Tapo’s new 4K security cams can capture sequential images 24/7
Tapo is showing off a slew of new security cameras, including its first 4K and dual-lens models, and among their standout features is a mode that can continuously capture images all day and all night—and crucially, no subscription is required. A wireless base station with built-in video storage is on tap, too.
The top-of-the-line MagCam 4K ($129.99, or $349.99 for a 3-pack) is just one of nine new cameras that TP-Link-owned Tapo is rolling out, with the battery-powered cam boasting 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution; a 134-degree field of view; starlight color night vision; AI-powered person pet, and vehicle detection; a magnetic wall mount; and up to 512GB of local storage via a user-provided microSD card.
The Tapo MagCam 4K (seen here with its optional solar panel) can snap images up to once per second.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
That feature mix also includes Tapo’s “continuous capture” mode, which can take snapshots at intervals ranging from every minute to once per second, with the camera automatically upping its frame rate when motion is detected.
The continuous-capture mode allows for 24/7 coverage, although it does so at the expense of battery life. Typically, the MagCam 4K’s 10,000mAh battery offers up to 100 days of power on a single charge. With continuous capture mode enabled, that battery life estimate drops to 25 days when snapshots are captured at 5-second intervals, or just 8 days with 1-second snapshots.
Using the camera with its optional solar panel (a kit that includes the cam plus the panel goes for $149.99) changes that equation somewhat, with Tapo estimating that 100 daily minutes of direct sunlight will allow the panel to keep the camera running when it’s snapping an image a second, while 45 minutes of sunlight could be enough for 5-second intervals. If you do need to bring the camera in for charging via its USB-C port, the magnetic base makes it easy to detach the cam from its mount.
The MagCam 4K’s magnetic mount makes it easy to detach the camera when its battery needs recharging.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Tapo’s continuous capture mode might sound familiar to Ring users, who have the manufacturer’s Snapshot Capture feature at their disposal. Like Tapo’s continuous capture mode, Ring’s Snapshot Capture can continuously capture images at regular intervales—up to one snapshot every 3 seconds in Ring’s case—and those snapshots are used to fill out the gaps in a Ring user’s event timeline.
The big differentiators are price and resolution: Ring’s Snapshot Capture feature requires (at a minimum) subscribing to the Ring Basic plan, which costs $4.99 a month per camera, whereas Tapo’s continuous-capture mode is free. Indeed, none of the features on Tapo’s new security cameras are stuck behind a paywall, although the brand does offer paid cloud storage for those who want it. And, of course, Ring’s best security cameras offer only up to 2K resolution.
Tapo’s continuous-capture feature isn’t restricted to the MagCam 4K; it’s also offered on the outdoor-capable Tapo VistaCam 360, a pan-and-tilt model with a 105-degree field of view, AI motion detection with auto-tracking, and a solar panel that’s integrated into the wall mount.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Other models in Tapo’s new 4K camera line include the wired RoomCam 360 ($59.99), an indoor pan-and-tilt camera that can detect suspicious sounds (read my hands-on impressions of the RoomCam), and the wired version of the VistaCam 360 ($99.99).
Besides its just-released 4K camera, Tapo is unleashing a range of affordable “hybrid” security cams, including its first dual-lens model.
The indoor/outdoor Tapo HybridCam Duo ($69.99) boasts two lenses: a fixed 2K lens with a 125-degree field of view, and a PTZ 6mm telephoto lens. The lenses can be aimed at two different areas for a panoramic view, or they can be linked, allowing the pan/tilt lens to track any motion detected by the fixed lens.
The Tapo HybridCam has a fixed 2K lens and a pan-and-tilt 6mm telescopic lens.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
As with the pricier MagCam 4K, the HybridCam Duo boasts color night vision, although it lacks the former’s starlight sensor. On-device and AI-powered motion detection (including person, pet, and vehicle detection) is on the menu, as is the ability to detect such sounds as babies crying, barking dogs, meowing cats, and breaking glass.
Tapo is also offering the step-down, single-lens HybridCam 360 in three configurations: one with 3K resolution ($49.99), another with 2K resolution ($34.99, or a 2-pack for $65.99) and a third with 1080p resolution ($29.99). All of those cams are pan-and-tilt models with IP65 ratings for outdoor operation, color night vision, and on-device AI motion detection.
All of the just-unveiled security cameras will work with Tapo’s new HomeBase smart hub, which first debuted back at CES 2025.
The Tapo HomeBase connects to up to 16 cameras and boasts 16GB of built-in eMMC storage, which is expandable to 16TB with a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Capable of connecting to up to 16 cameras and 64 of Tapo’s sub-gigahertz sensors, as well as ONVIF- and Matter-compatible devices, the HomeBase ($149.99) doubles as a tablet dock and offers 16GB of local eMMC storage that can be expanded up to 16TB by adding a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD.
This news article is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best security cameras.
With the HomeBase connected, you’ll be able to view up to four live camera feeds at a time on a tablet, while an HDMI port allows for connecting a monitor.
The Tapo HomeBase doubles as a tablet dock.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
With the exception of the 3K HybridCam 360, all of Tapo’s new cameras and the hub are available now; the 3K resolution HybridCam is due for release in July.
