TP-Link Launches New 4K Security Cameras and HomeBase Hub

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TP-Link has unveiled a new range of security cameras under its Tapo smart home brand, featuring 4K capabilities for outdoor use and a variety of affordable pan-and-tilt cameras suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The company is also introducing its Tapo HomeBase H500 central hub, which was first showcased at CES 2024. This hub enhances the functionality of Tapo cameras by providing facial recognition and expanded local storage options. The HomeBase will serve as a Matter controller, enabling users to integrate non-Tapo devices into the Tapo app.

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The newly launched products are available for purchase at Amazon and TP-Link’s site. They include an upgrade to the battery-powered Tapo MagCam series,, which now offers 4K 8MP resolution video and Starlight color night vision, allowing for clearer images in low-light conditions. The lineup features a standard camera priced at $149.99, the Tapo MagCam 4K Solar (C460), and a pan-tilt variant priced at $169.99, the Tapo VistaCam 360 Solar (C660).

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Both models come equipped with solar power integrated into their mounting systems and are capable of recording continuously on battery power—an uncommon feature among battery-operated cameras. David Lux, marketing director at TP-Link, stated, \”We achieved the 24/7 continuous recording at a lower frame rate. It records in lower quality while nothing is happening, switching to higher quality when motion is detected.\”

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According to TP-Link, these cameras can record for up to 55 days on a single charge by utilizing an adjustable frame rate to conserve energy. They require as little as 45 minutes of sunlight daily on the solar panel to maintain full power.

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A wired version of the VistaCam, priced at $99.99, supports on-device facial recognition and offers 24/7 recording at 25 frames per second (FPS).

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All new Tapo cameras provide options for local recording to a microSD card (sold separately), to the Tapo Cloud, or to the new HomeBase. They also feature free AI-powered smart alerts for pets, people, and vehicles, which are processed directly on the device. The pan-tilt models support auto-tracking for pets, vehicles, and people.

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Additionally, Tapo has introduced a new 4K-capable plug-in indoor pan-tilt camera, the Tapo RoomCam360 (C260), priced at $59.99. This model supports 24/7 recording to an SD card or the HomeBase, offers 360-degree horizontal coverage, and includes a physical privacy shutter. It also features smart alerts for people, pets, and vehicles, as well as noise detection for sounds such as a baby crying, glass breaking, or pets making noise, according to Lux.

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For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the new Tapo HybridCams series includes a line of 2K-capable plug-in cameras starting at $30. These cameras are weatherproof, feature pan-tilt capabilities, and come with a multi-mount design that allows for versatile placement on surfaces or mounting on walls or ceilings.

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The $69.99 model is particularly noteworthy, featuring dual-lens 2K 3MP cameras. One lens is a 360-degree pan-tilt with a 6mm telephoto lens, while the other is a fixed lens with a 125-degree field of view, allowing it to cover wide areas while zooming in on specific details. The Duo model includes synchronized smart tracking, enabling the pan-tilt lens to follow objects detected by the fixed lens. A 4K, solar-powered version was announced at CES this year, but there is currently no indication of when it will be launched.

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The HybridCam series also includes three single-camera options, starting at $29.99 for 1080p resolution, $34.99 for 2K, and $49.99 for 3K resolution. These models are all pan-tilt with auto-tracking and free AI-powered detection for people and sounds. The two higher-priced cameras add features for pet and vehicle detection.

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Tapo’s New Hub Matters

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As previously mentioned, all cameras offer the option for local storage via a microSD card or through the new $149.99 Tapo HomeBase (H500) HomeBase. This triangular hub features a built-in tablet mount (tablet not included) and adds 16GB of local storage for cameras, which can be expanded with an external hard drive up to 16TB.

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Tapo states that the HomeBase can manage up to 16 Tapo cameras and is compatible with ONVIF-compatible cameras. When connected to the HomeBase, all Tapo cameras gain local facial recognition capabilities.

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Users can connect a tablet to the stand, keep it powered via a USB port, and utilize it as a camera viewing device, displaying up to four live views simultaneously. Alternatively, the HomeBase can be connected to a TV via its HDMI port. With a built-in microphone and speaker, the HomeBase can function as an intercom for Tapo cameras and video doorbells.

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The HomeBase serves as a hub for Tapo’s sub-gig sensors and supports Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices, allowing it to function as a Matter controller. This capability enables it to connect and control Matter-compatible Tapo smart home devices, as well as integrate Matter devices from other brands into the Tapo app. This integration is expected to allow users to utilize Tapo’s

Sources:

• Tapo C560WS
• Tapo HybridCam Duo (C246D)