Tapo 2K Outdoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera Review - C520WS

[@delosmark18]

Hopefully tapo can have an update where you can schedule when to surveilance mode and when to be set at other modes

[@SirRommy]

I'm surprised this camera doesn't have a "home" position that it can return to after no detection events for a period of time. I have the C211 and that one DOES have a homing position. Also, the audio pickup test was pretty bad. Maybe it was due to wind? Again, the C211 seems to have a much clearer audio recording ability. Update: I now own this camera and it does indeed have a homing function in which it returns to the home position after a short period of inactivity. Maybe they did a firmware update since this review was released. Again, loving the Tapo line of cameras.

[@DyseRLJ]

Is the recorded audio still bad, given your ownership experience? Was it just a wind issue in the case of this video?

[@SirRommy]

@DyseRLJ I think the audio recording is actually fine. In my opinion, the Tapo line has better audio recording than the Wyze line.

[@musicalprithwi8833]

Can you please tell how you are settling the homing position?? I can't seem to find the option for it

[@SirRommy]

@musicalprithwi8833 There isn't an on/off setting. Once you set a view, and enable tracking, it will follow the subject until the motion stops then, after a short amount of time, it just returns to the position it was in before following the subject.

[@musicalprithwi8833]

@@SirRommy oo thanks

[@eddieseow749]

I love your videos, very informative and precise, answers all my questions. Makes me a well informed buyer. Much Thanks to you.

[@arcticblazeify]

Great review! I have a house in the Philippines I am monitoring here in the US. I am using Tapo- 2 outdoors and 1 indoor camera. So far, I am really satisfied. Best part is No subscription needed. Subscription is optional. I bought all 3 cameras online from the official store of Tapo in Lazada Philippines (it’s like Amazon).

[@emmerichleimer3086]

Isn't the SD card full at some point or how can you watch recent events? Maybe paid sub needed?

[@LifeHackster]

@@emmerichleimer3086 It loop records. It will record over old footage.

[@arcticblazeify]

@@emmerichleimer3086 it will loop. you can easily replay recent videos through the app. no paid subscription needed.

[@robertdionne6073]

Hello, what capacity of sd card you use and how many days before it erased older videos?

[@Voke_Roblox]

​@@robertdionne6073 in our case the c500 64gb is 7 days but you can change the recording schedule to make the days of recording longer

[@aalani]

Everything about the Tapo camera series is great except for one thing, which TP Link promised to look at it 2 years ago!, and that is a Smart TV app so you can see your camera on your SmartTV when for example you heard a cracking sound outside while you're watching a movie!

[@adrianvanwyck2818]

Just look at your phone. It's always with you

[@markhahn8288]

How would you rate the video quality and tracking ability of the Tapo C520WS vs the Eufy E340? The C520WS would be mounted near a standalone Flood Light with motion sensor.

[@jannetranberg7186]

What do i think?? Im BUYING one! Thank you dude, good presentation, and to see that camera in action.

[@naredes]

I have tried some Tapo cameras but so far I have returned all of them back to Amazon. Tapo cameras have a weird exterior design. When it comes to performance the night color pro looks good until there is movement in front of the camera, a lot of ghosting. Hopefully soon Tapo will release a software update to allow users to trigger camera siren from the app. Pricing for Tapo subscription isn’t great compared to Wyze and even Nest cameras.

[@SirRommy]

Weird? I hope that's not the only reason for the return. I have the C211 and it looks like a...panning camera.

[@AllanLawrence-w3e]

A great video with lots of information. I will purchase this camera. Thank you from Australia.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@drshmoo]

In future reviews could you cover if camera's included power equipment (cables, mostly) can be routed through an exterior wall into an interior space like a garage to an outlet therein? My old nest IQ cameras came with instructions specifically for this use case, and I have not seen any other camera brands addressing it as directly.

[@nithai2505]

Great job as always and easy to understand too, thank you for your time and efforts.

