TP-Link Tapo C200 Honest Review: More Than Just A Security Camera

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What is Tapo C200 home camera? By the way, have you ever tried calling your spouse at home only to be met with silence? Maybe they’re deep into housework, studying, or just enjoying quiet time with their phone on silent. It’s frustrating, right? You have something important (or even just funny) to share, but they’re just… unavailable. That’s exactly what used to happen in my home.

My wife, juggling household tasks, lesson planning, and post-graduate studies, often left her phone in another room. I’d call, text, and even send a funny meme, only to get a delayed response hours later. It wasn’t about ignoring me… she was just busy. But that didn’t stop me from feeling a little disconnected at times.

The TP-Link Tapo C200, a smart security camera that ended up being much more than just a way to monitor our home. We bought it for security but soon discovered it could double as an intercom, a video chat device, and even a fun way to share moments in real-time. And let me tell you, it has changed how we communicate at home for the better!

Why We Love the TP-Link Tapo C200

It is a smart security camera that offers more than just surveillance. Also, it allows us to communicate in real-time using our smartphones and the Tapo app. Some of the reasons why we love this camera are the following;

1080p Full HD Video. This camera records every image in crystal-clear 1080p definition. Thus, it lets us see every detail on my smartphone or tablet. The video quality is also good in low-light conditions.
Pan and Tilt Function. Also, it has a 360-degree horizontal and 114-degree vertical range. Hence, we can cover a wide area of our living room, bedroom, or office with just one camera (in each location). We can also control the camera’s movement using the Tapo app on our phones.
Motion Detection and Notifications. It has a built-in motion sensor detects any movement in its field of view. Additionally, it sends us an alert on our phone with a video clip of the event. We can customize the motion zones and sensitivity settings to reduce false alarms and focus on the areas that most matter to us.
Two-Way Audio. It has a built-in microphone and speaker that allow us to talk to each other through the Tapo app. You can also use this feature to scare away unwanted visitors or intruders by triggering a sound and light alarm on the camera.
Safe Storage. It supports microSD cards up to 128 GB (not included), which can store up to 384 hours (16 days) of footage locally. So, we don’t have to pay cloud storage fees or worry about privacy issues. We can access and playback the recorded videos anytime on the Tapo app or download them to our phones or computers.
Voice Control. This camera works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (not available in all languages and countries). We can use voice commands to control the camera’s functions, such as turning it on or off, changing its position, or viewing its live stream on our display devices.

Based on our experience with the TP-Link Tapo C200 Network Wi-Fi Camera, some of the pros and cons that we found are as follows:

Pros

Easy to set up and use. It has a quick start guide that walks you through the installation process. All you need is a power outlet, a Wi-Fi network, and the Tapo app on your phone. The app is also very user-friendly and intuitive. It allows you to control all the camera’s settings and features from your phone.
Affordable price. The camera is very reasonably priced compared to similar products on the market. For less than $50, you get a high-quality camera that offers many features and functions that enhance your home security and convenience.
Compatible with smart devices. It works well with other devices such as Alexa, Google Assistant, smart plugs, smart bulbs, etc. This camera helps me to create routines and scenes that automate my home security and comfort.
It does have a cloud storage service called Tapo Care. With Tapo Care, you can enjoy features such as a 30-day cloud video history, rich notifications with snapshots, and AI detection.

Cons

No zoom function. It does not have a zoom function, which means you cannot zoom in or out on any part of the video. Thus, it might be an issue if you want to see more details or get a closer look at something in the video.
No battery backup. This camera relies on AC power to operate, which means it will stop working if there is a power outage or someone unplugs it. A battery backup would be helpful to keep the camera running in emergencies.

How Do We Use It?

The TP-Link Tapo C200 has made our communication easier and more enjoyable. Some of the ways we use this camera are as follows:

First, we use it as an intercom when we need to talk to each other quickly and conveniently. For example, on my way home from work, I can call my wife through the camera and ask her if she needs anything from the store.
Next, as a video chat device to see each other’s faces and have more conversation. I can video call my wife when I’m not at home or working late.
Third, as a surveillance camera to keep our home safe. When we’re away on vacation or visiting our relatives, we can check on our house through the camera and see if everything is okay. Or when we hear a strange noise or notice something suspicious, we can check on the camera and see what’s happening.
Lastly, as a fun and creative device to have fun and make memories. For instance, when we feel playful or silly, we can take selfies or videos with the camera and share them with each other.

The TP-Link Tapo C200 was more than just a camera-keeping watch. It’s like that handy little tool you didn’t know you needed but now can’t imagine living without. Sure, it’s security, but it’s also those quick “hello” moments with family, a way to check in without interrupting, and just a general feeling of being a bit more connected.

For what it costs and how easy it is to use, it’s a real winner. If you’ve been thinking about adding a little peace of mind (and a bit of connection) to your home, this camera is worth a serious look. It’s the kind of thing that just makes life a little smoother. Ready to see how the Tapo C200 can change your home life? Check out your future home camera and make extra home connections. Voila! Until next time!

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