Equipment

Our Equipment

Ghost hunting equipment doesn't have to be expensive, nor do you need everything we have listed to go on a hunt. The following are things that I personally own, and others on our team also have.

Digital cameras

This is the exact camera I use. Cara also has a Samsung, but I'm not sure what model. Any digital camera that has a good flash works fine. May I suggest stearing clear of the Vivitar ViviCam. It was the first digital I owned, and it didn't take pictures in the dark well at all. Some people don't agree with using a digital camera for ghost hunting. The main reason being, there is no negative to hold on to for proof. Although that's a good reason, there are many benefits to using a digital. The main benefit being, no cost for film and developing. You can take hundreds of pictures on a digital camera without worrying if you're taking a good shot of something. We use both types of cameras when we do our hunts.

This is my Canon camera, it uses Advantix film, which is great for ghost hunts. It's fast, easy to change the film, and takes excellent pictures. Any 35 mm camera will also work fine.

A couple of us use this same digital recorder (above). But any digital works just as well. There are pros and cons to using a digital as opposed to an anolog (below). A digital saves on having to buy tapes. But, when you're digital is full, you have to erase something to make room for more. And it's not nearly as simple to store the files on your computer as it is to store pictures. And just like the digital cameras, you don't have the tape for proof. I have started using my analog more often that my digital. If you decide on buying, or already own a analog recorder, be sure to get an external microphone (see below analog), they really help cut down on the sounds the recorder produces. Any type of external microphone will work.

There are many on the market, but this is fairly inexpensive, and works just fine. The only problem with this model, there is no backlight. You have to have a light on to view it, but there is sound, and you can get an idea of how high it's reading by the sound it produces. Not only does this little gadget come in handy for detecting ghosts, it's also great for detecting the levels of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field radiation from any type of electrical appliance in your home. Experts agree that more than 2.5 milli-Gauss of constant exposure is unhealthy. You can detect which areas are safe and which are not. For instance, those young children that like to sit very close to the tv screen are getting hit with ELF magnetic field radiation.

This is one of the more inexpensive infrared thermometers, but works just fine. These thermometers don't require contact to get a reading. All you do is aim it at your target. If you don't have a target, just watch for a temperature drop (or rise) of aprox. 20 degrees. This model has a backlight, and the numbers are easy to see.

I believe SONY is the only company that has nightshot video cameras. At least they were when I bought this one. This camera is great for taking video in total darkness. You can only see up to 10 feet in front of you with the infrared light that already comes in this camera, but with the extension (below) you can see a lot further. I personally wouldn't give this video camera up for anything. And if I had to purchase another, it would be a SONY.

DVR's are nice to have, but they take time to set up. I prefer the cameras with a cord as opposed to the remote ones because they cut down on interference. They are great for private investigations at homes and businesses that have electric, but they are useless if you're going to be somewhere that there is no electric unless you have some form of battery backup. A small portable tv works well for these if you won't have access to a television that has video hookup.

Motion detectors are good for detecting whether someone has entered an area that you otherwise wouldn't know about. It helps protect an area where someone could tamper with your cameras or other equipment. We also use it in hopes it may detect paranormal activity.

These are great for equipment you use on a regular basis. It helps you from having to go out and purchase batteries constantly, and saves you money. I wouldn't suggest them for a digital camera, because digital cameras burn them out quickly. Energizer E2 Lithium batteries work great for digital cameras.

These are great for keeping in touch with other team members in large buildings or outside areas. They also work well when traveling to a location when you have people following you.

Come on people, common sense! Never go on a hunt without a flashlight!!! The Mag light also doubles as protection because of the weight and size. The headlamps make it nice to keep your hands free for other equipment. We also use finger lights, and LED lights.

You may think, how stupid! But you'd be suprised how these little tags, worn around the neck, can help you out. They make outsiders feel a little more comfortable, because they make you look more professional. When on group hunts with other people you don't know, they introduce you without having to speak. And although these aren't legitimate, the little carriers are great for keeping your drivers license in. Now if you get stopped by the police during those late night escapades through the local cemetery, you can pull out your license and appologize. But remember, you should always get permission before going on any ghost hunt.


