Tapo smart cameras review

One of the benefits of a smart home is setting up your own security camera system. Homeowners can customize the system to meet their particular needs. Plus, you can control the recordings to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Basically, it’s a peace of mind investment. I run an Airbnb from home, so I’m always looking to improve my home security. Today, I tried out three of TP-Link’s new smart security cameras.

I’m reviewing three security cameras from TP-Link: the Tapo Wireless Outdoor Security 2K QHD Camera (C420S2), the Tapo Wired Waterproof Outdoor 2K Camera (C320WS), and the Tapo Semi-Wireless Indoor Pan and Tilt 2K Camera (C225). Together, they offer a DIY home security solution that anyone can set up. Okay? Let’s find out, starting with the camera design.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Camera – Front
Tapo smart camera design
Each camera has different design elements, but there are two common characteristics. First, they both produce 2K QHD (2560×1440 px) video resolution. Video clips can be stored in the cloud or locally. That’s because each camera is equipped with a microSD interface. This is a huge selling point for me as I try to avoid cloud storage fees as much as possible. Live video can also be recorded directly to a smartphone. Now let’s take a look at some of the notable design features of each camera.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Camera – Wireless
Taibao Wire-Free Outdoor Security 2K QHD Camera (C420S2)
The Tapo C420S2 has a bullet-shaped camera with a pair of rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be charged in-camera or elsewhere. They also come with two mounts that can be screwed to any surface. As battery-operated, wireless cameras, you can place them almost anywhere you have Wi-Fi. It has an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Camera – Semi Wireless
Tapo Wired Waterproof Outdoor 2K Camera (C320WS)
The Tapo C320WS is a compact wireless camera with two adjustable antennas on each side. It has an IP66 weather resistance rating and waterproof sealing. At the back there is a cable connected at both ends. One is an optional ethernet-connected camera. The second is the power connector. Therefore, this wireless camera requires a direct power source at all times for operation.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Camera – Pan/Tilt
Tapo Semi-Wireless Indoor Pan and Tilt 2K Camera (C225)
The C225 has an unassuming freestanding design, cylindrical and with a camera mounted on a rotating ball. The whole unit can be rotated almost 360 degrees, and the camera can be swiveled up and down. One clever design element is the privacy mode. While the camera is moving, the lens is completely blocked by the housing. The pan/tilt functions are all done on the Tapo app. The field of view is 360 degrees horizontal and 140 degrees vertical. Unlike the other two cameras, this one is designed for indoor use. Like the C320WS, this camera requires direct power.

TP-Link Tapo Smart Camera – Semi Wireless
Using Tapo Smart Camera
Getting the camera up and running is easy. Just follow the steps in the Tapo app and they will connect to your Wi-Fi network. For this review, I installed a Tapo Wireless Outdoor Security Camera (C420S2) in my front yard. I recorded myself on each camera to evaluate the 2K footage.

I’m getting creative with the Wired Waterproof Outdoor 2K Camera (C320WS). I installed it in the back yard facing the squirrel picnic table on the fence. Here’s a squirrel feeder I made for backyard entertaining during lockdown. Once installed, I put some nuts on the table and fired up the camera.

Finally, I put the semi-wireless indoor pan and tilt 2K camera (C225) on my covered back deck. This is a large open area, ideal for evaluating pan and tilt functions.

What I love about Tapo cameras
Tapo cameras are easy to install. This makes it very user friendly. I also like that you can install a microSD card. With the cost of living rising, the last thing we want is to pay more for cloud subscriptions. With a microSD card, you can avoid that. I also like the smart AI detection feature. Artificial intelligence is embedded into the camera itself. It can recognize people, pets and even cars. The camera can also identify unusual sounds like shattering glass and babies crying.

The 2K footage from these cameras looks fantastic. I have a great video of squirrels eating nuts at a squirrel picnic table. I can zoom in on the image to make it clearer. Audio and video are crystal clear, day or night. In short, these cameras produce high-quality video footage. Criminals won’t like this.