The TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera was an excellent find at an amazing price. This is Tapo Model C210. The model number is utilized during setup so it’s good to write this down for when you’re ready to do that.
TP-Link, the manufacturer of routers and home automation through the Kasa line has dove big time into home security cameras with one of the largest lineups out there. Their application is solid and provides capabilities that aren’t typically found in this price range.
This is the first Tapo model we have reviewed and we will be checking out several others over the coming weeks so stay tuned for more reviews and tips.
Let’s take a closer look at what this camera can do.
Software
You can access the TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera through an iOS or Android device. Native browser access is not provided but the capability to access the video through a compatible viewer such as VLC exists. Likely not something most home players will do, but it can be done.
Like all home security cameras these days, the included documentation is sparse but not to worry because all the setup is done through the application. Setup for this model is no different from others. Just hit the plus sign and walk through the dialogue to add the camera. Make sure to select the proper model, this is the C210.
Like most cameras, motion and sound alerts can be activated within the app as well as sensitivity settings. Being a Pan and tilt camera, the camera will move to follow the action.
The TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera offers Activity Zones. This handy feature allows you to limit the areas where motion should be detected. This permits the user to exclude areas like a tree with blowing branches from creating a motion event. It reduces false detections. The Tapo implementation is a little different versus others in that the zone can set in a much more granular fashion plus it’s very easy to do.
Person Detection is an AI tool that lets you know when what’s been detected is an actual person. It’s usually accurate but I have seen some false alerts. Activity Zones can be custom set for person detection further reducing false alerts or limiting to a particular area. Best example would be just to monitor a doorway versus the entire room.
Camera Tampering is a relatively unique feature that Tapo includes to detect when the camera is being obstructed. For example, the camera is covered or moved.
Tapo also includes Baby Cry detection allowing the user to monitor a nursery and receive alerts when AI detects what thinks is a baby crying.
The TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera accommodates recording to an onboard micro SD card but cloud recording will require a paid subscription.
Try the local SD card recording before spending money on a cloud subscription. We have a detailed article about selecting the right card or if you just want a quick recommendation consider the Transcend 128GB SDXC UHS-I Memory Card . The camera will wrap around the video so when the card is full, it will start recording at the beginning of the card for an endless loop. (the card is inserted into the bottom of the eye just below the lens)
These are compatible with IFTTT, Google Assistant and Alexa.
Hardware
The TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera is a very typically shaped camera. It’s similar to a lot of other Pan/Tilt cameras. A round head that turns atop a round base that is stationary.
The TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera Unlike has a Pan Mechanical Range of 340° with 360° Pan Coverage. It can see behind it’s back! Coupled with a Tilt Mechanical Range of 70° with 116.65° Tilt Coverage, this camera covers a lot of territory. Placing this in a corner should easily cover the entire room.
The field of view is 98° (Diagonal), 83°(Horizontal), 45°(Vertical) which is a middle of the road spec but not terrible.
The camera supports2304 x 1296 pixel image, up to 30 frames per second and a 10.8x zoom. Very decent specs for this price range.
There is a status light that can be toggled on or off from the app.
No IP rating specification as this is an indoor camera. While I suppose it could potentially be mounted beneath a ledge, it’s not rated so probably nest to avoid. The camera could be mounted on a ceiling with the included hardware and there is an app setting to invert the image.
Audio is fully supported. Tap the microphone in the Tapo app to have a two-way conversation. Audio quality is quite clear.
The daytime image is extraordinarily clear especially at 2K and 30 fps. Very clear night vision is provided with with an 850 nm IR LED. We get very nice night vision at up to 30 feet.
The micro SD slot and reset button is located beneath the camera lens. The reset button should only be used to wipe all the settings and start fresh. Useful is the camera was purchased used.
Connectivity
This Tapo camera supports WiFi connectivity via 802.11 b/g/n. Like most cameras in this price range, you must connect to a 2.4 Ghz network as 5.0 is not supported.
Mounts
Mounting options are almost always limited with pan and tilt cameras. Most will simply place the TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera on a table or shelf. Mounting options are included for attaching to a ceiling.
Fun and Different
Under Device Settings is something called Privacy Mode. Use this toggle to disable streaming and recording. It basically turns the camera off without unplugging it.
Summary
As Pan and Tilt goes, the TP-Link Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera is a solid camera at a bargain price and worth buying. It has respectable specifications, good application functionality and a large solid company behind it. An excellent addition to your home surveillance inventory.
Quick Specs:
Video Quality | Field of View | Cloud Support | SD Support | Night Vision | Mobile/Web App | Alerts | Outdoor |
2048p | 360 Degrees | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes/No | Yes | No |
Manufacturer Link: TP-Link Tapo