A webcam needs a computer to transmit the images. However, there are other autonomous cameras that only need an access point to the computer network, either ethernet or wireless. To differentiate them from webcams, they are called network cameras. Both are useful in security tasks, for video surveillance
Webcam.
They are also widely used in instant messaging and chat as in Skype, Line, Hangouts etc. It can usually transmit live images, but it can also capture images or small videos (depending on the webcam program) that can be recorded and transmitted over the Internet. Within the traditional distinction of PC accessories, the webcam is an input device, since through it we can transmit images to the computer, and take photos and edit them
In addition to daily use, it is common to apply webcams of a certain quality in different areas of scientific research. For example, in amateur astronomy, web cameras of a certain quality can be used to record shots of distant satellites and stars. Certain modifications can achieve prolonged exposures that allow to obtain images of dim objects of deep sky like galaxies, nebulae, etc. In Cognitive Psychology and Neuromarketing, modified web cameras are used to perform eye tracking tests.