TP-Link is synonymous for its expansive router range but off late, the company is expanding its portfolio to connected devices like smart bulbs, plugs, switches and the recent addition is the cloud camera – NC450.
The NC450 is a dome-shaped camera that gives no second guesses as to what you’re looking at. The camera boasts a shiny white exterior with the back reserved for the power slot, an external antenna for Wi-Fi reception, Ethernet and a microSD card slot. The good part about the camera’s design is that it can be placed on a table or mount on a ceiling. There’s an LED light on the front that indicates the camera’s status but that can be turned off.
Connecting and configuring the camera is as easy as downloading an app. Literally. Users need to download the tpCamera app on their Android or an iOS device and just follow the on-screen instructions.
The camera does not come with a built-in storage, so make sure you insert a microSD card to record. TP-Link recommends a microSD up to 128GB but in our test, the camera was able to detect a 256GB card without any issues.
The camera captures a decent quality HD resolution feed with its 1/4″ CMOS sensor and is also equipped with an infrared LED that ensures quality capture in the dark as well (up to 26 feet).
The hardware, however, is one part because instrumental to it is the app that acts as a remote control and a live viewfinder. The app has a slick interface and offers an easy way to explore the timeline based on time and date. If motion and sound detection is enabled, the timeline clearly highlights it for the user to scrutinise it. Furthermore, the app can send push notifications or email the user, in case it detects any activity. There’s also 2-way streaming audio, motion tracking, a 300-degree horizontal panning and 110-degree vertical tilting ensuring almost every corner of the house is under video surveillance.
The TP-Link NC450 is a perfect camera for homes and small offices that offers a lot of features at an affordable price. The only thing we didn’t like was the fact that it lacks internal storage, making a microSD card absolutely necessary to store recordings.
RATING 4/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Feature set
WE’D IMPROVE Storage
THE FINAL WORD Affordable connected camera with lots of smart features
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