网络摄影机（webcam）一般具有视频摄影/传播和静态图像捕捉等基本功能，它是借由镜头采集图像后，由网络摄影机内的感光组件电路及控制组件对图像进行处理并转换成电脑所能识别的数字信号，然后借由并列端口、USB连接，输入到电脑后由软件再进行图像还原。有些则支持以太网路或WiFi，内置有处理器及网页服务器，接上网络后可连接查看画面。

目前市面上网络摄影机分为两种，一种为直接连接电脑可用于视频通话的消费型网络摄影机（Webcam），另一种为保全监控专用的网络监控摄影机（IP Camera/Network Camera）。

A webcam is a video camera that feeds or streams its image in real time to or through a computer to computer network. When "captured" by the computer, the video stream may be saved, viewed or sent on to other networks via systems such as the internet, and email as an attachment. When sent to a remote location, the video stream may be saved, viewed or on sent there. Unlike an IP camera (which connects using Ethernet or Wi-Fi), a webcam is generally connected by a USB cable, or similar cable, or built into computer hardware, such as laptops.