You should be able to setup the camera with just the HomeKit code in the Home app. That’s a requirement to work with Apple Home. But you wouldn’t get any firmware updates.
@@EricWelanderThat is what I do with my Aqara G4 Doorbell. I allow it to access my network manually every once in a while when I want to check for firmware updates.
Nice camera! I would say it compares more to the Eufy indoor cam 2K features are almost identical and the form factor is close. I have the Eufy and Aqara g2h pro both great cameras!
Glad more companies making Apple ecosystem products. I have nest, Arlo, and Eufy cameras/doorbell. For now a Eufy fan(Anker) they offer 2k, 4k cameras that work great. Interesting Apple has not really attempted other house smart systems. I love their Apple TV but it’s always on their back burner. May have to try this camera if I have a failure. Eufy app is easy and intuitive like Apple products.
thanks for the video, wondering how is the 2 way audio on this camera? my eufy indoor cant really do 2 way audio (buzz sound when audio/mic is enabled)
Can the camera work live while it's in the background and I'm doing something else on my phone? when activated via apple home kit. I currently have a xiaomi Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K Pro through which I monitor my child while he sleeps. I don't like that I have to be in the app all the time to watch live, so I'm considering buying this Tapo camera. xiaomi is a great camera, but it annoys me that I can't get out of it and monitor the camera's pictures in picture mode. In that case, do you recommend Tapo c225 or maybe these c125? Tapo c225 can be moved in tapo app, but not possible if it is used via the Apple Home Kit
Bought one right after viewing this video a couple weeks ago. It’s been solid in HomeKit. Better in every way vs my Logitech circle view. Picking up another today.
@@PlayBoyTroy do you mind telling in which state you live? I've been watching lots of videos trying to find the right cameras for homekit. I'm planning to put one on my rear door and one by the garage so they'll be outside. I saw the logitech which is recommended by apple but there's a lot of bad reviews out there
@@vboom15 Florida. Believe the reviews. Stay away from that Logitech. Mine is in perfect condition and not worth a dime because it drops from the network at random.
I’m glad you made these points because I do the same thing you are doing now And have for a little because of all the points you listed. I do all Eufy cams and watch or look at alerts from the app and use Apple home along side it for my smart bulbs and etc. Apple really needs to step it up in the secure video resolution department. Thanks for the great vids! Keep it up 👍🏻
I got the C125 on PrimeDay and replaced my Aqara G2H Pro. The video Quality in the Tapo App with 30fps and2K on is really good and better than Aqara, but when I switch to Apple Home the video quality is worse than Aqara. Any Idea why?
Home kit Connectivity with Logitech circle view is really bad. I have 3 cameras none of them work consistently and yes tried all troubleshooting tips. They just suck I thought that because apple is selling them they would work but I’ve gone through Logitech support and none of the cameras work consistently I do not recommend them anymore
I see that in the back, your HomePod mini is mounted to the wall. How did you give it power and hide your wires? If so, please, can you provide links for which you used?
Thank you, Eric. I just ordered via your link for use in my Airstream (with which I travel part-time). This will replace an Aqara Camera Hub G3, which will move to (and is more appropriate for) my bricks-and-mortar.
Eric could you possibly help me out, slightly off topic but since upgrading to the latest software all my motion sensors have stopped turning my lights on but are showing motion 😳
I got the logitech circle view camera and the circle view doorbell. I'm trying to get a third camera and both the eufy camera and the ecobee smart camera seems not to work properly with homekit. The eufy camera desable all activity zones, including the logitech cameras ones. I setup the ecobee smart camera and now it is doing the same. For some reason, it seems that once you get logitechs you can't add a different brand, because the activity zones won't work and you will start getting "motion sensor detected" notifications for stuff outside the activity zone. Does anyone have a solution for this? I have look several videos and I have not been able to find anyone talking anout this.
I have yet to see a consumer security camera that has it all--annoying as hell. This one needs a battery for when power goes out. 4K and a spotlight would be nice too. And color night vision if it doesn't already have it.
Weird. Can’t get this in Canada. Looks like it would be a good camera. Looking for something to use as a baby monitor camera in the kids room. This seems like it would be ideal.
With the Aqara it seems like I need to have an account on Aqara's web site if I want to access the pan-and-tilt feature from my phone, or if I want to do much of anything with the micro SD-card. Do the Tapo cameras let the user access those features even if they have no account at TP-link?
