As the title says it’s very easy to set these cameras up. Connect the hub to your router, sync the cameras, mount, and done. It’s that simple. Being a TP-Link product, I am not surprised as to how well built they are. Solid construction, sturdy mounts, and completely weather resistant. If that wasn’t enough the picture quality is amazing.
Let’s go a little deeper now, the setup is similar to quality a few others on the market, The hub supplies to internet connection to the cameras. This make setting the cameras up very simple, because all you have to do is sync them with the Hub. The hub has about 30ft range for the most reliable connection to the cameras. In my use, one of my cameras are around 40ft with multiple walls in between, and for the most part I don’t have any issues with it. Out of the box, it’s highly recommended you charge the cameras. I didn’t initially do it, since they were around 50%. Within a few days they were dead and I had to charge them anyway. I didn’t have high hopes at that point. Since charging them, they have been running for about 20 days on battery and currently sitting at 96%, so yea, charge them out of the box.
The Spot lights on the cameras are okay but I found the night vision view to be much better without the need of the spot lights. The hub is also where the SD card would be install, as the cameras detect motion events they, will record to the SD card for local storage, no need to worry about your data being peeked at. There is an option for cloud storage, but I didn’t have a need to use it. The Tapo app itself is well designed and easy to use.
If I had to give any negative marks, the big one would be that the hub HAS to be connected with an ethernet cable. So if your modem and router are in one corner of the house, you may not be able to place the cameras exactly where you want. If the Hub also had a WiFi Option it could be placed more centrally and because it’s small, it wouldn’t be in the way. Centrally locating the hub would give you more flexibility in where you can place the cameras. The Hub also has a nifty doorbell chime you can activate in app. This really doesn’t help much since there’s no button included to be able to trigger it. Even if it was just a basic battery powered button similar to what wireless doorbells use. You can use it in an event that you want a doorbell, but can’t have a camera at the door, in let say an Apt building, or office building. The batteries as great as they are, limit you to how high you can mount the cameras. Eventually you’ll need to remove the battery, or take the camera down to charge it. If there was a wired power option, it would broaden where they can be placed, and would even allow them to be a set and forget it setup.
Even with those cons, I would still highly recommend these cameras to anyone that wants a simple security camera setup and don’t mind the once in a while charging. The cameras show the battery % right in the window of the app, so if you monitor them frequently you’ll never worry about them being dead.
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
|---|---|
| Compatible Devices | iPhone, Tablet, Smartphone, Android |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Controller Type | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Android |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4MP |
| Color | White |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Included Components | Tapo C420 Cameras (Battery Included), Tapo H200 Hub, USB Adapter, USB Adapter Cable, DC Power Adapter, Mounting Screws, Mounting Templates, Camera Brackets, Quick Start Guide, RJ45, Ethernet Cable |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi, Sub 1G |
| Form Factor | Bullet |
| Installation Type | Screw In |
| Night Vision Range | 49 Feet |
| Frame Rate | 15fps, 20fps |
| Wattage | 5.4 watts |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 4.35 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 330 Grams |
| Shape | cylinderical |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Field Of View | 113 Degrees |
| Low light technology | Starlight |
| Zoom Type | Digital Zoom |
| Alert Type | Audio and Motion |
| Room Type | Garage |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Specific Uses For Product | Outdoor Use |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Effective Still Resolution | 4 MP |
| International Protection Rating | IP65 |
| Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 4 MP |
| Control Method | App |
| UPC | 840030708053 |
| Manufacturer | TP-Link |
| Part Number | TAPO C420S2 |
| Item Weight | 11.6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.35 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
| Item model number | Tapo C420S2 |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Style | 2-Camera System |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Local Recording, 2 Way Audio, Night Vision, Built In Light, Image Sensor |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Ion |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |
