Budget CCTV system for your home

Plan, pick the right TP-Link cameras, configure storage and alerts, and keep it online during load-shedding.

TP-Link cameras and NVR on a home setup
2–4
Cameras for a small home
1080p / 2K
Practical resolution tier
14–30 days
Typical retention goal
Quick result: Start with 2× Tapo C310 (outdoor) + 1× Tapo C200 (indoor PT) recording to microSD. Add Tapo Care or a VIGI NVR1008H later for central storage.

1) Map your needs

  • Cover entries: gate, driveway, front/back doors. One indoor zone for context.
  • Mount 2.2–2.7 m high. Avoid pointing into direct sun or at public roads.
  • Plan cable routes and 12 V DC power where needed. Keep joints weatherproof.

2) Pick TP-Link cameras

ModelUse caseNotes
Tapo C310Outdoor fixed1080p, IR night, 12 V DC + Ethernet, microSD, Tapo app
Tapo C320WSOutdoor low-light2K QHD, starlight sensor, 12 V DC + Ethernet, microSD
Tapo C200 / C210Indoor pan/tilt1080p/2K, PT control, privacy shutter, microSD
Tapo C420S2 kitWireless kitBattery cams + hub, easy install, good for rentals
VIGI C230/W230Pro/PoE option2×2K variants, PoE, ONVIF-friendly, pair with VIGI NVR

Note: Most Tapo outdoor bullets use 12 V DC power. If you prefer 802.3af PoE, use TP-Link VIGI cameras and a PoE switch/NVR.

3) Prepare network & power

  • Give cameras good Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. Mesh (Deco) fixes dead zones.
  • Static IPs simplify NVR/NAS integration. Example: 192.168.10.50–.59 for cams.
  • Time sync matters. Ensure router NTP works. Wrong time breaks clips.
  • Power: 12 V DC adapters per cam or PoE only on VIGI. Add surge protection outdoors.
  • UPS for router and any switch/NVR. See sizing in “Load-shedding.”

4) Install hardware

  1. Mount brackets at planned angles. Seal wall penetrations.
  2. Run Ethernet where possible for stability. Use UV-rated outdoor cable.
  3. Power up each camera near the router first. Complete setup before final mounting.

5) Configure in the Tapo app

  1. Install Tapo app. Create or sign in to a TP-Link ID.
  2. Tap + → select camera model → follow pairing prompts (Wi-Fi or wired).
  3. Name each camera clearly: Gate, Driveway, Lounge.
  4. Update firmware if offered.
  5. Insert microSD (Class 10/U1 or better). In app: Storage & Recording → format card → set Continuous or Detection recording.
  6. Set time zone to South Africa and verify correct time.
  7. Set image: flip, rotate, WDR/low-light, spotlight (C320WS).
  8. Network: if you use static IPs, set DHCP reservation on the router.
  9. Local admin (for NVR/NAS): enable account/password if offered. Keep a record.

6) Recording & storage choices

  • On-camera microSD: cheapest. Enable overwrite oldest. 128–256 GB gives many days at 1080p.
  • Tapo Care: cloud clips and longer history. Handy if a camera is stolen.
  • NVR / NAS: central storage, multi-cam timelines, easy export. Use if you want 14–30 days across many cams.

7) Add an NVR / NAS (optional now, easy later)

Two paths: Use a VIGI NVR for a turnkey TP-Link stack, or add cameras to a NAS (Surveillance Station/containers) via ONVIF/RTSP if your Tapo model supports it.
  1. VIGI NVR: connect cams to LAN/PoE (for VIGI). On NVR, run Add Camera → discover → enter camera credentials → select stream (main/sub) → pick retention.
  2. NAS: install surveillance app → Add camera → ONVIF or RTSP → enter IP, username, password, stream profile. Test live view. Set schedule and retention.

Tip: Some Tapo models expose ONVIF/RTSP after enabling in the app and creating a camera account. Use the URL shown by your NAS/NVR wizard or the camera’s info page.

8) Motion zones, smart detection, and alerts

  1. In Tapo app → camera → Detection & Alerts:
    • Activity zones: draw polygons around gate/door. Exclude road/trees.
    • Sensitivity: start mid (40–60%). Raise if you miss events. Lower if too many alerts.
    • Detection type: basic motion for budget models. Use person/vehicle where available.
    • Schedules: only alert at night or when away.
    • Notifications: push only, or push + thumbnail. Keep contrast between cams with different sounds.
  2. Enable privacy mask for neighbor property areas you should not record.
  3. Test: walk through the zone. Confirm push arrives and clip is saved.

9) Privacy, security, and reliability

  • Unique strong passwords per camera and per TP-Link ID.
  • Disable UPnP auto-expose on your router. Use the app for remote access.
  • Reserve IPs in DHCP. Label devices.
  • Keep firmware up to date. Reboot schedule optional weekly.
  • Use privacy shutter on indoor PT models when home if desired.

10) Load-shedding resilience

  • Small DC UPS for router + ONT + switch (30–60 W total). Aim for 4–6 h runtime.
  • For 12 V cameras, add small inline UPS modules or power them from a DC UPS rail.
  • Sizing quick rule: UPS Wh ≈ total W × required hours × 1.25 (losses).
  • Battery Tapo kits (C420) continue recording without mains. Ensure the hub is on UPS.

What will it cost?

TierTypical specBallpark hardware*
Starter 2× Tapo C310 + 1× C200 + 3× 128 GB microSD R2 000–R2 800
Comfort 3–4 cams (C310/C320WS mix) + 1× C200 + DC UPS R3 500–R5 000
Expanded 6–8 cams + VIGI NVR or NAS + PoE/UPS (if VIGI) R7 000–R12 000+

* Hardware only, typical SA pricing; installation and cabling vary by site.

Troubleshooting quick table

SymptomLikely causeFix
Choppy videoWeak Wi-Fi, low bitrate profileMove AP/mesh node, wire the camera, lower FPS/bitrate, prefer 2.4 GHz for range
No push alertsNotif off, schedule mismatchEnable notifications, check app permissions, verify detection schedule and zone
Wrong timestampsNTP or timezoneSet SA timezone, confirm router internet time, reboot cam
NVR can’t add camCredentials or discovery blockedUse static IP, confirm camera account/password, enable ONVIF/RTSP, allow discovery on LAN
SD card fills fastContinuous at high bitrateUse detection recording, reduce bitrate, enable overwrite oldest
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FAQ

Do I need an NVR immediately?

No. Start with microSD or Tapo Care. Add an NVR/NAS later for longer retention or more cameras.

Can Tapo work without internet?

Yes for local recording and on-LAN viewing. Internet is needed for remote access and cloud backup.

Do Tapo cameras support PoE?

Most Tapo bullets are 12 V DC. If you want PoE, use the TP-Link VIGI range and a PoE switch.

How many days will 128 GB store?

At 1080p 15–20 fps with motion recording, expect ±7–20 days per camera. Continuous is less.

This guide is informational. Follow local security and privacy laws. Use qualified installers for permanent wiring.