Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit Review - Better Than I Thought!

Today, we are going to review and test out the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit. This is an outdoor battery powered wireless security camera that includes a solar panel to continuous charging and also the mounting bracket for both the solar panel and the camera for a clean looking install. We will check out its features, do a quick unboxing, setup and install and check out its video quality day and night and run it through our testing and see if this Solar Cam C402 is a good option for your home security camera needs.
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00:00 Introduction
00:26 Features
01:57 Unboxing
03:05 Setup
03:32 Installation
04:31 Settings
06:20 Video Quality
07:41 Testing
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[@debh3404]

I love how you show how to connect it to the app.

[@robertoghinato5754]

gr8 review like always! thanks for the info

[@reggie2803]

Specs are pretty good and a great combo price.

[@AschTheWolf]

Another good Tapo device to add to the list of good cams. I personally own a Tapo C-111 and I think it's the best camera I have bought so far

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@Keepingthefaith72]

Hoping you review the new Tapo 2k 5mp smart wireless security camera doorbell, With full night color .....

[@Jay-sg2ww]

Just installed it today. The wired one D130. Seems like a decent unit for the price.

[@hienho15]

I'm not impress by the camera but I am so impressed by how well you maintain your lawn. It is so smooth and has consistent deep green. You need to make a video about that . That's a beautiful backyard. But what's up with the basketball goal post? People playing on that grass are going to ruin that lawn.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you... just deep watering (kinda forced because of once every 2 weeks water restrictions) and also we are getting some occasional but worthwhile rain... as to the goal post...well, the thing about grass is for you to enjoy it and not just to look at it ;)

[@Jbdassassinarmy]

Love the video. Any chance you are going to review the riolink home hub?

[@tpop3723]

Not only did they not advertise it as a 2k camera but they also didn’t mention about the included automatic sombrero alert!

[@LifeHackster]

LOL... :)

[@netstar5950]

Great review! The camera resolution performance is better than stated in the specs (that is a first), free AI detection, and solar panel is included all for the low price that is advertised. I'm really skeptical about whether the free AI will last or it will change to subscription service in the future. Do you get a lot of AI false alerts with the sun going in and out of the clouds? The short usb cable does make it a clean install even though it limits where you can mount it to receive sunlight. Otherwise, it's not bad for the price.

[@davidlei6930]

Tapo cameras offer free AI recognition because the AI operates on the edge (processed internally within the camera rather than uploaded to cloud servers). Many other brands process AI on cloud servers, which is slower and incurs additional costs.

[@LifeHackster]

The person detection of Tapo is pretty good. Pet detection on this camera is a hit or miss but the wired colorPRO is spot on.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@JackTownley-uc4wf]

Hey man love your videos, can you look into the Ctronics dual lense ptz camera

[@newbie101]

Thanks for your review. May I ask a favor if you can include a test if all the cameras you review works with tinycam pro, that would really be very helpful.

[@LifeHackster]

I personally don't use tiny cam pro or any after market software. I test the cameras with their own app and ecosystem.

[@YukonHawk1]

A decent camera for the price

[@LifeHackster]

True.

[@sendo427]

I really like tapos cameras I have one and it's not this one but it's very similar it's the magcam

[@abc123fhdi]

Pretty good for the price. Wish it had an NVR option. Putting rich notifications behind a paywall like reolink kinda sux.

[@Zeki-Gokce]

Thanks for the review. Does it have rtsp to use with other nvrs?

[@LifeHackster]

No RTSP on this one and probably on most battery powered security cams.

[@Zeki-Gokce]

@@LifeHackster thanks for quick response

[@erayg.2470]

Thanks for the review. Is this one better than eufy s220?

[@LifeHackster]

I'm not sure...might need to compare the 2.

[@69Dartman]

Looks pretty decent and I've used quite a few cheap 2k cameras recently and they all look pretty decent, not 4k but very nice, especially in daylight. Some will actually work fine with my cheap backup NVR box and the person /auto detection works, depending on the camera. I still think my Reolink box and cameras look the best but it doesn't like the non OEM ONVIF POE cameras. I just got a solar battery backup panel for my Weather Station so I don't have to go on the roof to swap batteries anymore so I can see how nice that would be with a decent wifi camera like that one, set and forget 👍

[@dankelley9361]

Great review, still confused on one point, without paying for subscription, do you get notifications to your phone with outside movement? Thx!

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, you will not just get snapshots in the notifications..just text.

[@AltitudeAerials]

This, or the eufy s230 that you also reviewed, considering the price difference?

[@SATXrattlesnake]

Can you please review the Keep Technologies connected car alarm with camera?

[@davidgomez5116]

Can you review the security cameras they have at harbor freight

[@jonathanewell7940]

The wyze v4 is has a better night vision. However, solar powered is tempting.

