
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900 4-2
9. After Windows finishes loading USB Mass Storage Device drivers for your
camera, close any Removable Disk, Scanner and Camera, Photo Printing
or folder view dialog boxes that appear.
If a slide show appears, press the Esc key on your keyboard to close the slide
show.
10. When a message box appears, displaying the message “Your new hardware
is installed and ready to use.”, wait approximately 5 seconds and then turn
your camera’s Mode Selector dial to Web Cam
mode. Windows loads
camera and video drivers for your Creative PC-CAM 900.
11. When the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog boxes appear, select the
Install the software automatically (Recommended) option, and click the
Next button.
12. If a Hardware Installation dialog box appears, click the Continue Anyway
button.
13. Click the Finish button and restart your computer if you are prompted to do so.
For Windows 2000 only
8. The Found New Hardware message box appears, telling you that Windows is
installing software for a USB Mass Storage Device.
9. When the Found New Hardware message box closes, wait approximately 5
seconds, and then turn your camera’s Mode Selector dial to Web Cam
mode.
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900 4-3
10. If an Unsafe Removal of Device
dialog box appears, click the OK
button.
11. When Digital Signature Not
appear, telling you that Creative
PC-CAM 900 has been detected,
click the Yes button.
12. Click the Finish button and restart
your computer if you are prompted
to do so.
Figure 4-3: Digital Signature Not Found
dialog box
For Windows 98/98 SE and Windows Me only
8. If you are prompted to insert the Windows 98/98 SE Installation CD, replace
the Creative PC-CAM 900 Installation CD with the appropriate CD. If you did not
receive a Windows 98 SE installation CD with your computer but received a
Recovery Disk, the necessary Windows files may already be located at
c:\windows\options\cabs (replace c:\ with the drive letter of your hard
disk drive).
Note: Windows 98 is available in various editions. Be sure to use the correct
edition for your system.
9. In the Insert Disk dialog box, click the OK button.
10. When the New Hardware Found message boxes close, wait approximately 5
seconds, and then turn your camera’s Mode Selector dial to Web Cam
mode.
11. If an Unsafe Removal of Device dialog box appears, click the OK button.
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900 4-4
12. Click the Finish button and restart your computer if you are prompted to do so.
Verifying the
installation in
Windows XP and
2000
1. Be sure that your camera’s Mode Selector dial is turned to Web Cam
2. Right-click on the My Computer icon on your desktop.
3. On the menu that appears, click Properties.
mode.
4. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab.
5. Click the Device Manager button. A window appears.
6. Click the plus (+) sign next to the Imaging Device icon.
The entries “Creative PC-CAM 900 (Still)” and “Creative PC-CAM 900 (Video)”
should appear.
Verifying the
installation in
Windows Me and
98/98 SE
1. Be sure that your camera’s Mode Selector dial is turned to Web Cam
2. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
mode.
3. On the menu that appears, click Properties.
4. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.
5. Click the plus (+) sign next to the Imaging Device icon.
The entries “Creative PC-CAM 900 (Still)” and “Creative PC-CAM 900 (Video)”
should appear.
Installing Creative PC-CAM 900 4-5
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera
This chapter tells you how to quickly set up Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera
using the PC-CAM Center software. For detailed information about the application’s
features and settings, refer to its Help file. (See “Starting PC-CAM Center Help” on
PC-CAM Center is an easily usable application that enables you to take photos and
Starting
record videos with Creative PC-CAM 900. You can also view photos and videos, and
PC-CAM
create and manage albums.
Center
You can start PC-CAM Center in any of the following ways:
❑ Click Start →Programs →
Creative →Creative PC-CAM
→Creative PC-CAM Center.
• If PC-CAM Center
❑ Double-click the Creative Cam
does not recognize
the camera
correctly, see
Detector icon
taskbar.
in your
This icon appears if, during
installation, you clicked the
option for Creative Cam
Detector to load automatically
at Windows startup.
• PC-CAM Center
automatically
detects your
installed model of
Creative PC-CAM,
and disables any
unsupported
features in the user
interface.
❑ Turn your camera’s Mode
Selector dial to Web Cam
mode and plug your camera
into the USB port and let
Windows auto-detect it.
Press your camera’s Snap
button.
Figure 5-1: PC-CAM Center screen.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera 5-1
With PC-CAM Center, you can take photos and record videos.
For more instructions on how to take a photo or record a video, refer to the PC-CAM
Capturing
Images and
Video
Taking a Photo
To take a photo:
1. In the PC-CAM Center window, click the Live Video button
. The current
camera view is displayed in the Viewing window.
2. In the Save photo in box, select the destination album for your photo.
3. To capture the image shown in the viewing window, click the Snap an image
button at the bottom of the window. By default, the photo is saved
automatically and added to the destination album.
To preview a photo:
1. Click the Save automatically check box to clear it, if you want to preview
each photo before deciding whether to save it to the destination album.
2. Click the Snap an image button
to take a photo. A preview of the
photo is shown in the Preview pane of the Live Video window.
3. Click the Save button
if you wish to store it in the destination album.