I think it would be impossible to not have an account. They are likely bouncing pan and tilt commands off their cloud to the camera to more easily navigate firewalls and authenticate that it’s you moving the camera. In that case pan and tilt is even less helpful.
Is there a camera out there where you do not have to jack around with the website from the camera. I want my video and all information in the Apple ecosystem only
Not unless Apple decides to bring back an undated version of the iSight Camera… All manufacturers will have their own cloud service and app for information gathering. So they will always have an excuse for you to download their app and create a profile. Each company’s process will be different. Eufy/ Anker will make you download theirs immediately just to get it to work properly, then you can add it to HomeKit… I went with AQARA, mainly because technically you do not have to download their app nor create a profile to add the camera to HomeKit. However, if you want to access some of the more advanced features or update firmware you will have to download the app, though, if firmware is all you need to update, they will allow you to forego creating a profile, and give you a HomeKit user mode in app… 🤔
The idea that someone breaking into a home is going to fumble with an off switch is so silly. They’ll just unplug the camera or steal it at that point. The button is not a security issue…
Good question. Eufy hasn’t released new HomeKit cameras recently that I know of as they are doubling down on their own recording system and their new dual lens setup for cameras. It’s all very innovative but if it can’t have a live view in the Apple Home app, I’m not nearly as interested.
I have come to realize that if a camera is not HomeKit compatible, then it means it violate APPLE privacy policy, therefore your privacy… Eufy/ Anker/ Yale seems more interested in collecting as much data on its users as possible, which is why they are more Alexa and Google Assistant friendly… I bought one of their cameras, and contacted their tech support. After a couple of hours trying to get it to connect to HomeKit without downloading their app and creating a profile, they finally admitted that you had to do that first to add it to HomeKit. However, that was after they had sent out another camera for free. Now I have two cameras I do not use at all, because I do not trust them, and they both are 2K and pan & tilt… 🤔
So here is my question. I don’t have power outlets on every corner of my home so I ran cat5E so that I can run power through those. They can run 5 volts. How much power do these cameras need?
Always helpful content Eric, thank you. The Pan and Tilt Camera doesn’t indicate “HomeKit Compatible” on the box. I have not unwrapped the box for the camera yet. Does it have a HomeKit code on the camera?
Can you run this camera completely offline/not connected to Tapo's servers? (while keeping Homekit working)
You should be able to setup the camera with just the HomeKit code in the Home app. That’s a requirement to work with Apple Home. But you wouldn’t get any firmware updates.
@@EricWelanderThat is what I do with my Aqara G4 Doorbell. I allow it to access my network manually every once in a while when I want to check for firmware updates.
Nice camera! I would say it compares more to the Eufy indoor cam 2K features are almost identical and the form factor is close. I have the Eufy and Aqara g2h pro both great cameras!
Thanks for the info. This looks just like what I’ve been looking for.
Glad more companies making Apple ecosystem products. I have nest, Arlo, and Eufy cameras/doorbell. For now a Eufy fan(Anker) they offer 2k, 4k cameras that work great. Interesting Apple has not really attempted other house smart systems. I love their Apple TV but it’s always on their back burner. May have to try this camera if I have a failure. Eufy app is easy and intuitive like Apple products.
Could you compare this with the Eufy c120 2k??
Can you review home kit outdoor cameras ?
Once you engage the privacy shield. Can you remotely turn privacy mode off and view the camera?
Do I need the TP-Link App to set up HomeKit Secure Video? I don't want shitty apps with possible data trackers on my phone.
Hi you mentioned that the camera will always be following somebody but you can actually turn that feature off it’s called “tracking “under settings.
Nice camera! Thinking about buying one of it!
thanks for the video, wondering how is the 2 way audio on this camera? my eufy indoor cant really do 2 way audio (buzz sound when audio/mic is enabled)
Can the camera work live while it's in the background and I'm doing something else on my phone? when activated via apple home kit. I currently have a xiaomi Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K Pro through which I monitor my child while he sleeps. I don't like that I have to be in the app all the time to watch live, so I'm considering buying this Tapo camera. xiaomi is a great camera, but it annoys me that I can't get out of it and monitor the camera's pictures in picture mode. In that case, do you recommend Tapo c225 or maybe these c125? Tapo c225 can be moved in tapo app, but not possible if it is used via the Apple Home Kit
Bought one right after viewing this video a couple weeks ago. It’s been solid in HomeKit. Better in every way vs my Logitech circle view. Picking up another today.