[@SrGary1000]

Two questions, is it ONVIF compatible? (Probably is.) Second question, how long will it stay alive and awake at night with only the battery to power it. Can I watch the video all night with it connected by wi-fi, on my DVR? I didn't hear any comment about that.

[@guardianali]

Instead of destroying your corner wood of your house with a million screws from reviews, you should screw in a sacrificial piece of wood on that wood that you can then screw in over and over.

[@cryengine_x]

he already has that in some areas from his other reviews

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@SrGary1000]

I bought a Imou 4MP Solar Security Camera Wireless Outdoor with Rechargeable Battery, that operates on 5GHz and 2.4 GHz for $130. But the problem is that it sleeps unless awakened by motion, and then it only stays awake for a maximum of 120 seconds. I need more live time. It is recordable ONVIF on my DVR but that is no good if it is asleep most of the time. I can add an extra battery, in parallel if necessary.

[@johnbautista5946]

can the solar panel can be use with different camera brand like Eufy to charge their cameras? can you do a testing and video for it thanks

[@Nightowl1990]

If it’s usb C connection then yes

[@davidlei6930]

@@Nightowl1990 The Tapo solar charging panel uses a USB-C connection.

[@sendo427]

Most likely I'm using a reolink solar panel for my tapo magcam

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, it is USB-C..so any cams that have a USB-C port for charging can work. However, you do have to make sure the connection is weather resistant.

[@Airbrushkid]

LifeHackster, I have a question for you. I was reading that the Tapo Solar c420 and the C425 doesn't have the Always On Mode. Do you know anything about this? It was on Reddit about 4 months ago

[@LifeHackster]

I am not aware of that but I'm pretty sure because this is a battery camera. It is normally off until its PIR sensor gets triggered which activates the camera. Now, having a solar panel doesn't mean it can always be ON like their plug in or wired cams, it just charges the battery...and it is still a battery camera.

[@Airbrushkid]

@@LifeHackster This is all new to me. So if camera go's off, does that mean you have to go up a ladder to turn it back on?

[@LifeHackster]

@@Airbrushkid lol, No. The PIR sensor which detects heat movement is the one that activates or turns ON the camera.

[@Airbrushkid]

@@LifeHackster Thank you. I want an always on camera. But don't want to drill holes thru my outside walls to run power leads.

[@joaopedromagalhaes5193]

Hey guys! I’m trying to instal Wi-Fi camera set up in my house. Someone can tell me if the Wi-Fi reolink or another Brand cameras have the repeater signal function? Or for How much distance the camera receive the signal from the source. I have a neighbor taking my fruit away😢

[@cryengine_x]

this looks really good for the price, 40 on amazon for the battery cam only. i ordered one even though its not shipping for a month, because at that price why not. will make it a package cam. i've been happy with my tapo c120. the solar cam is now showing out of stock. tapo is a riser seems like.

[@LifeHackster]

Hoping they will re-stock soon.

[@graufuchs88]

The wind makes the sound pretty muffled. That doesnt happen on ring cameras

[@tctopcat813]

Trying to decide between Reolink and Tapo. Your thoughts?

[@OMASCULINISTA99]

Reolink 100%

[@a1-tk9ic]

Tapo

[@LifeHackster]

Reolink edges out in my opinion because of having wired PoE options.

[@mr.boniato6402]

Can It be used connected directly to power using USB cable or does it have to use the solar panel?

[@davidlei6930]

Solar charging is optional; you can, of course, continuously charge it using a power adapter.

[@LifeHackster]

You can.

[@timmcd84]

Could you hardwire the camera, if it was possible?? I know it’s not the point but just curious.

[@davidlei6930]

Yes, solar charging is optional; you can continuously charge it using a power adapter.

[@LifeHackster]

You can..but if you have the capability of wiring it, then just go with their wired cams like the Color PRO.

[@harold1901]

Went on Amazon and the battery one says ship 1 or 2 months dam*. Other out of stock! Like to get two for my house!

[@LifeHackster]

Hoping they will re-stock soon.

[@HenryAcevedo]

This Model is cheaper than the Magnetic One with the same combo option. TP-Link Tapo MagCam c425 with solar panel a200 is 50% cheaper the only reason I didn't purchases this was because of 1080p but if this is a 2k is a an amazing price

[@DatSick]

Now with Wi-Fi jamming on a raise during break in, I now feel like POE is my new route sadly.

[@lcssay]

Can this record continously or only when something is detected?

[@burnjack291]

Same question here

[@pcha151]

Does it work with wifi if its a hotspot?

[@LifeHackster]

It should be.

[@jcm9698]

Nice lil camera, but they need to fix the specs. In a time when people are looking for a 2k or higher resolution cameras, this may get overlooked. Tapo really needs to fix this or it might get passed over by a lot of people.

[@TheMissingDislikeButton]

Live view is 1080p , I guess they don't wanna get sued

[@davidlei6930]

@@TheMissingDislikeButton In actual testing, I observed that real-time streaming is also transmitted at 2K (2304x1296) resolution.

