TP-Link says the ColorPro night vision technology in its all-new Tapo C325WB needs just 0.05 lux of brightness—the equivalent of a moonless midnight—to capture full-color images in 2K resolution with HDR.
That’s a neat trick, and it’s in stark contrast to outdoor security cameras that rely on activating onboard spotlights or floodlights to deliver color night vision.
This news is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras.
Available now at Amazon for $119.99, the Tapo C325WB features a 1/1.79-inch image sensor and an F1.0 lens with a 127-degree field of view.
Onboard AI can differentiate between the appearance of people, pets, and vehicles and will send push notifications accordingly when their presence is detected.
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, the TP-Link cam offers two-way audio, along with an onboard siren to deter intruders.
The weatherproof camera offers wireless network connectivity, with an ethernet port providing a dependable cable option, but it depends on a 3-meter cord for power.
Video recordings can be stored locally on a microSD card (up to 512GB, not included) or in the cloud with a Tapo Care subscription.
The cloud subscription offers a 30-day clip history, with prices starting at $3.49 per month or $34.99 per year.
Look for our hands-on review soon.
Correction: This article was updated to report the correct minimum lux requirement and maximum capacity of a microSD card.
Author: Michael Brown, Executive Editor
Michael is TechHive's lead editor, with 30+ years of experience covering the tech industry, focusing on the smart home, home audio, and home theater. He built his own smart home in 2007 and used it as a real-world test lab for product reviews. Following a relocation to the Pacific Northwest, he is now converting his new home, an 1890 Victorian bungalow, into a modern smart home.