Are you using them in or outdoor?
@@vboom15 yes I’m using 1 right outside my front door actually.
@@PlayBoyTroy do you mind telling in which state you live?
I've been watching lots of videos trying to find the right cameras for homekit. I'm planning to put one on my rear door and one by the garage so they'll be outside.
I saw the logitech which is recommended by apple but there's a lot of bad reviews out there
@@vboom15 Florida. Believe the reviews. Stay away from that Logitech. Mine is in perfect condition and not worth a dime because it drops from the network at random.
@@vboom15 Florida
I’m glad you made these points because I do the same thing you are doing now And have for a little because of all the points you listed. I do all Eufy cams and watch or look at alerts from the app and use Apple home along side it for my smart bulbs and etc. Apple really needs to step it up in the secure video resolution department. Thanks for the great vids! Keep it up 👍🏻
If you add this camera to HomeKit does it automatically downgrade the resolution to 1080 or is that only if you also want HKSV?
Are you able to continous record to an SD Card and use HKSV to view clips at the same time?
I got the C125 on PrimeDay and replaced my Aqara G2H Pro. The video Quality in the Tapo App with 30fps and2K on is really good and better than Aqara, but when I switch to Apple Home the video quality is worse than Aqara. Any Idea why?
Home kit Connectivity with Logitech circle view is really bad. I have 3 cameras none of them work consistently and yes tried all troubleshooting tips. They just suck I thought that because apple is selling them they would work but I’ve gone through Logitech support and none of the cameras work consistently I do not recommend them anymore
In the same exact boat
I’ve had the opposite experience- my Circle View has been rock solid.
Mine constantly needs to be restarted…
Same here - high-end Orbi mesh system and followed all the troubleshooting, just an unstable and slow system to use unfortunately.
I see that in the back, your HomePod mini is mounted to the wall. How did you give it power and hide your wires? If so, please, can you provide links for which you used?
Can the C125 do 1440p (2k) local recording, while the HKSV is doing 1080p? TIA
Yes, set 2K in Tapo app
Now if only we could get affordable outdoor HomeKit cameras
For sure! It’s a harder kind of product to do well though. Hopefully we’ll see it soon
They have one already, just needs to be software compatible…
2K Wireless Magnetic Base with the option for Solar Panel too…
🙄
If you turn the Camera to Off while at Home (in HomeKit), does it trigger the physical shutter?
Thank you, Eric. I just ordered via your link for use in my Airstream (with which I travel part-time). This will replace an Aqara Camera Hub G3, which will move to (and is more appropriate for) my bricks-and-mortar.
That sounds great! Thanks and enjoy
Do they make outdoor cameras that’s are compatible with home kit secure video recording?
Good review.
What is the difference between Tapo C120 and this C125 ?
C120 doesn't support Apple Home
Eric could you possibly help me out, slightly off topic but since upgrading to the latest software all my motion sensors have stopped turning my lights on but are showing motion 😳
How many concurrent HomeKit streams? (Aqara offers 2, Eufy only 1). Does it support HomeKit 2 way talk? And ideally need night vision comparison
Fyi the amazon version that I'm looking at right now has usb TYPE C rather than a proprietary port.
Is there a way to disable privacy mode once you set it off
Any info on a UK release?
HomeKit/privacy shutter: If you toggle stream to off in HomeKit does the shutter auto close and open when stream is enabled? UPDATE: it does not.
You failed to mention one of its best features. It picks up motion detection through glass.
I got the logitech circle view camera and the circle view doorbell. I'm trying to get a third camera and both the eufy camera and the ecobee smart camera seems not to work properly with homekit. The eufy camera desable all activity zones, including the logitech cameras ones.
I setup the ecobee smart camera and now it is doing the same. For some reason, it seems that once you get logitechs you can't add a different brand, because the activity zones won't work and you will start getting "motion sensor detected" notifications for stuff outside the activity zone. Does anyone have a solution for this? I have look several videos and I have not been able to find anyone talking anout this.
are there privacy concerns with tp link cameras pinging TP link servers as well?
I have yet to see a consumer security camera that has it all--annoying as hell.
This one needs a battery for when power goes out.
4K and a spotlight would be nice too.
And color night vision if it doesn't already have it.
