Analog (CCTV) security camera by TP-LINK, with standard SD image resolution. For image transmission, it connects via cable to a recording device or a monitoring screen in a closed circuit, thus allowing control of the installation area.
Its resolution makes it suitable for basic surveillance applications and it can be installed in small shops or residential areas, where image detail is not a critical factor for the security of the area.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
The camera connects via Wi-Fi network and data transmission and reception are done wirelessly without the need for additional cables.
Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can
report it here.
Camera very flexible and sensitive, very clear image, has additional LEDs for spotlights for alarm, but they do not help for better visibility at night, only the 510 and 520 have this feature, the 500 does not have it, which is the main difference between them. However, I'm telling you that it doesn't help at night to turn them on, the image does not change from black and white to color, nor can you see details if there is low lighting at night. This only helps a lot with a good image during the day
I bought it for €65 from a well-known chain of stores. For its price, it is a very good camera. It has excellent features, easy connectivity, and has been working flawlessly for 2 days now. The PTZ functions do exactly what they promise. The AI recognition does its job satisfactorily, although it requires some configuration, which is understandable. It is worth noting that I bought 3 cameras, each operating under different conditions.
The major downside for me is as follows. You can choose to view the live feed in 2K resolution through the application, and it performs well. However, once you connect a recorder to this camera, ONLY that feed will be in 2K resolution, while the live feed in the application drops to 720p. In other words, you cannot have 2 live feeds in different programs with 2K resolution, only the last connected one. However, the recorded clips remain in 2K resolution, and the videos retain significant details of the frames captured. They are quite distinguishable.
Furthermore, the AI recognition for animals does not work very well. It detects that something is moving in the area but cannot recognize it as an animal, even if you set the sensitivity to the maximum. Of course, it is mentioned that this feature is still in beta version, so I cannot consider it as important as the issue mentioned above.
In summary, for the price, they are a very tempting proposition and have very powerful features. The PTZ functions work very well, and the AI recognition is at a decent level. It still lacks in animal recognition, but it is explicitly stated that this specific feature is still in beta version. The only serious negative aspect is that you can only have a 2K live feed either on the recorder or in the application. The clips play in 2K resolution everywhere.
For this price, it is the best there is. Very good clarity both day and night. Especially at night, I am impressed by how well the infrared lights work and illuminate dark areas. 2K resolution with which you can easily recognize faces if needed. Easy connection (I did it with Wifi) with the ability for remote speaking and transmission from the camera, remote control in a large horizontal as well as vertical range. It also has an alarm function whenever you want to activate it, as well as a spotlight.
Very good camera for its price (65€).
Good image both during the day and in infrared.
I would like to be able to change the sensitivity of when it switches to IR but it's okay, a minor issue.
The lens is also very nice and wide-angle.
One issue I have noticed is that when using it wired, it has the WiFi open in AP mode to configure it as a new camera, without any key. I have not tried to see what happens if I set it up as a new camera.
I have the C310 and decided to buy this one as well, so in comparison: the C520WS has slightly wider angle coverage, a more powerful speaker (the C310's speaker is weak), more vibrant colors (the sky appears blue while in the C310 it is light blue towards white), a clearer image (it has 1 megapixel more but there is a noticeable difference).
And other features that the C310 doesn't have, such as: vehicle and pet notification selection, LED lights with adjustable brightness that make it look like daytime in color at close distances during the night, sound selection for alarm and the ability to record anything you want to be heard when the camera detects something, Frame Rate adjustment (useful for slow motion).
At the price of €69 that I bought it a few weeks ago, it is worth its money. Its strong points are the wide angle and more vibrant-clear image, good resolution, fast rotation-response, and the speaker. The only negative thing I found is that unfortunately the microphone is not as sensitive as the one in the C310, you can't easily understand speeches, it sounds like an old radio where you try to catch a station, the sound breaks and it is weaker. In the C310, you can even hear the sound of a door unlocking from the neighborhood. I don't know if it's a hardware or software issue that might be fixed in future updates.
It has a good image day and night, notifications come quickly to your mobile through the Tapo app, but the sound is terrible. You can't understand anything. The sound comes distorted and the speaker is also of poor quality. Close to €50, if you can find it, it's okay. Personally, I believe there are much better options for more money.
I have had this camera for over a month. I have installed it in Evia via ethernet. I have inserted a SIM card in the router for internet. I can say that I am completely satisfied with the image so far. When there is even a little bit of lighting from neighboring houses in the neighborhood at night, I leave the camera in daytime mode and it truly becomes night to day.