[@BryceAbercrombie]

Thank you for the detailed testing. Debating Tapo vs. Blink, bought both to compare. Any thoughts from your testing on that matchup?

[@zodiacfml]

I was just checking this out and nearly want to overpay for this but horrendous video and audsio quality. thanks a lot!!!

[@PatrickC139]

I reviewed the other version. the 510W. (Non starlight version). Overall it was a pretty solid camera overall but i felt the spotlights on it were a bit too warm tone for me, and I wish it had Pet/vehicle detection. At the time it only had Motion and Person (Not sure if they updated that via software). I agree that their motors seem to be VERY Quiet which is great. I did get on them that the overall motor speed is kinda slow, but it'll move really fast when going to a way point so i wish they gave you speed controls.

[@KonvoyChief]

I was hoping to get this for the starlight feature. But looking at your review I might choose a lower model. Thanks for the in depth review!

[@jajasaria]

same here

[@Rhys_Beer]

4:50 does this require that subscription in order to download the clips or does the subscription only notify you of the clip so you dont have to manually look for the clip?

[@LifeHackster]

No subscription needed. Rich notifications are the snapshots you get on the notifications.

[@slainecr347]

When you playback how many x forward speed max is?

[@woolflower8316]

Based on the video section with multiple people, is the camera only going to keep position on the first person it detected? The other person/people at the opposite direction won't be seen at all?

[@oscarschmidt571]

@woolflower8316 Good question. What if 2 or 3 thieves coming on diff. directions

[@efrenmuniz2692]

How much hours it is possible to record on the memory card, 256? Thanks

[@oscarschmidt571]

approx. 21 days on 256

[@darkshell315]

256 Gb ?​@@oscarschmidt571

[@KULTCRAZ]

Great review, helped me making my decision. Thanks

[@pratikkorgaokar4709]

which memory card is better for this?

[@KULTCRAZ]

@@pratikkorgaokar4709 Using a SanDisk 1GB. Depends on your needs I may say.

[@DiegoTorresV11]

I wonder why not allowing the siren to sound with the press of a button in the app like the EZVIZ H9C Dual 3K or Nexxt NHC-F410

[@TheEditorify]

Can you install this with a junction box? I cannot find anything compatible

[@IvyMike.]

I have the C510W, that is a very good camera, this looks like another I may be interested in.

[@PatrickC139]

Yeah i like that camera. The 520W it seems is just the starlight version of the 510. (And a resolution bump) I had logged down the 510W was running 2304x1296 . this new one Looks like its 2560x1440.

[@MissTlash]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting the C510W. Please does the floodlight only come on when motion is detected and how long does it stay on for? And can the floodlight stay on when you put it on yourself from the app without any motion detection? Thank you

[@IvyMike.]

@@MissTlash Yes, the floodlight comes on when motion is detected in low light situations and stays on for a short while after motion has stopped, also the light can be turned on through the app. Hope this helps.

[@MissTlash]

@IvyMike. That's great! One more question pls, is the light cool light or warm? Thank you.

[@IvyMike.]

@@MissTlash No problem at all, I would say it's quite warm but rather bright.

[@georgebush2798]

Thanks mate, great review , as of today in Ireland it's €50. I wonder how it will go over the damp Irish winter?

[@sallytorres746]

Do you have a video on a Temu V360 wi-fi network intelligent camera?

[@TheAdeybob]

would be an excellent cam if not for spotty mic and occasional dodgy live feed. Looking at the forums, the consensus is that Tapo have throttled audio/vid bitrates down to suit their cloud service. Seems Tapo would rather give their customers a deliberately-nobbled product, just to steer customers to using their cloud service. Come on Tapo! Sort it out! It's late june '24 by now and there's still no sight of a firmware fix for this.

[@arnymon9340]

Nice review! Think will get pair of those, have NV, not expensive, have Wifi, good video quality and features.

