TP-Link Tapo Cameras
Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2024 8:56 pm
I've been using Amcrest wifi cameras on and off for 7 or 8 years and the wireless connection quality has always been a problem.
I finally gave up and purchased a couple of the TP-Link Tapo cameras, (2) of the C110 and (1) C120. That was (3) 2k cameras for under $100 total. There were a few users that claimed compatibility with Blue Iris, and I do see a few people here on the forum that have had some success, however not PTZ, so I got the stationary cameras. Because I'm in a rental, the C110's are mounted just inside my windows facing out, and they still work well. Although the C110 and 120 do require a power cord, I see they do have battery powered completely wireless cameras, although with continuous recording I don't see myself using those (maybe with the solar panel).
I am not affiliated with TP-Link nor did I receive any discounts in exchange for a review. That said ...
I am amazed at how easy these cameras were to set up, get connected wirelessly (to wifi mesh), stay connected reliably, and ultimately get configured with Blue Iris. With the low cost and relatively high quality of the video, I don't see myself purchasing PTZ style cameras ever again, I'd just purchase more cheap cameras to cover all the areas. As a Blue Iris user, this is the camera I've been wanting for years.
The one issue that initially threw me with setting them up with Blue Iris is that I didn't realize I had to set up a "camera account." In the Android app, after getting the camera connected via the app to my home network, I had to go into settings > advanced settings > camera account and set it up for the first camera (username and password). Once I did this with the first camera, I then linked the other 2 cameras in the same manner with the same username and password (although I think you could set up a different user/pass for each camera if you prefer). That user/pass (and IP address that I have set to always use the same IP in my router) is what I used to get the camera connected in Blue Iris. I then shut off pretty most camera features in the Tapo app and handed the control over to Blue Iris.
Anyone else have positive/negative experiences to share? I'm really curious to hear someone with their doorbell cam, they have a new one coming out shortly.
I finally gave up and purchased a couple of the TP-Link Tapo cameras, (2) of the C110 and (1) C120. That was (3) 2k cameras for under $100 total. There were a few users that claimed compatibility with Blue Iris, and I do see a few people here on the forum that have had some success, however not PTZ, so I got the stationary cameras. Because I'm in a rental, the C110's are mounted just inside my windows facing out, and they still work well. Although the C110 and 120 do require a power cord, I see they do have battery powered completely wireless cameras, although with continuous recording I don't see myself using those (maybe with the solar panel).
I am not affiliated with TP-Link nor did I receive any discounts in exchange for a review. That said ...
I am amazed at how easy these cameras were to set up, get connected wirelessly (to wifi mesh), stay connected reliably, and ultimately get configured with Blue Iris. With the low cost and relatively high quality of the video, I don't see myself purchasing PTZ style cameras ever again, I'd just purchase more cheap cameras to cover all the areas. As a Blue Iris user, this is the camera I've been wanting for years.
The one issue that initially threw me with setting them up with Blue Iris is that I didn't realize I had to set up a "camera account." In the Android app, after getting the camera connected via the app to my home network, I had to go into settings > advanced settings > camera account and set it up for the first camera (username and password). Once I did this with the first camera, I then linked the other 2 cameras in the same manner with the same username and password (although I think you could set up a different user/pass for each camera if you prefer). That user/pass (and IP address that I have set to always use the same IP in my router) is what I used to get the camera connected in Blue Iris. I then shut off pretty most camera features in the Tapo app and handed the control over to Blue Iris.
Anyone else have positive/negative experiences to share? I'm really curious to hear someone with their doorbell cam, they have a new one coming out shortly.