Recording a Video
To record a video:
1. In the PC-CAM Center window, click the Live Video button
. The current
camera view is displayed in the Viewing window.
2. In the Video size box, select a suitable resolution.
3. In the Save video in box, select a destination album for your video.
4. To start recording a video, click the Record video button
.
The button starts blinking to indicate that recording is now in progress.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera 5-2
5. To stop the recording, click the button again.
The button stops blinking. By default, the video is saved automatically and
added to the destination album.
To preview a video:
1. Click the Save automatically check box to clear it, if you want to preview
each video before deciding whether to save it to the destination album.
2. Click the Record video button
to start recording.
3. After you stop recording, click the Play button
in the Preview pane of the
Live Video window.
4. If you wish to store it in the destination album, click the Save button
after
previewing the video.
Viewing a
Photo
1. Click the My Album button
. PC-CAM Center is now in My Album mode.
2. In the My Album box, click the My Photo folder and then click the album that
contains the photos that you want to view.
Thumbnails of photos in the album are displayed in the Thumbnails window.
3. Double-click the thumbnail of the photo displayed in the Thumbnails window.
The photo is displayed in the PC-CAM Center Viewing window.
If you are not satisfied with the result, you can select a higher resolution, and
then capture the image again.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera 5-3
Viewing a
Video
1. Click the My Album button
. PC-CAM Center is now in My Album mode.
2. In the My Album box, click the My Video folder and then click the album that
contains the video that you want to view.
Thumbnails of videos in the album are displayed in the Thumbnails window.
3. Double-click the thumbnail of the video you want to view.
The video plays in the Viewing window.
If you are not satisfied with the result, you can select a higher resolution, and
then capture the video again.
With PC-CAM Center, you can transfer photos and videos you took while your
camera was detached from your computer.
Transferring
files from your
camera
To transfer files to PC-CAM Center:
1. Connect your camera to your computer and start PC-CAM Center.
2. Turn your camera’s Mode Selector dial to Web Cam
mode.
3. In PC-CAM Center, click the Digital Camera button.
PC-CAM Center is now in Digital Camera mode.
Temporary copies of your camera’s file are created automatically, and displayed
as thumbnails in the thumbnails window.
4. Click the box above the thumbnails window, and select the type of media files
you want to download.
The thumbnails window shows the relevant media files.
5. Click the Transfer to button.
The Transfer dialog box appears.
6. Click the Photo, Video or Voice tab.
The tab page for the chosen media appears.
7. Click the album you want to transfer the files to.
8. Click the OK button.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera 5-4
If your computer goes into standby mode, your camera will go into suspend mode.
You can reactivate the camera and computer by moving the mouse or pressing a
key on the keyboard.
Reactivating
the Camera
This Help file contains instructions on how to use PC-CAM Center to take photos and
record videos. It also teaches you how to optimize settings to take high quality
photos and videos.
Starting
PC-CAM
Center Help
To start the Help file:
1. Click the PC-Cam Center logo at the top left corner of PC-CAM Center’s main
window.
2. On the PC-CAM Center menu, click Help.
Using Creative PC-CAM 900 as a Web Camera 5-5
Creative PC-CAM 900 Applications
This powerful application lets you take pictures or record videos and store them in
PC-CAM
Center
albums. You can also export pictures or videos to other programs, or send them as
attachments in your e-mail message. There are various settings for you to adjust,
allowing you to optimize the quality of your pictures and videos. For usage
Want to put a live snapshot of your office, coffee pot, or even your fishtank on your
Web page? Creative WebCam Monitor is the application to look at. Just point your
camera at your subject and pick a time interval. WebCam Monitor does the rest,
including uploading the snapshots to the Internet. WebCam Monitor also acts as a
motion-detecting security system which automatically e-mails you when somebody
comes near your PC while you are not present.
WebCam
Monitor
ArcSoft PhotoImpression offers a comprehensive range of photo-editing tools for
cropping, retouching, and adding special effects. These fun and easy-to-use editing
tools let you create dynamic images you’ll be proud to share with family and
friends.
ArcSoft
PhotoImpression
ArcSoft VideoImpression is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create
home movies and presentations using your personal collection of photos, videos
and audio tracks. Make unforgettable home movies to share with friends and
family!
ArcSoft
VideoImpression
ArcSoft Panorama Maker seamlessly combines horizontal, vertical, or tiled sets of
images to create gorgeous panoramic photos. The program automatically processes
your images, requiring little or no post-process modification. You can even create
360° panoramas.
