More pixels, night vision, motion detection and a pinch of artificial intelligence: the Chinese manufacturer TP-Link is back with a new series of connected cameras capable of satisfying everyone.
In the world of connected homes, surveillance cameras have become essential. Easy to install and use, they have also become accessible to a wide range of budgets, while offering ever more practical features on a daily basis.
One of the most representative players in this sector is TP-Link with its Tapo range, which includes cameras intended for different uses, both outdoors and indoors. So, if you want to acquire one or more surveillance cameras, there is a good chance that you will find what you are looking for in the following lines.
Three cameras for outdoors, two for indoors
Gardens under close surveillance
For those who want to keep an eye on the surroundings of their home, TP-Link offers three new weatherproof products: the Tapo C520WS, Tapo C325WB and Tapo C720.
The first is equipped with a motorized rotation axis of 360° horizontally and 60° vertically, a microphone, a speaker to broadcast personalized alarm sounds and two small projectors designed to scare away unwanted visitors. The Tapo C520WS is also equipped with a color night vision sensor (capable of seeing up to 29.9 meters), SD card reader (up to 512 GB), Wi-Fi connectivity and Ethernet (no PoE), and can record video in QHD format.
For its part, the Tapo C325WB, although it cannot be rotated at any time thanks to an integrated motor, has a field of view of up to 127°, a lens opening at F1.0 and ‘a 1/1.79’ sensor. Above all, this camera is equipped with night vision. ColorPro ”, which promises increased performance in the dark to capture the smallest details, such as a license plate. Finally, it has identical characteristics to those of the C520WS in terms of connectivity and functionality, with a hint of HDR added when it comes to video recordings.
Last on this list and still not available for sale, the Tapo C720 also suffers from a lack of motorized mobility. However, it makes up for it with its fairly wide field of vision (153° diagonally, 134° horizontally, 77.6° vertically), but also and above all with its two 2,800 lumen projectors. These can be activated automatically by dedicated sensors, or remotely by the user. Finally, if the C720 shares many technical characteristics with its two acolytes, it does not benefit from the same protection against the hazards of the external environment (IP65 certification instead of IP66), and only has Wi-Fi connectivity. .
When it is released, the Tapo C720 should be priced at €169.90.
Full-featured indoor cameras
The Tapo C211 will not surprise users of cameras manufactured by TP-Link, since it is in line with the C200 range. Equipped with a motorized rotation axis of 340° horizontally and 60° vertically, it delivers videos at up to 30 frames per second, with a resolution of 2304 x 1296 pixels. In terms of features, there is a microphone and speaker for two-way communication, a night vision sensor capable of seeing up to 9 m, and an SD card reader (again, up to 512 GB). Concerning connectivity, the C211 can of course be connected to your network by Wi-Fi, but also by Ethernet (non-PoE).
The Tapo 125 has, for its part, a few tricks up its sleeve. If it is fixed, its optics give it a field of vision of 140° diagonally, 120° horizontally and 67° vertically. Above all, TP-Link had the very good idea of integrating a physical shutter, guaranteeing good confidentiality at the press of a button. This camera is also easy to install, with its flexible support and magnetic base. On the other hand, if the rest of its technical characteristics are similar to those of the C211, HDR in addition, it does not have Ethernet connectivity.
AI-powered, cloud-first cameras
Of course, artificial intelligence is part of the adventure at TP-Link, as with many other manufacturers. The Chinese company, however, decided to keep it simple, contenting itself with giving its cameras the ability to distinguish humans, animals and vehicles, as well as abnormal sounds such as barking, crying or the sound of break-ins. .
Thanks to this, the detection capacity of these devices is better than ever and allows users to be alerted via the Tapo application (available on Android, iOS and iPadOS) at the slightest unforeseen event. The latter also allows you to configure cameras, view automatic and manual recordings, define activity and privacy zones, and share access to devices with friends or family members.
Finally, while the Tapo application allows you to control devices for free and from anywhere in the world, certain features, such as recording video clips in the cloud or detecting baby cries, are only accessible via the Tapo Care subscription from €3.99/month. However, most cameras manufactured by TP-Link remain compatible with other video surveillance solutions such as Synology Surveillance Station. So, even the most adventurous will be able to find their way with these five new devices.
Source: TP-Link press release
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