GW Security Cameras

Why do I need one?

I started looking for a kick ass surveillance camera to put in my driveway to keep watch over any shady scumbags that might be hanging out, looking to walk away with my stuff. I don’t want anything that is going to break the bank, but I want to have confidence in the system I buy.

I decided to check out the GW Security 5091IP, 5 Megapixel 2592×1920 Pixel Super HD. At first glance this security dome IP camera with 2.8-12mm varifocal zoom lens offers Pixel Super HD 1920P outdoor or indoor network Power over Ethernet 1080P which should be exactly what I need for some high quality video surveillance.

Let’s break all this down and see what it means and figure out if it’s going to work for my security.

Internet Protocol camera

First, what do GW security cameras have to offer, and are they going to fit the bill when it comes to top notch surveillance? It’s an IP vandal resistant and weather proof dome camera, or Internet Protocol camera, a type of digital video camera that can send and receive data through a computer network and the internet, unlike analog which does not.

This is also ONVIF compliant which is a standard for how IP systems in security products can communicate with each other.

Giving different technology systems and software the ability to communicate with one another means that we can use this camera with equipment we may already have or will buy in the future no matter who the manufacturer may be.

Thanks to the 5 megapixels you can rest assured that the picture viewing will be top of the line and clear with excellent day or night images including resolution up to 2592×1920.

With the 2.8-12mm varifocal zoom lens recording real time 1536p and 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second this is sure to make recorded video play back sharp and easily viewed.

Also 48 IR or infrared lights give up to 130 feet of night vision even in complete darkness so we won’t miss anything any time of day or night.

Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet is a must for my security needs. Unlike a digital camera security system that needs not only a power supply connector, but also a network connection, Power over Ethernet uses just one cable and a network connection.

This gives both power and network from that one cable making installation more convenient and easier in the long run. Not only will it save time, it also saves any expense possibly needed for an electrician to install electric cables.

Since you don’t need an electrical outlet, you also can put the GW 5091 IP dome camera in any location to fit your specific needs moving it around with ease.

What’s in the box?

Now we should look at what comes with this camera and what we may need to make sure it is working at its best. First, this GW Security Camera comes with the IP camera, mounting screws, a specification sheet, and a user guide on CD.

GW Security also offers a 1 year warranty. So great start, but we should also look at any other options we might want to make sure we are doing everything we possibly can to keep this an outstanding security system.

As is, this camera will do everything we may want as it connects directly to the internet router and can be operated from a PC computer. In some of the GW security reviews there were concerns that this product does only work on windows and not Mac. That’s a problem for me.

Several reviewers, however, suggested using a virtualization service to run a version of Windows 10. hmph.  Not my favorite idea.

Another option is to invest in an NVR system, which is a network video recorder. This is a video software program and computer that records video in digital format to disk drive.

The Bottom Line

There you have it, the GW Security 5091 IP camera at a price range of under 200 dollars is a great option to get yourself started on the road to superior security for your home. As long as you use PC.

If you’re a mac guy like me, you may want to look elsewhere.  By the time you buy an NVR on top of the camera… you can get a full system at a better value.

That said, not everyone prefers mac and this won’t be an issue.  Hooking one or more of these cameras up in the driveway or around the house will ultimately set you up for some major top of the line surveillance.  It’s a good camera, you just may need to do a little extra work to get it set up.  Check out Amazon.com to see the latest pricing.