TP-Link Tapo HybridCam Duo C246D Outdoor Security Camera Review

I got my hands on the TP-Link Tapo HybridCam Duo with model number C246D, and I’ve been testing it out for a while now. Here’s what I found.

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What Makes This Camera Different

This camera comes with two lenses, which is pretty cool. You get one fixed lens that has a wide field of view and then a telephoto lens that can pan and tilt for a more zoomed-in view. The fixed lens can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, though not as much as I’d like (more on that later).

Smart Tracking – Works But Has Limits

The camera does support smart tracking and can automatically follow movements. When the fixed lens spots motion, the pan and tilt lens will automatically start following whatever’s moving. I think the tracking worked ok for a camera in this price range, but here’s the thing – it only works well when there isn’t too much going on. I would not recommend using auto tracking in high-traffic areas because it just gets confused.

Image Quality – Good Enough But Not Amazing

Since the camera only uses 3MP sensors, the image quality might not be the best, but it’s decent. You can still read license plates at about 20m with the telephoto lens and maybe at 10m with the wide angle fixed lens. That’s actually not bad for what you’re paying.

At night though, the image quality gets quite blurry when there’s movement, especially when using infrared lights. It gets a little better when using the spotlights for full color night vision, but then you’re lighting up the whole area, which isn’t always what you want.

Tech Specs

The camera uses two 3MP sensors that record in 2304 by 1296 at 15 fps. The fixed lens uses a 2.4mm lens with a 125 degree field of view, while the pan and tilt uses a 6mm lens with a 67 degree field of view.

It supports AI detection like human, pet, and vehicle detection, as well as sound detection and line cross detection. The detection worked ok in my testing – nothing groundbreaking, but it does the job.

ONVIF and Connectivity

The camera does support ONVIF, however I could only view the fixed lens stream in ONVIF device manager, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to connect the camera to an NVR. It does not support web access from a web browser either.

It’s a WiFi-only camera, so you can’t connect using a network cable, and it only supports 2.4GHz wifi. No 5GHz option here.

App and Features

With the Tapo app, you get instant push notifications when the camera detects motion, which you can then view directly on your phone from playbacks saved on a microSD card. It supports up to a 512GB micro SD card, which is plenty.

The app is pretty straightforward. You can view both lenses side by side, take snapshots, record video, use two-way audio, control pan and tilt, turn the alarm on and off, enable privacy mode, and check playbacks. Setup is super easy – just download the Tapo app, power on the camera, and follow the instructions.

Build Quality

It’s made for indoor and outdoor use with an IP65 rating, and the operating temperatures are -20 degrees to 50 degrees Celsius. The camera also supports two-way audio, so you can talk and listen through the camera.

What I’d Change

Overall, it’s a decent camera for the price point, great for someone who already uses Tapo cameras and their app ecosystem. If I had to suggest some improvements for future versions, I would make the fixed lens more adjustable since camera placement can be tricky depending on your mounting location. And maybe bump up from 3MP to 5MP sensors for better image quality.

Pricing and Where to Get It

I got this camera from Amazon and paid $70 for it. At that price point, it’s pretty reasonable if you’re looking for a dual-lens setup without breaking the bank.

Bottom Line

Look, this isn’t going to compete with high-end security systems, but for what it is – an affordable dual-lens camera with basic smart features – it does the job. If you’re already in the Tapo ecosystem or just want to try out dual-lens functionality without spending a fortune, it’s worth considering. Just don’t expect miracles from the 3MP sensors or try to use the auto-tracking in busy areas.