ArcSoft
Panorama
Maker
Creative PC-CAM 900 Applications 6-1
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
Weight
97 mm (W) x 63 mm (H) x 28 mm (D)
Approx. 110g (without batteries)
Power
AAA size x 4 batteries (alkaline or NiMH) or USB (connected to PC)
Progressive Scan 2.1 Megapixels CMOS
1.5" Color LCD
Sensor
LCD Display
Video Resolution
❑ WebCam Mode: Up to 24fps (320 x 240 resolution)
❑ Video Capture DSC Mode: Up to 15fps (320 x 240 resolution)
Picture Resolution -
Still mode
❑ Super Fine: 2048 x 1536 (software enhanced)
❑ Fine: 1600 x 1200
❑ Normal: 800 x 600
Picture Resolution -
PC-Cam Center
❑ 2048 x 1536 (software enhanced)
❑ 1600 x 1200
❑ 1024 x 768
❑ 800 x 600
❑ 640 x 480
Video Resolution -
WebCam Monitor
❑ 640 x 480
❑ 352 x 288
❑ 320 x 240
❑ 176 x 144
❑ 160 x 120
Technical Specifications A-1
Focus range
❑ Normal (100 cm to inifinity)
❑ Macro (20 cm)
Focal length
Aperture
f = 8.47 mm
F/2.8
Self-timer
Adjustable 2 to 10 second delay
Video formats
❑ RGB24
❑ I420
File formats
❑ JPEG (DPOF compliant)
❑ AVI
Exposure control
White balance
❑ Automatic
❑ Manual (-2EV to +2EV in 1/3 steps)
❑ Automatic
❑ Manual (daylight/shade/tungsten/fluorescent)
Audio Recording
Multi Snap Mode
Port compatibility
Voice Recording (IMA-ADPCM)
5 images at 800 x 600
❑ Universal Serial Bus port v1.1
❑ TV Out (NTSC/PAL selectable)
Storage Media
❑ Built-in 16MB Flash Memory
❑ SD Memory Card Interface
Technical Specifications A-2
Troubleshooting
If you have a technical problem with this product, you may wish to consult our self-
help tool “Knowledgebase” for online troubleshooting and solutions. Go to
www.creative.com and select your region.
The setup program for Creative PC-CAM 900 does not run automatically
after you insert the installation CD into the drive.
The AutoPlay feature in your Windows system may not be enabled.
To install the software from the CD:
Problem
Installing
Software
1. Leave the installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. Click Start →Run.
3. In the Run dialog box, click d:\ctrun\ctrun.exe.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
There is no USB port available to connect the USB cable.
Do one of the following:
Problems
Using Creative
PC-CAM 900
❑ Unplug the device currently connected
❑ Add a self-powered USB hub
❑ Add a PCI USB card
An application reports that the video driver is already in use, or that the
camera cannot be found.
Do the following:
❑ The camera module is not properly connected. To resolve this problem, ensure that the
camera’s USB connector is inserted, and that the USB connector is enabled in the BIOS.
Refer to your PC’s documentation for information on the BIOS.
❑ Reinstall the video capture drivers and reboot.
❑ Check that no other webcam is connected to your computer.
Troubleshooting B-1
The image is too bright.
The amount of light entering the camera has exceeded the exposure control limit.
There may be a very bright object in the camera’s view.
Avoid pointing the camera at very bright objects (for example, sunlight, lights, or
highly reflective surfaces).
Insufficient system resources reserved for the USB port, causing the
system to be unable to function.
There are too many devices in the system, causing IRQ problems with the system’s
USB controller.
Do the following:
1. Remove some devices from the system.
2. Restart the system.
The system will rearrange the resources automatically.
Troubleshooting B-2
A Hardware Installation error message appears on a Windows XP
operating system when applications are being installed.
Problems in
Windows XP
At the time of this product's release, Microsoft strongly encouraged companies to
submit their hardware solutions for certification. If a hardware device driver is not
submitted, or does not qualify, for Microsoft certification, a warning message similar
to the one below appears.
You may see this message when installing a driver. If you do, you may choose to
click the Continue Anyway button. Creative has tested the driver on Windows XP,
and it does not impair or destablize your computer.
Troubleshooting B-3
Note on USB Compatibility
While testing Creative PC-CAM 900 on PC motherboards with integrated Universal
Serial Bus (USB) ports, we encountered a small number of motherboards that do
not meet the USB specification exactly. These and other non-USB-compliant
motherboards may not operate correctly with Creative PC-CAM 900. Fortunately,
the manufacturers of some of these motherboards have released new versions of
motherboards or BIOS to address the problem.
To look for a USB
compatible product,
you can visit the
product search page at
the official USB Web
site: http://
If the setup program warns you that your motherboard’s USB port is incompatible
with Creative PC-CAM 900, or if the camera does not work on your system and you
suspect that the problem may be related to your PC’s USB port, the following is a
list of available options:
search/products.
1. Contact your PC vendor.
Your PC vendor may be able to upgrade your motherboard or its BIOS to a
newer version that addresses USB incompatibilities.
2. Use a PCI host adapter that provides USB connectors.
If you are not able to upgrade your motherboard or its BIOS, we recommend
this approach.
3. Attach the Creative PC-CAM 900 to a powered USB hub.
Some USB devices (such as monitors) also operate as powered USB hubs; you
can also buy dedicated powered USB hubs which are to be attached to your
PC’s USB port. However, in some cases, attaching a powered USB hub to a non-
USB-compliant USB motherboard connector will not solve the problem.
Note on USB Compatibility C-1
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