TAPO CP500 outdoor pan and tilt security camera review

The Tapo CP500 outdoor pan and tilt security camera is a budget security camera with many features of high end cameras including a 360 degree view on board and also comes with a patrol feature.

This has several mounting options making it more versatile for placement depending on where you want it which is excellent.

This will take about 5 minutes to install and set up including the app which is simple to use has a nice UI and nothng to cumbersome in the menu structure to find features.

You have the ability to expand storge via sd card or use their cloud options which come at a cost like most security cameras these days and there is no sd card in the box.

This is a wired camera so you must be wise on where it is stored for cable worries and again the wire is not the longest on this one like many of tapos wired cameras but most should be fine.

The camera offers many good features for the price and has great night vision you can make zones timed patrols you can pan an tilt it on the fly and it also follows objects once set up which is an excellent feature to track something that could be an intruder for example of your postman dropping a package over the side gate.

There is a siren sepaker and spotlight on the security camera which is also usefull you can see all these in action in the full hands on video review below along with a full demo of the app and features

The video quality is quite good even at night giving you good detail overall and footage which can be downloaded and shared or stored on device and for the money this is a great option for those who want peace of mind if away or just general security for their home.

The App

 

  • Person Detection and Motion Tracking-Smart AI identifies a person while tracking motion with high-speed rotation, notifying users as needed.
  • Person detection and motion tracking
  • Night Vision (up to 98 ft)-Ensures your safety by providing a clear visual distance of up to 98 ft even in total darkness.
  • Physical Privacy Mode —— Maintains your privacy with the lens physically blocked by the housing
  • Flexible Storage Choices —— Save recorded videos to an installed microSD card(up to 512 GB), or use Tapo Care cloud storage service
  • 360° Visual Coverage —— Provides 360° horizontal and 130° vertical range to cover every corner

BUY

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Video review

Viltrox Reveals Innovative New Lenses at CP+ 2025 Japan

Viltrox, known for its advanced, compact autofocus lenses and camera accessories, is expected to be significant presence at the Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2025 (CP+ 2025), Japan’s premier photography and imaging trade show. In a series of highly-anticipated product launches, Viltrox aims to redefine the lens market and expand possibilities for photographers at all levels.

CP+ 2025 is Asia’s premier photography trade show, showcasing the latest camera technology and innovations. The event is held at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan from February 27 to March 2, 2025. Visit Viltrox at Hall D, Booth 49 to experience cutting-edge products, join insightful seminars, and network with industry professionals.

“This is the perfect venue to showcase our commitment to innovation and dedication to providing the tools photographers need to capture stunning images,” said Viltrox CEO, Daniel Dai (戴锦辉). “We welcome attendees to visit our booth, and experience the future of photography.”

Taking photography into a new era
Viltrox is set to debut several new standout unreleased products at the exhibition, including the AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE, AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE, AF 50mm F2.0 Air lenses, and Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB Z.

Viltrox will also introduce two new products at the upcoming CP+ show, with the Viltrox camera battery charging case debuting on February 27th, followed by the launch of the Viltrox AF 25mm F1.7 Air lens on February 28th.

These innovative lenses, making their exclusive debut at CP+ 2025, are expected to be available for purchase soon. These products set new standards in their respective focal length classes, with the potential to become the go-to lenses for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Expert insights and advice
In a keynote speech, renowned award-winning Japanese photographer and videographer, Haseo, will offer inspiration and advice for photographers, and insights into Viltrox lens advantages. This exclusive presentation can be attended on March 1 from 2:30pm to 3pm, at Hall D Booth No. 49.

The AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE, the second lens in Viltrox’s acclaimed LAB series, is revolutionizing the 35mm category. This exceptional lens delivers stunning image quality, boasts precise autofocus, and features a wide aperture for superior low-light performance, making it a standout choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

“We are empowering photographers with the tools they need to express their own unique perspectives,” said Viltrox’s Dai. “Our new lenses and innovative accessories inspire creators to extend creative boundaries and capture stunning images.”

Lenses and accessories that empower creativity
The new AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE redefines portrait photography with its sharp details and creamy bokeh. Meanwhile Viltrox’s AF 50mm F2 Air FE combines lightweight, compact design with a versatile focal length, making it ideal for street photography and everyday photography.

As well as these exceptional lenses, Viltrox will also unveil a brand-new camera battery charging box and several other exciting innovations, such as the Viltrox DC A1 monitor, and Viltrox DC L2/L3 monitor.

“These new products embody Viltrox’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of photographers, from hobbyists to professionals,” said Kahn Wang, Viltrox marketing director. “At CP+ 2025, we will not only introduce groundbreaking lenses but also a range of creative accessories designed to elevate the entire photography experience. We will soon announce the official release dates.”

Find out more
For more information about these new Viltrox products, visit https://geni.us/prfebcp and drop in at the Viltrox booth (CP+ 2025 Hall D, Booth 49), at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan from February 27 to March 2, 2025.

 

Event details: https://www.cpplus.jp/?hl=en