[@Redneck_Ed]

Video is from Feb 2024, it's Oct 2024 and I'm not seeing a color pro version of this camera on the Tapo website. Any idea when that model is coming out?

[@dushan9392]

Great video, well made and very informative.

[@user-zr7kz4vs7c]

does it works with NVR (onvif)? thanks

[@pspr33]

The bitrate is always a little low on the Tapo cameras, I can imagine image quality improving quite a lot with a bump in bitrate.

[@privatethepenguin1587]

Hello, Good day. May I ask if the tapo cctv's can record footage even though the app is closed? Thank you.

[@aidanbazan7769]

Would you recommend tapo or Reolink for most people?

[@sjurkt]

Nice video review. 2k is nice but thats only live or? Save to sd storage is reduced to 720 or is it 2k in tapocare? So picuturequality on stored videos that I think are most interesting in a surveillance point of view is poor? Think it will be hard having good readings of licence plates with 720? Another thing to think of is that only the camera is ip66 not the poweroutletplug itself but it should of course have been too. To use the camera outside safely the poweroutletplug should have been ip66 too, but u actually have to buy and put it inside a ipxx proof box not to shortcut in heavy rain and moisture. I DO Like the line crossing feature but missing LPR licence plate recognition. Have u tested some LPR cameraes too? When will color pro version of cam be available and what's productname of that cam? Would also be nice in review video to see how much of the licenceplatenr it's possible to see in dark and not only in daytime light.

[@Redneck_Ed]

License plate recognition is very difficult, even for much more expensive cameras due to the fact that the vehicles are in motion. I have 3K resolution (5MP) cameras from a different brand and even with very high frame rate settings, it can be difficult to get full license plates over 15 MPH when lighting is anything less than full perfect sun. For nighttime license plate recognition, headlights and on-off tail/brake lights will typically completely blind any regular camera from seeing the license plate which is why people buy a special LPR camera if they need license plate recognition to be great in all conditions. For the power connector, my experience is that it doesn't matter. I have multiple cameras where the power connector junction is exposed. This has been since 2017 and I've never had a problem with them. It's only 9volts DC, so it's not a safety issue at all. Of course, the wall plug in side needs to be protected using an in-use outlet cover or some other means since that side is 120V.

[@Arctic5fox]

I have two cameras from tp-link and I noticed they're not sensitive to the Wi-Fi like Eufy cams. Plus the audio is not clear.

[@lhxperimental]

Does the tilt go all the way to the bottom and then to the other side? I want to mount it above the door so it has to shoot vertically down.

[@ROS3NROT]

Is there any difference between this and the C325WB in term of quality?

[@gianlucacentolanza3525]

Is it possibile save a continuos recording on the SD card even if the camera is not connected to internet?

[@Dani-zg7fr]

Yes

[@kirk249]

Does it rotate back to the set position after detecting the motion? I have this problem with my own Tapo

[@rmrox666]

can the feed be viewed outside the local area network?

[@tanmayvlogs44]

I have recently purchased the same camera. Does the lens get moisture in there during winter? Is the camera fully waterproof kindly? reply

[@mikebedford4362]

Does this work with HomeKit? Great video, thank you.

[@Jelly-Mack]

Great camera for price. Question though, the mic in the app seems to keep switching back to on or open mic which is not good for privacy whilst in my home. Any ideas or put me right on this thx in advance.

[@debbiwilliams1406]

How can I set my tapo c500 camera to send a ding r some sound to my cell, I do not hear anything if it detect motion, I need help with that?

[@Darren-vh5lk]

Great review... sold!

[@hazee1039]

Hey, if i dont buy the subscription do still get the motion warning on the App or not?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@cheongtuckkean6258]

When TP-Link will be releasing Tapo C520WS upgraded version with colorpro feature similar to C325WB?

[@cheongtuckkean6258]

Newer version with colorpro is it C525WB?

