Camcorder with Night Vision

Any serious investigator who takes the time to undertake vigils or research is going to want to capture some evidence to make it all worthwhile. Reviewing such evidence can rule out or add mystery to certain activity (even find you some temporary fame). This is why it's worth investing in a good camcorder, preferably with low light and night vision. This camera does both and at a reasonable price and quality.

Mini-DV cameras are still the best in my opinion. The tapes record high quality images and are easier to link up with a PC to edit. The DVD recorders tend to compress information before recording on the disc, which could result in lack of quality. The Sony brand have infrared night vision built in and this can be greatly enhanced with the clip on Infrared Light - see below.

Digital Camera

The quality of digital cameras continue to improve as well as the price of such devices dropping. Try to buy at least a 5 megapixel camera. The higher the megapixels the more information the camera can capture and reproduce at a larger, clearer format. Good brands include Canon, Nikon and Sony to name a few.

Most of the orb phenomena we know today has been captured on digital cameras and the camera itself is more cost effective as a tool. There is no film to change (if you have a large memory card the camera can take a few hundred high quality shots), you can review and delete shots and not have to wait until they're developed to see if you have anything to get excited about.

Film based Camera

The downside of digital cameras is that there are no negatives. Negatives can be crucial to rule out fraud if you have a spectacular shot. Film cameras are also less likely to capture orbs so when you do, it rules out a lot of the scepticism which is aimed at digital photographs. But film also has limitations when it comes to exposure, developing the films and the amount of time taken between the shot and the developed image - not to mention a whole batch of chemicals.

Film cameras are very cheap these days but are also becoming rarer due to the high demand and convenience of digital photography. If you can afford to, carry both types of camera and if you feel an area if active, use both cameras, and if both reveal results you're on to a winner. If the digital does and the film doesn't, then you'll have to assume the sceptics will find a technical fault somewhere.

Infrared Light

Most Sony camcorders with NightShot allow this device to be attached, and what a difference it makes. You can see a whole room lit up yet still be emerged incomplete darkness. It is fascinating that so much detail can still be captured when the only source of light is coming from the eye piece! A must if you do a lot of total darkness investigations.

This infrared emission light for NightShot shooting in total darkness extends the range of NightShot operations from 10 feet to 100 feet (3m-30m). It features an adjustable light output and powered by 2 AA batteries or InfoLithium L series battery packs.

EMF Meter

EMF meters are not ghost finders. What they do do however is monitor Electro-Magnetic Fields.

It is believed that spirits produce a small amount of EMF. If you use the EMF meter to get a baseline reading of the area you're investigating and can rule out all items (especially electrical items like TV's) you can then use the EMF meter to research unexplained readings should they rise higher than your initial tests.

Don't always assume an unusual reading is a ghost appearing. Someone may have switched on a TV or microwave in a neighbouring house and these give off huge amounts of EMF's. Keep a detailed log of everything you've checked, include times etc. Log fluctuations and what was happening at the time. Always try and rule out interference and once you've done this then you may be heading into paranormal territory.

It has been found that high levels of EMF can make people more susceptible to believing they're having a paranormal experience when in fact they are not. This is one of many reasons to make sure that you're not alone when undertaking investigations.

Thermometer

Thermometers tell you the temperature. Yep, that's it. Why do I need to know about this? Well temperature can play a significant part in an investigation. A room may have cold or hot spots and it is said that these spots of temperature difference could indicate something paranormal is happening or may happen.

Obviously as an investigator you'll have to rule out drafts, heating pipes etc. But when unexplained temperature fluxes happen, you may be in for a manifestation. Thermometers have come a long way, employing lasers to measure temperatures that may be metres away from you. The digital readings prior to an investigation can give you an accurate base line. Any changes in these temperatures may be worth investigating.

Remember though, as night creeps on, temperatures usually drop so keep this in mind as areas that were shaded during day time may be colder than other areas until the absorbed heat dissipates.

Torches

It goes without reason that the benefit of a torch in the pitch black is a reassuring thought. But what do you go for? There are loads of torches on the market.

Some torches are more suited to investigations than others. For instance, large battery powered torches can be great, but batteries have been known to unexpectedly fail, so to avoid this problem you can buy a dynamo LED torch. Not only are these torches bright, but also they don't require any batteries - just some winding-up every so often. Some torches come with a headband to keep your hands free; these are ideal if you're taking notes or carrying a camera etc.

If you can, try to get a torch that has a red filter - this avoids causing problems with cameras that may be operating in infrared mode.

Compass

A compass is handy if you need to get your bearings. Having a plan of the area you're investigating with North, South etc marked on can show where you're heading if the place is unfamiliar.

There have been occasions when activity has occurred in a particular direction and particular times. Facing the right direction in these cases are crucial. The last thing you want is to have your back to the action!

The compass shown has built in clock and thermometer.

Tripod

What more can I say about a tripod?

Well, they do make a big difference. You can leave your camcorder or camera set up at a particular height or angle while you busy yourself with other work. It's good to know that while you're doing this, your camera is capturing the scene without any shake or dangers of it falling off precariously perched ledges. You may want to record a séance from a distance or leave a camera in a locked off room for an experiment - the tripod, especially ones that allow multiple heights, pivots and easily pack away will soon prove its usefulness.

Where to Buy

Apart from the links to Amazon, the shops below should help you to get kitted out with all the paranormal equipment you need. Mind you, it can be expensive!

Supermeters

Tom's Gadgets

The Torch Shop