[@markb3866]

RTSP?

[@LifeHackster]

This is battery powered..so more than likely, it is not.

[@Jay-sg2ww]

This for $49 (just the camera) or the C425 for $79 (just the camera)? For the extra 30 is the C425 much better?

[@TheMissingDislikeButton]

Get the solar kit with his promo code , $37.50 now

[@Jay-sg2ww]

@@TheMissingDislikeButton How? Solar kit is 49.99 plus 15% off (7.50) brings it to $42. I did pick up the C402 without the solar for $30 (15 off plus 10% amex). Either way both good deal. I need it for the front of a Condo to keep an eye on the cars. I'm pretty sure the Condo Association would complain about the solar assembly, hopefully they won't care about the tiny camera. If I can get away with charging it 4 times a year I won't mind.

[@j2w1_lub]

what floodlights would you recommend? mr beams?

[@LifeHackster]

If you cannot wire it, then solar powered outdoor lights should be bright enough for this low light or starlight sensors cameras.

[@j2w1_lub]

@@LifeHackster thank you

[@slappymcphee]

Sucks that it has to be bright white. This would be a solid option for a stealth install.

[@TheMissingDislikeButton]

Paint your wall bright white?

[@slappymcphee]

@@TheMissingDislikeButton that is funny!

[@johnszatkowski6898]

For the price it's pretty good however it's nighttime recording quality is pretty bad IMO. Not having the rich notifications is also a drawback because most of the time triggers are from wind and leaves blowing or bugs/moths flying around in front of the lens which FORCES you to open the app and then wait to see what actually happened which many times will be nothing at all regardless of person or whatever settings you have setup. IMO I feel Tapo is lowballing itself to suck in MANY users and will then switch to a subscription based setup like many of the the others have. If anyone remembers Wyze did this as well and NOW requires a subscription for "advanced" BASIC features. IMO this looks no better than 1080p options but the price point is tempting at least until they decide to start CHARGING you for these features which like EVERYONE else in this market is doing. Because of this tactic and have been phasing out my Wyze cameras and soon will have NONE of them as they really SUCK anymore IMO.

[@BadTVandMovieClipsFairUse]

Tapo = multi streaming with 2k recording Eufy = fails to integrate multi streaming because they say nobody asks/wants it and loses out to competitors more everyday

[@Jay-sg2ww]

You can't invert the image on this camera. There is no choice in the display setting. How are you supposed to mount this on a ceiling if you can't flip the image?

[@LifeHackster]

It is a cylindrical camera. You don't have to physically invert it to mount it to the ceiling...lol

[@Jay-sg2ww]

@@LifeHackster Figured it out after 10 mins after I posted. didn't realize that the bracket had a slot in one section that allows you to aim the camera 90 degrees. I'll leave this here incase some has a brain freeze like me.

[@brightbluesmurf]

Video quality during the day looks bad to me.

[@zuhairhlayel]

💐🌹🌷👍💐

[@elphidieus]

Is the battery user replaceable…?

[@LifeHackster]

No. It has a built in battery.

[@Rockaland2]

This doesn't Tapo yo wallet !

[@a1-tk9ic]

Only lasted 2 days

[@lewiskelly14]

I've had bad experiences with Tapo. I also don't trust them not to force subscriptions on us later.

[@BM-dl2qz]

bad thing about tapo cameras you can't manually trigger the siren and the spot light only works on black and white night vision

[@andreiso2421]

why it's so hard to distinguish your face?

[@effrem123]

For 30$ it does a lot😊

[@VastardokKukiao]

Because the camera sucks

[@LifeHackster]

You are getting used to Reolink cameras :) Compare this to the Wyze Battery Cam PRO..

[@effrem123]

For 30$ it does a lot

[@TheMissingDislikeButton]

It's $60 tho?

[@cryengine_x]

@@TheMissingDislikeButton the battery only version (i actually dont have use for this solar mount, think i wont mind taking it down and charging it since it will be mounted low under my porch roof, and it is advertising long battery life too) was 50 with 10 coupon=40. maybe it was 30 recently. solar version sold out now. this seems like it'll be very popular tapo products usually are.

[@LifeHackster]

It is 60 bucks.

[@brushybillcro6156]

well this does not good to me. while walking in broad daylight has lag, trees in the back are laggin, night time is just bad in IR and Spotlight mode.. i don't know... i would never buy this. have your tried playing it in 1080p - maybe the picture would be better.

[@LifeHackster]

It is already in 1080P. Check my Wyze Battery Cam PRO review and this is the camera that is closest to it as to price.

[@hienho15]

You are going to need to buy a new house soon after all those holes you drilled over the years.

[@LifeHackster]

holes that can be easily fix with a nail hole filler...

[@coolw2k]

tplink..

[@Gravage]

pointless comment..