[@sgdave-e4p]

Hey, just saw your video and it was helpful for me and I have one quick question, in this camera can I see live footage from anywhere else like any specific distance, appreciate if you can revert me. Thanks.

[@patrikdaniel5097]

Can the privacy mode also be switched on and off via a Tapo Smartbutton (automation) in conjunction with a tapo hub? So you click on the smart button and it sends the info to the Tapo Hub (100 or 200?). Then you could also control the privacy mode via the physical smart button (1 click off / 2 clicks on). Is that possible?

[@LifeHackster]

I know you can set it in automation in the Tapo app… so most likely it will work.

[@lounv]

I cannot find an answer anywhere. Can you schedule the camera alarm only at night?

[@JordanSadiwa]

Can you recommend an indoor/outdoor camera for my store? I want a wifi camera with 8mp and above. The most important part is that I can monitor all camera in 1 computer. All ive seen was wired ones.

[@shammishafi09]

Hi, How long is power cable?

[@Voke_Roblox]

Is the 2 routers strong enough to get signal Despite the internet is far?

[@Cannedtomatoforsauces]

Well i can't seem to connect my c500 because it can't see the wifi. Even though in the beginning it shiws the blue screen that it is cinnecting and then doesn't . Got an extender too--- doesn't extend. HELP.

[@Stabolis]

can it still record when i exit the app?

[@fubuseriousgear]

Why would the pan and tilt function freezes and reboots the camera after a few presses to control the camera pan when at night / night mode. The recording and detection still works fine at night if I don’t try to manually pan control. I wouldn’t expect the wifi signal drop during night time (wifi shows good signal). During day the app control fully functional, no freezing or rebooting. Why would this be?

[@SmaugMedia]

i have a network drive on my LAN would i be able to choose to store the files on there?

[@Rhys_Beer]

Do you know when the color pro version will be released? Ideally would like a PTZ with the C325WS sensor.

[@techmap4191]

Did you get an answer ?

[@cecilsaquiban]

When is the ColorPro version going to be released?

[@manojkumarp2798]

We can set timing for auto rotation.(Change position - Set timing)

[@timohnani]

@lifehackster do you know when the color pro version is supposed to come?

[@mikael7271]

Where to hide the thick cable if I mount it indoor for hallway?

[@Zendukai]

G'Day LH ! can you recommend a POE set of security cams that record 24/7 record sound as well, and has great zoomability, I was told hikvision was pretty good but I have been told some of them can get hacked if you connect them to the internet. Oh yeah, we don't what you know who spying through the cams, I know the Australian Gov got rid of a certain... good brand of security cams because you know who was using them to spy.. Also the cams need to be weather resistant. I'd like to be able to zoom out to the road and identify anyone riding a pushbike, the arlo cams, pros and pro2s are crap when zooming in. Cheers LH

[@akmalnasir5363]

How to setting the camera follow the motion?

[@patrickdubois3712]

Couple months in with mine, keeps dropping wifi signal, now can't connect. Driving me nuts...unplugged router, camera and my phone..ugg not hooking up again

[@sendo427]

I suggest doing a IP reservation and it will probably stop your disconnections That's what I do with all my Wi-Fi cameras is I give them a IP address reservation so that way they don't lose connection is easily

[@herry33267]

Can it be operated if wireless?

[@phon14593]

Thank you for this.

[@jbaby4899]

What is a good eufy camera that can pan and tilt with spotlight please looking to switch from ring

[@zodiark2456]

the eufy s340 which is battery powerd or the eufy e340 floodlight security camera which is mains powered

[@fairfieldcalifornialivin7570]

What are some 512 gb SD cards that are compatible? (Bought Samsung Evo SDC but wouldn't format)

[@LifeHackster]

Try formatting using your computer and see. I have been using Sandisk, no issues.

[@Maraxion]

So does this camera have any auto zoom feature on the object?

[@LifeHackster]

No it doesn't auto zoom.