Why not just plug it into an APC unit…
🤔
im surprised tapo doesnt have 4k wifi 6 outdoor camera in 2024.
I really miss the G4 iMac
I can’t find anything on their website/product description that even mentions Homekit…..odd?
The one on Amazon (c-120)that looks identical isn’t HomeKit compatible….only the Best Buy one is (c-125)
Weird. Can’t get this in Canada.
Looks like it would be a good camera. Looking for something to use as a baby monitor camera in the kids room. This seems like it would be ideal.
With the Aqara it seems like I need to have an account on Aqara's web site if I want to access the pan-and-tilt feature from my phone, or if I want to do much of anything with the micro SD-card. Do the Tapo cameras let the user access those features even if they have no account at TP-link?
I think it would be impossible to not have an account. They are likely bouncing pan and tilt commands off their cloud to the camera to more easily navigate firewalls and authenticate that it’s you moving the camera. In that case pan and tilt is even less helpful.
Tim Cook Hand Gesture Club approved
Can you integrate normal camera that is Poe and send footage to NVR?
but, it's not mentioned in the apple home compatible cameras..
Is there a camera out there where you do not have to jack around with the website from the camera.
I want my video and all information in the Apple ecosystem only
Not unless Apple decides to bring back an undated version of the iSight Camera…
All manufacturers will have their own cloud service and app for information gathering. So they will always have an excuse for you to download their app and create a profile. Each company’s process will be different. Eufy/ Anker will make you download theirs immediately just to get it to work properly, then you can add it to HomeKit…
I went with AQARA, mainly because technically you do not have to download their app nor create a profile to add the camera to HomeKit. However, if you want to access some of the more advanced features or update firmware you will have to download the app, though, if firmware is all you need to update, they will allow you to forego creating a profile, and give you a HomeKit user mode in app…
🤔
The idea that someone breaking into a home is going to fumble with an off switch is so silly. They’ll just unplug the camera or steal it at that point. The button is not a security issue…
Any info on availability in Europe?
The camera is currently not listed in any store…
its now marked as coming soon via TPlink UK and the pan and tilt is now available
This is cool... but no USB-C is a dealbreaker for me.
You didn't mention nighttime view.
C125 loses Wifi Signal and doesn't reconnect in my Setup. Hmmm.
Are you intentionally ignoring eufy’s Homekit compatible cameras?
2k and economical.
Good question. Eufy hasn’t released new HomeKit cameras recently that I know of as they are doubling down on their own recording system and their new dual lens setup for cameras. It’s all very innovative but if it can’t have a live view in the Apple Home app, I’m not nearly as interested.
I have come to realize that if a camera is not HomeKit compatible, then it means it violate APPLE privacy policy, therefore your privacy…
Eufy/ Anker/ Yale seems more interested in collecting as much data on its users as possible, which is why they are more Alexa and Google Assistant friendly…
I bought one of their cameras, and contacted their tech support. After a couple of hours trying to get it to connect to HomeKit without downloading their app and creating a profile, they finally admitted that you had to do that first to add it to HomeKit. However, that was after they had sent out another camera for free. Now I have two cameras I do not use at all, because I do not trust them, and they both are 2K and pan & tilt…
🤔
Great, now only if they have it in black.
Can I make an automation when the Animal or vehicle detected or only can make an automation for the motion?
Broken barrel power equals new hockey puck. Every device today should ship with micro USB or USB-C.
seems like homekit functionality is limited. Just stick with tapo app better?? hmm
I've had myself under surveillance with one, and after I've seen what I've been doing, I'm disgusted.
The audio quality is terrible 😔
First
Fake news : you should get rid of the word apple and use the real chinese name !!!
Apple Home is the app and the camera works with said app, doesn't it?
another apple boy
So here is my question. I don’t have power outlets on every corner of my home so I ran cat5E so that I can run power through those. They can run 5 volts. How much power do these cameras need?
Always helpful content Eric, thank you. The Pan and Tilt Camera doesn’t indicate “HomeKit Compatible” on the box. I have not unwrapped the box for the camera yet. Does it have a HomeKit code on the camera?
How is the video quality at night?
Black and white infrared but great compared to similarly priced cameras
@@EricWelander - Good enough for me! Thanks!
Great! Sharp and bright.
There is also the c120 which is not HomeKit compatible but does have spotlights and is outdoor rated 👍