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

Today, we are going to review the Tapo C520WS - this is a wired 2K Quad HD Outdoor PTZ WIFI Security Camera that has motion tracking. We will check out its features, unbox it, set it up and do the install and check out its video quality day and night and do our usual testing and see if this Tapo C520 WS is a good option for your home security camera needs.
Shop: (Paid Link)
Tapo 2K QHD PT Camera - geni.us/C520WS
00:00 Features
01:23 Unboxing
02:23 Setup
03:01 Installation
03:40 Settings
06:12 Video Quality
08:27 Testing
#lifehackster #tplink #tapo
🛒🛒LH Amazon Shop - www.amazon.com/shop/lifehackster
🎥My Camera/Studio Gear - kit.co/lifehackster/video-cre...
➡️Don't forget to sign up for notifications @ lifehackster.com
- enter your email on the right upper corner - Join Notification List
Lifehackster is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program & Brand's Affiliate Program, which are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com or brands' website.

[@dushan9392]

Great video, well made and very informative.

[@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!

[@BUY_YOUTUB_VIEWS_679]

I can see the progress in your videos!

[@Darren-vh5lk]

Great review... sold!

[@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!

[@mikebedford4362]

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

[@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.

[@jbaby4899]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you L.H.

[@LifeHackster]

Very welcome

[@markusr1308]

Can I hook up to a standard dvr via wifi? Or does this camera only connect to the app and/or specific products?

[@delosmark18]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@efrenmuniz2692]

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

[@user-hs5vo5xf9d]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Olina911]

What is the Field of view on the lens itself without camera moving. I want to know how much of the coverage my garden will get when camera is not moving.

[@ROS3NROT]

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

[@MajorV]

I got a few tapo cams running, good for catching the latest news from the marites of the barangay. The tech that installed my analog cctv system (yeah, got analog and the tapo cams, to monitor not only the house but the Malligator dogs too) told me that you can do a PoE even with the tapo cam

[@SmaugMedia]

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

[@PhilipDaniel19]

can i use it while away from home???? like on school?

[@iamragewhale]

Does this work with synology surveillance station?

[@robertoghinato5754]

Big Thumb up! nice job! Ciao

[@Stabolis]

can it still record when i exit the app?

[@aCon97]

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?

[@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?

[@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.

[@abhinashkashyap9647]

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

[@jhonninocastro8294]

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

[@jelcroospockt]

Can i use this camera without wi-fi connection? i need it for a remote area

[@sallubhai-jr7fc]

Which camera is best tapo c520 vs c540

[@ericmulcahey1]

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

[@kristijanosman]

Greetings from Croatia. The price of this camera in Croatia is approx75 euros. Do you think this camera is the best in terms of price and quality? Which camera do you recommend for up to 100 euros?

[@myblkz]

got any tips on making my videos stop skipping when i play them back? already on a guest wifi instead on the main wifi

[@darkkforest]

This one has a very smooth pan motor.

[@lucasrodriguez1923]

Tapo 500 vs Cruiser 2? What do you think?

[@fragil7251]

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

[@simon2823]

Thanks for the review made a purchase of this C520WS camera recently. managed to get a PoE Splitter (PoE to 5v/9v/12v) working with it too so only need a PoE ethernet cable to be routed around the house to the splitter box. The FPS can go to 30 fps and not 25 fps if you set the frequency to 60hz btw what's the difference between v1 and v1.6 of this model?

[@davidkoy]

Really? Can you confirm this camera supports POE?

[@simon2823]

@@davidkoy it supports PoE with a PoE Splitter

[@davidkoy]

@@simon2823 Thanks!

[@DrMD98]

Which is better tapo 325 colour pro or 520 ws

[@amargaikwad]

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

[@everythingdesign]

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

[@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

[@gianlucacentolanza3525]

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

[@Dani-zg7fr]

Yes

[@mr3q878]

請問這台可以連接DVR或NVR主機錄影嗎?

[@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?

[@manojkumarp2798]

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

[@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.

[@s7aaa7]

Night vision is better and day too! But is ghosting:) I have this camera and c320ws

[@SheilaMaoMao]

Do you offer a discount code for this ?

[@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 ..

[@hondakorn]

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

[@vynasaminadan6889]

Can this work without Internet connection?

[@tanweychong5289]

Why my one tapo c520ws if zooming see car number plate not clear, even detect human face also not clear, why like this

[@woulung]

good video

[@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.

[@noelmagbanua5706]

How much? Is this wireless.or need WiFi

[@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.

[@frfrank5862]

Reolink Track Mix POE would be a better buy than this one?

[@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.

[@onemannation4321]

Its good but is 1080 p the only i like about it is the way of mounting but i prefer to get aosu 360 pan tilt 2k cam cost less money and is 2k

[@LifeHackster]

It is 2k or quad HD.

[@smmhatre1]

Sorry to mention that no service or warranty is being available by tapo or seller Amazon

[@Redgascan]

Anytime there is feature that is held back unless you pay, I'm not interested.

[@LifeHackster]

The rich notification feature is one thing that needs a server to upload the snapshots to the cloud temporarily. Some companies like Eufy does this for free but those snapshots does use up server space and server costs for these companies.

[@Redgascan]

I get it and so does eufy. I enjoy your channel. Thanks.

[@BM-dl2qz]

Their cameras should have option to turn on siren manually

[@chrisley15]

It can be done on the app. Just tap the alarm icon to turn the siren on/off manually.

[@zuhairhlayel]

🌹👍👏🌹

[@youtuberdriver]

So strange that sometimes detect peoples sometimes not.

[@CountDankula0]

Video quality seems poor for 2k resolution

[@dannylira11]

Tracking was nice and smooth but i thought the quality of the video wad poor. Wasn’t impressed with clarity of your sign and nighttime video seemed very grainy. Hoping the color pro is much better as this camera was overall disappointing

[@moham13]

Lot of ghosting😢

[@dirtyweapons3459]

Reolink 823A still better than this one.

[@soiledhalo2296]

Different price point though.

[@-doughnuthole-]

🤣 You can't be serious

[@moham13]

Tapo are shit Ive probably bought 10 of there cameras and returned them😢

[@rogershark9223]

Idk why there are so many haters for tapo I've had way more problems with wyze

[@guyaldrich5878]

I have 6 of them with no problems ,what problems are you having ?

[@fragil7251]

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