In the past, the digital camera has been known as a high-end, high quality but expensive image capturing device for the professional photographer. On the other end, the webcam was better known as a low-end, low quality but not quite cheap video capturing device for the home user.

As technology advanced, increasing numbers of cheaper and better digital image/video capturing devices were introduced to the home user market. ViewQuest VQ630 is a good example of entry-level digital image/video capturing devices from the Taiwanese company, ViewQuest Technologies Inc. Interestingly, this model was "chosen" by Intel to as the OEM model for the Intel Pocket PC Camera!

Front and back views of the VQ630

I was very lucky to get the VQ630 from ComXtiez for a trial. The VQ630 is a dual mode digital camera which features still image capturing, video clip capturing and video streaming (as in web-cam). It should really be called a three-mode d-cam. Anyhow, it is priced amazingly at under RM500 or US$130 (RM3.8 = US$1)!

Out Of The Box

The package consists of :-

• ViewQuest VQ630 dual mode digital camera
• Removable / adjustable base
• 3-meter USB cable
• Installation Quick Quide
• Installation and Software CD