TP-Link Tapo C120 4MP/2K+ Indoor Wi-Fi Camera

I started my home security system some 3 years ago with Xiaomi cameras from PB Tech, the Tapo C120 is a such a big upgrade from my current system, that I have already purchased 2 more. I have now been using them for over 2 weeks now, and have not been disappointed.
Pros:
1. IP66 rated so is suitable for outdoor use, the microSD slot is covered by a rubber bung, and the USB-C port has a very snug fit to kept out moisture.
2. Long 3 meter USB cable is supplied together with a power supply
3. Has 2 led spotlights that are motion detecting, great to double as a porch light
4. MicroSD card storage up to 512Gb, which is a lot !
5. Separate AI moti...view more I started my home security system some 3 years ago with Xiaomi cameras from PB Tech, the Tapo C120 is a such a big upgrade from my current system, that I have already purchased 2 more. I have now been using them for over 2 weeks now, and have not been disappointed.
Pros:
1. IP66 rated so is suitable for outdoor use, the microSD slot is covered by a rubber bung, and the USB-C port has a very snug fit to kept out moisture.
2. Long 3 meter USB cable is supplied together with a power supply
3. Has 2 led spotlights that are motion detecting, great to double as a porch light
4. MicroSD card storage up to 512Gb, which is a lot !
5. Separate AI motion detection for vehicles, persons, dogs, general motion , boundary intrusion
6. Able to select multiple detection zones, eg for vehicle detection, can exclude vehicles along the main road, and only record vehicles coming down my driveway.
7. Alarm mode has siren and flashing led lights
8. Has Starlight colour technology lens which extends colour vision which is better than the naked eye
9. Compact size with magnetic mount, also very suitable for indoor use.
10. 2K QHD camera has higher resolution than 1080P
11. It says 2 year warranty on the box
Cons:
- Magnetic mount means it could be easily stolen if within reach
- Small compact size means it doesn't look robust if mounted in a prominent outdoor position (solved by upgrading to Tapo C310WS with similar features)
Conclusion:
Recording only with the smart AI detection of objects is far superior to the old dumb motion detection(eg on a windy day the moving tree branches means it was recording far too much)
So outdoor suitability and smart AI detection are streets ahead of the competition !!!
A recommended purchase.

I bought 3 of these with memory cards as a security measure that I can take with me when we move house.
It costs nothing to run if relying on the plug-in memory card - although I run the risk of the camera being stolen and losing the footage of the event. There is the optional cloud service as an alternative. This is only a deterrent. If you consider cutting the power would disable the camera's usb power input you realise that outwitting a determined intruder would be very hard to do on a budget.

The night vision is very good but even through a window the picture isn't bad (you can set the camera's lights to remain off to avoid reflection...view more I bought 3 of these with memory cards as a security measure that I can take with me when we move house.
It costs nothing to run if relying on the plug-in memory card - although I run the risk of the camera being stolen and losing the footage of the event. There is the optional cloud service as an alternative. This is only a deterrent. If you consider cutting the power would disable the camera's usb power input you realise that outwitting a determined intruder would be very hard to do on a budget.

The night vision is very good but even through a window the picture isn't bad (you can set the camera's lights to remain off to avoid reflections). You'll struggle to read a number plate at 18 to 20m distance through a window at night.

Options let you record only at certains times or events to improve storage and you can get alerts to the mobile app too. It doesn't always distinguish pets / people / vehicles / movement correctly but sensitivity is adjustable for each (although alerts and recording trigger with the same sensistivity.)

The worst feature is that It lacks the ability to disable alerts temporarily.

Can’t believe how easy these Tapo cameras are to set up!! Now have 4 cameras and they all link to the one app, can sync together for easy use.
This outdoor camera is great for the price, day and night mode with a bright LED light for night use. Can’t believe how easy these Tapo cameras are to set up!! Now have 4 cameras and they all link to the one app, can sync together for easy use.
This outdoor camera is great for the price, day and night mode with a bright LED light for night use.

Fantastic camera, performs well!! Fantastic camera, performs well!!

This is a great little camera that is easy to install and operate This is a great little camera that is easy to install and operate

Awesome camera good image. Awesome camera good image.

Great video quality and price waterproof and even has different detections Great video quality and price waterproof and even has different detections

Where do you put this camera? I think that is the first question you need to carefully consider before anything else.

This is an outdoor camera, but draws power from a DC Power Adapter (similar to your USB phone charger) and comes with a 3m cable. Therefore you need to find somewhere to plug the charger and connect the cable all the way to outside. Drill a hole? Through a gap of some sort?

Keep in mind that the spotlights and IR lights WILL NOT work behind a plane of glass at night due to reflection, so you cannot set the camera indoor and point it outside behind a window.

This review is not a knock against C120, because it is a FANTAST...view more Where do you put this camera? I think that is the first question you need to carefully consider before anything else.

This is an outdoor camera, but draws power from a DC Power Adapter (similar to your USB phone charger) and comes with a 3m cable. Therefore you need to find somewhere to plug the charger and connect the cable all the way to outside. Drill a hole? Through a gap of some sort?

Keep in mind that the spotlights and IR lights WILL NOT work behind a plane of glass at night due to reflection, so you cannot set the camera indoor and point it outside behind a window.

This review is not a knock against C120, because it is a FANTASTIC camera. Great build quality, the magnetic metal stand is great). Good resolutions even at night. Easy to setup detection and lots of options. And no recurring subscription required!

Highly recommended if the above installation limitations do not affect you.

Or you just plan to use it indoor :)

It's more clear that the C520ws, and being magnetic means no holes drilled, I might have to get a few more of these.

Only downfall is they run on a C-Type cord and only supplied about 3mtrs. Other tapo products supply a 12v dc cord which u can buy extensions for. It's more clear that the C520ws, and being magnetic means no holes drilled, I might have to get a few more of these.

Only downfall is they run on a C-Type cord and only supplied about 3mtrs. Other tapo products supply a 12v dc cord which u can buy extensions for.

Very good , compare Eufy this tapo is very good .
More software option. Very good , compare Eufy this tapo is very good .
More software option.

Works great for its price. Great night quality and customisable depending on your notification preferences. Really easy to install - has the option to drill into wall or just stick it in. We're buying again for our outdoor spaces! Works great for its price. Great night quality and customisable depending on your notification preferences. Really easy to install - has the option to drill into wall or just stick it in. We're buying again for our outdoor spaces!