	Our Equipment Ghost hunting equipment doesn't have to be expensive, nor do you need everything we have listed to go on a hunt. The following are things that I personally own, and others on our team also have. Digital cameras This is the exact camera I use. Cara also has a Samsung, but I'm not sure what model. Any digital camera that has a good flash works fine. May I suggest stearing clear of the Vivitar ViviCam. It was the first digital I owned, and it didn't take pictures in the dark well at all. Some people don't agree with using a digital camera for ghost hunting. The main reason being, there is no negative to hold on to for proof. Although that's a good reason, there are many benefits to using a digital. The main benefit being, no cost for film and developing. You can take hundreds of pictures on a digital camera without worrying if you're taking a good shot of something. We use both types of cameras when we do our hunts. Cameras (with film) This is my Canon camera, it uses Advantix film, which is great for ghost hunts. It's fast, easy to change the film, and takes excellent pictures. Any 35 mm camera will also work fine. Digital vs. Analog Recorder A couple of us use this same digital recorder (above). But any digital works just as well. There are pros and cons to using a digital as opposed to an anolog (below). A digital saves on having to buy tapes. But, when you're digital is full, you have to erase something to make room for more. And it's not nearly as simple to store the files on your computer as it is to store pictures. And just like the digital cameras, you don't have the tape for proof. I have started using my analog more often that my digital. If you decide on buying, or already own a analog recorder, be sure to get an external microphone (see below analog), they really help cut down on the sounds the recorder produces. Any type of external microphone will work. Electro Magnetic Field Meter There are many on the market, but this is fairly inexpensive, and works just fine. The only problem with this model, there is no backlight. You have to have a light on to view it, but there is sound, and you can get an idea of how high it's reading by the sound it produces. Not only does this little gadget come in handy for detecting ghosts, it's also great for detecting the levels of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field radiation from any type of electrical appliance in your home. Experts agree that more than 2.5 milli-Gauss of constant exposure is unhealthy. You can detect which areas are safe and which are not. For instance, those young children that like to sit very close to the tv screen are getting hit with ELF magnetic field radiation. Infrared Thermometer This is one of the more inexpensive infrared thermometers, but works just fine. These thermometers don't require contact to get a reading. All you do is aim it at your target. If you don't have a target, just watch for a temperature drop (or rise) of aprox. 20 degrees. This model has a backlight, and the numbers are easy to see. Video Recorder / IR lights I believe SONY is the only company that has nightshot video cameras. At least they were when I bought this one. This camera is great for taking video in total darkness. You can only see up to 10 feet in front of you with the infrared light that already comes in this camera, but with the extension (below) you can see a lot further. I personally wouldn't give this video camera up for anything. And if I had to purchase another, it would be a SONY. DVR and 0 lux cameras / monitor DVR's are nice to have, but they take time to set up. I prefer the cameras with a cord as opposed to the remote ones because they cut down on interference. They are great for private investigations at homes and businesses that have electric, but they are useless if you're going to be somewhere that there is no electric unless you have some form of battery backup. A small portable tv works well for these if you won't have access to a television that has video hookup. Motion Detector Motion detectors are good for detecting whether someone has entered an area that you otherwise wouldn't know about. It helps protect an area where someone could tamper with your cameras or other equipment. We also use it in hopes it may detect paranormal activity. Rechargable Batteries and Chargers These are great for equipment you use on a regular basis. It helps you from having to go out and purchase batteries constantly, and saves you money. I wouldn't suggest them for a digital camera, because digital cameras burn them out quickly. Energizer E2 Lithium batteries work great for digital cameras. Radios / Walkie Talkies These are great for keeping in touch with other team members in large buildings or outside areas. They also work well when traveling to a location when you have people following you. Flashlights Come on people, common sense! Never go on a hunt without a flashlight!!! The Mag light also doubles as protection because of the weight and size. The headlamps make it nice to keep your hands free for other equipment. We also use finger lights, and LED lights. Identification You may think, how stupid! But you'd be suprised how these little tags, worn around the neck, can help you out. They make outsiders feel a little more comfortable, because they make you look more professional. When on group hunts with other people you don't know, they introduce you without having to speak. And although these aren't legitimate, the little carriers are great for keeping your drivers license in. Now if you get stopped by the police during those late night escapades through the local cemetery, you can pull out your license and appologize. But remember, you should always get permission before going on any ghost hunt. Copyright© 2004, Spirited, All Rights Reserved.