Tech Specifications
Model: Tapo C200
Field of view: 360-degrees (horizontal) and 114-degrees (vertical)
Resolution: 1080p
Audio: Two-way (built-in mic and speaker)
Night vision: 850nm IR LED (up to 30ft)
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
Dimensions: 118 x 87 x 85mm
Storage: Internal memory and microSD
Power source: 9V 0.6A power adapter
Voice assistant Compatability: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Security cameras have advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, as the entire tech industry has focused with passion on home automation. It is now possible to have several cameras strategically placed around your home that can capture video or still images if they detect movement.
Even the most basic modes produce high-quality photographs and videos, and infrared lighting allows for image capture even in low-light conditions.
TP-Link, with its Tapo sub-brand of security cameras, is one business that provides excellent value. I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the Tapo C200, a reasonably priced pan-and-tilt surveillance Wi-Fi camera.
The Tapo C200 is a step up from the C100 and features full 1080p high-definition video as well as night vision. The camera detects motion and includes a microphone and speaker for two-way communication.
The C200 has a built-in motor that allows the camera to swivel 360 degrees horizontally and 114 degrees vertically. And while the camera’s videos and still images can be stored on the C200, there is also a slot for a microSD card.
Cards with a size of up to 128GB can be used by the C200. Unfortunately, photographs cannot be stored in the cloud. So, if a burglar is familiar with their security cameras, they might try removing the microSD card and flee with it. Alternatively, the C200 can be used with ONVIF-compliant software to send videos and stills to a cloud-based server.
The TP-Link Tapo C200 has the appearance of an overfed golf ball mounted on a sculpted plinth. It has the appearance of an overweight pawn from a fashionable chess kit.
The camera can be placed on any flat surface, and TP-Link includes a bracket with a quick-release bayonet mount that can be attached to a wall or ceiling. However, keep in mind that the camera must be operated by the supplied 9v power adapter.
Pricing and Availability: The TP-Link Tapo C200 surveillance camera costs £34.99 / $59.99 / €35.22, but discounts are available on Amazon.
One advantage of a low-tech surveillance camera is that it can continue recording locally even if the Wi-Fi network is interrupted.
Any intruders can attempt to disable a landline or cable link in order to prevent surveillance cameras from uploading videos to the cloud. Whatever happens, photos are still recorded on the Tapo C200’s camera or microSD card.
The Tapo C200 is not the most sophisticated surveillance camera on the market, but it is very inexpensive. The picture quality is adequate, which is critical if you ever need to detect an intruder. The motion detection feature is bulletproof.
However, the C200’s inability to upload photographs to the protection of the cloud renders it useless for catching arsonists in situations where the camera would otherwise be engulfed by flames. The TP-Link Tapo C200 provides unbeatable value as a basic surveillance camera with few bells and whistles without compromising image quality.
