Guide Note

Similar to video cameras, webcams allow users to capture video from a computer and stream it to the Internet. Many webcams are external devices that can be purchased separately. Others are integrated into computers, often in laptops.

Fast Facts

1. Used to capture or stream video
2. Price range: $10-$140+¹
3. Oldest continuously running webcam, nicknamed Fogcam, has been running since 1994 at San Francisco State University²
4. Many can also act as still cameras³

Although webcams are traditionally used for capturing and streaming video for entertainment or teleconferencing purposes, they can be used in numerous other applications. Hundreds of webcams around the world stream live video from specific locations, such as the World Trade Center Ground Zero location, United States landmarks in Washington DC and the Eiffel Tower in France.^{4 5} Other webcams are used to monitor remote locations, such as a room with a sleeping baby or a home while owners are on vacation.⁶

• Logitech⁷
• Microsoft⁷
• Creative Labs⁷
• Wilife⁷
• Panasonic⁷