Watching over what matters to us most is in our nature. Parents look after their family’s safety and welfare. Entrepreneurs keep tabs on their businesses and investments. For a homeowner, it’s making sure everything back at home is in order. Thankfully, wherever you are in the world, and at any time of the day, the TP-Link Tapo C211 is there to see it through.
The Tapo C211 Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera is a reliable home network surveillance device that you can easily operate via the Tapo app. Inside the box is the camera, a power brick with a 3-meter cable, plus a camera base and a pair of screws and mounting anchors.
No need for a monitoring station—all you’ll ever need is a smartphone or tablet with the Tapo app to access all functions and features of the device. Just set it on the desired location, power it up, login to your Tapo account, and set it up via the app.
Up, down, and all around
The Tapo C211 is equipped with a 2K 3MP high-definition camera that captures images in great detail. Videos and images can be recorded on a microSD card (up to 512GB supported), or in the cloud via the subscription-based Tapo Care cloud services.
With a 360° horizontal and a 114° vertical range, this Wi-Fi camera gives you the ability to see everything (well, almost). When motion or a person is detected, the camera’s precise tracking follows the subject. As that happens, the device automatically records footage and sends push notifications in real time.
The Tapo C211 is capable of two-way audio communication with its built-in microphone and speakers—handy for having quick conversations, or warding off potential intruders off your property. Also embedded is a Baby Crying Detection feature, as well as a Privacy Zone feature that lets you set customizable block zones to prevent private matters from being recorded.
All these work without a hitch even in darkness. Thanks to the camera’s night vision of up to 30 feet range, you will never miss a beat even in the darkest of hours.
Set and forget
Finding a place for the Tapo C211 isn’t difficult at all thanks to its diminutive size (4.6 inches tall, 3.4 inches wide). Its nondescript appearance also lets it easily blend with its environment.
For a semi-permanent fixture, the camera can be attached to the provided base, which allows the device to be detached as needed via a twist and lock system. Just remember that the camera is designed for use indoors, so make sure it’s away from the elements. It is best installed upright or upside down (just invert the camera in the settings to correct the view orientation).
Once initialized, it’s pretty much set-and-forget. The intuitive Tapo app does all the heavy lifting, leaving the end-user free to go about their day without worries. But if needed, all features are easily accessible with just a tap. The menus are streamlined, so there’s no getting lost in a maze of subfolders.
The Tapo app can also serve as your main hub for all compatible smart devices in your home network. Add to that the seamless integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and you’ve got everything for the ultimate smart home experience.
User experience
For the duration of this review, the Tapo C211 was installed outside in a covered front porch, away from direct contact with the sun and the occasional rains.
Controlling the camera via the app was a breeze. Some latency can be observed but is by no means a dealbreaker. Toying around with the camera was fun, thanks to the Tapo app, which kept everything simple and accessible in its user interface. There wasn’t also any issue reviewing recorded footage.
Functions-wise, the Tapo C211 performed well. The images are clear, including those captured in night vision.
But perhaps the most impressive was the high sensitivity of the detection system. Tracking is on point– the slightest movement triggers the sensors. The camera is able to detect and track even subjects that are partially obscured from plain view.
Knowing that the Tapo C211 functions this well inspires confidence and peace of mind that even when away, I know I’ve got a watchful buddy keeping tabs for me. It is not overly sophisticated, but it gets the job done—and that’s what matters most in a security device like this.
Speed says
For anyone who’s looking to invest in a camera security system, the TP-Link Tapo C211 is a great entry point. Loaded with lots of features out of the box, this gadget definitely deserves a spot in your smart home ecosystem. You can’t go wrong with the features it offers: a high definition camera, superb person and motion tracking, night vision, privacy options, smart home integration, and easy app operation, just to name a few.
The Tapo C211 is up for grabs for only P1,350. It’s exclusively available at PC Express stores from October 17 to November 12.
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