[@jhonninocastro8294]

Hm annual and monthly? the payment for the app storage for for the cctv recorded video.???

[@gianlucacentolanza3525]

Thank you.I need to install this camera in a place where there is no internet. Is it possible to record on the SD card even if the camera is not connected to the internet? Obviously after having done an initial configuration of the camera via app

[@davidlei6930]

Yes, of course you can continue to store to the SD card when the WiFi is disconnected.

[@kinocchio]

Just purchased 2 of these on discount on Amazon. Will set them up tomorrow. It's replacing the old C110 cameras which I had under the eves. 😅

[@ddemier]

How do you like them

[@kinocchio]

@@ddemier very happy .. huge upgrade in video quality and being able to rotate the camera is cool ..

[@erwinjasonlim9395]

Hello.. anyone know any outdoor solar camera with 2 way audio? Any tapo with that setup?

[@HUTIENLAN]

I installed one on my yard. However, the power cable design is simply a short cable without any protections. It could be easily unplugged by anyone and your camera would shut down immediately. Any good suggestions?

[@sjurkt]

Hi, I totally agree with u. This is a bit stupid solution with this powercableplug. Either u have to have an outlet high on the wall not reachable from ground or u have to an outlet that's r lockable. Where I come from norway u can get some lockable poweroutlet think they have that in other places too. But even then it's a bit vulnerable since u can just drag the cable apart from each other or just cut it over. The powercable itself should have been better designed and thicker corded with a steelwire protection around the be more secure. And the two cables should have some kind of screw connection also to prevent easy unplugged be anyone. What I have done is that I used some gaffatape on the cable joint itself and to secure the whole cable I used a bit stronger waterhose around. But it should have been produced better and smarter from the producer. Also be aware that the power cable plug it's not watersafe allthough they call the cam ip66 proof. But if u place power plug in a moisture rich or rainwater rich area it can shortcircuit so either install that power plug in a dry area or connect it to at least a ip44 proof outlet I think. If u use it outside in garden connected to a extension cord u can use a ip44 proof or better box to connect powerplug so it doesn't shortcircuit.

[@tomd4748]

You don’t think it’ll record whomever walked up to unplug it? I’m sure it has an internal battery, too, and doesn’t just power off when unplugged. That’s a lot of concerns for stuff that has like a 2% chance of occurring.

[@ferotakis]

You can buy a nuclear power plant then reverse engeneer the cable connection and burry it undergroud so no one can touch it . Then u will have 24/7 working cheap home surv camera :) If that sounds hard you can pay for professional surv service where they install cables inside armored kevlar paths which cost like 2999,99$ for linear metter

[@everythingdesign]

When the patrol mode is ON, can it track a person?

[@mr3q878]

請問這台可以連接DVR或NVR主機錄影嗎?

[@sirajahmad5693]

Does it have to way audio functionality in it ? Please some one answer me

[@fragil7251]

Here’s what I wonder can you have view silmultaneously like the Wyze does

[@abhinashkashyap9647]

Sir what is the difference between tapo c510 w and tapo 520 ws ??

[@lekshmireghunath3190]

Will it record footage even if the camera shows offline?

[@djbradster]

Great review! I've got some other Tapo cams and I have a couple questions: Does this (or the C510W) do Alexa motion alerts like other Tapos do. I LOVE this feature and not many cams do it. Currently using Wyze for this but quite frankly they suck. Also, do these suffer from the same limitation as other Tapos that only allow two viewing/recording devices at one time? Thanks!

[@sjurkt]

Which other tapo do u use? On c310 and C320WS 2.0 u can watch up until 32cams at same time I think because I have used 3 of 32 at same time.. Use the + symbol in the app and add cams to splitscreen.

[@lucasrodriguez1923]

Tapo 500 vs Cruiser 2? What do you think?

[@DrMD98]

Which is better tapo 325 colour pro or 520 ws

[@iamragewhale]

Does this work with synology surveillance station?

