I set up a solar panel security camera in my yard – and the image quality blew my Ring

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I love a security camera that doesn’t require a monthly subscription to view video history or access special features. When I pay for a camera, I pay for the ability to use it, yet many cameras put some of their most advertised features behind a paywall. Not the C465however.

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I TP-Link Tapo C465 is a wireless security camera that does not require registration. Instead, you can add a MicroSD card up to 512 GB and enjoy continuous shooting 24/7. TP-Link offers a subscription to cloud recording, if that’s what you prefer, and having the flexibility of both is a good thing.

Installing and using C465

The C465 comes with a built-in solar panel that tilts up and down, so you can position it to capture more sunlight and keep your camera active. At first, I thought the panel was fixed, which would limit how much sunlight you get if you put your camera facing far and south, but there is a switch on the bottom of the camera that allows you to rotate the panel.

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You need to pay attention to placement when you have a solar powered camera. The C465 has a built-in 7,800 mAh battery that can keep it charged for about an hour of direct sunlight per day, according to TP-Link. I have my Tapo C465 facing the southwest corner of my yard, and it gets the afternoon sunlight.

The C465 has a quick-install magnetic mount similar to the Google Nest Outdoor camera mount. The magnetic base makes it easy to hold the camera and recharge it if you don’t get enough sunlight to keep it charged. Because the Tapo C465 is solar powered, it’s a truly wireless camera that doesn’t require nearby plugs or complicated installations. You don’t have to mount a second accessory or run a cable to the camera.

Image quality

The C465’s 4K resolution ensures that it captures the same detail that my more expensive security cameras do, and it’s a $100 camera right now (29% off). Its image quality is better than any Ring camera I’ve tested, and it’s the perfect companion to the $220 Eufy Security Floodlight Camera E340, which covers one side of my yard.

You can use 24/7 continuous shooting with the Tapo C465, but it’s a little different with this camera, because it doesn’t record in full motion. TP-Link conserves camera battery and local storage by capturing frames periodically, creating a time-lapse, and switching to full video when the camera detects activity or movement.

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The camera features built-in AI that detects people, cars, and other movements without registration. The Tapo C465 also features color night vision, infrared night vision up to 42 feet, Dual-band Wi-Fi support, and up to 180 days of battery life.

ZDNET shopping advice

I TP-Link Tapo C465 the perfect choice for consumers looking for a home security camera that’s easy to install, affordable, and capable of capturing high-resolution images. It’s meant to go to a sunny location for optimal performance, but that doesn’t mean all-day sunlight; only about an hour a day is enough for sustained energy.

If you don’t want to worry about wiring or paying a monthly fee, you can’t go wrong with the C465.