[@RobbiRocks]

From the 7 min mark, the audio was so crackly and jumpy before&after ever move. The rest is great, is this set up round the $500 mark?

[@sallubhai-jr7fc]

Which camera is best tapo c520 vs c540

[@szicsu]

Hello, how can you download the recordings from the SD card and copy them to your phone? (or to a computer)

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@szicsu]

@@LifeHackster How????

[@LifeHackster]

@@szicsu go to playback and download -> 3 dots and download.

[@Supafly6420]

Thanks for the review.

[@ericmulcahey1]

Can you do t mobile internet and cameras that are compatible?

[@renzcorpuz8607]

Is the camera consume a large amount of wifi/data if you connect it to the internet 24/7 a month? I am planning to connect this camera to my limited subscribed data plan.

[@LifeHackster]

Nope. It records locally for 24/7 recording. (cloud recording-motion events only). You will only use internet when you are accessing the camera.

[@renzcorpuz8607]

@@LifeHackster and also, how many days of recording with my 512gb microSD card? (I know it is already a loop)? is it ok with other brands of microSD cards too?

[@Redneck_Ed]

@@renzcorpuz8607 I have a Tapo C120 set for the 2K resolution and 24/7 recording and I get about 4 days of video on a 64GB card. That should give you an idea of how much you'd get with a 512GB card.

[@amargaikwad]

Could you please compare it with Ezviz H8C 4MP and make a video

[@hondakorn]

Nice camera. The only downside to Tapo camera is that you can’t record to sd and use onvif simultaneously.

[@Redneck_Ed]

You can record to SD and simultaneously use an RTSP feed to an NVR or NAS though. Works great.

[@hondakorn]

@@Redneck_Ed good to know, TY!!

[@1000gregory4]

N anyone recommend a White junction nox that i can screw this on to rather than having a seperate junction box please?

[@MooAlrahmo]

Can i install more than one camera in the same app?

[@konstantinos000]

yes you can install multiple cameras in the same app. You can also share with your family members so they all get notifications.

[@MoBSteR-97]

Guys I have person detection on and smart mode on, night mode is on and it detects and follows me but no light turns on, manually the light works fine and also full-color mode works fine, its just the smart mode that i have a problem with, before i mounted it i checked everything and it was working fine, i think i must have messed something in the settings but i cant find anything wrong. any ideas?

[@jcm9698]

I understand that the Tapo cameras with network connectors can connect to an NVR, what NVR is best for their cameras?

[@LifeHackster]

Wired Tapo cams have ethernet ports but mostly for wired connection to your network (they are not PoE cams) and not really for NVR. Tapo doesn't make NVR yet for their cameras. They have a hub but mostly for their compatible battery cams.

[@raedwa8729]

أيهما أفضل هذه الكاميرا أو imou cruiser??

[@artieartya]

How did they release this product with this god-awful audio choppy and static zero noise cancellation? Do they test their products before they release them to the public?

[@LifeHackster]

This audio is actually like this because of their noise cancellation.

[@h.m.2434]

@@LifeHackster have they said when the color pro version of this will be available?

[@s7aaa7]

Needs to come the newer version c525wb I don’t know when! I have this c520ws. Is all right but is not that greatest the tracking motion after recording and you watch the video is glitching moving so slow and sometimes is not catching all the moves!

[@johnarisdeang2479]

same observation too much of the noise cancellation. I can barely hear the audio for this model. C110, C210 and C310 has the best microphone in my opinion.

[@johnarisdeang2479]

@@LifeHackster I hope TAPO can have an update to remove the noise cancellation feature. I kept on sending feedback via Tapo App to have an option to have this NC be turned off and should sound like the C110, C210 or C310 audio. BTW I love the way you review the products you upload very detailed.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you L.H.

[@LifeHackster]

Very welcome

[@SheilaMaoMao]

Do you offer a discount code for this ?