Ghost Hunting Goes High Tech

As an amateur ghost hunter, a digital recorder and a camera may be all you need to get started. Now that you have some experience, it is time to expand to more high tech paranormal equipment. Not only does this increase your chances of capturing evidence of ghost and spirits, it improves your credibility as well.

Thermal Camera
According to Steve Gonsalves of Ghost Hunters, one of the most important pieces of technology a paranormal investigator should invest in is a thermal camera. These handheld devices allow you to scan a room for evidence of heat signatures that may reveal paranormal entities.

Thermal cameras range in price from around $2,000 to $30,000. The thermal camera used by SyFy's Ghost Hunters falls in the $7,000 to $8,000 range. Higher end models provide the added benefit of capturing both thermal images and a normal image of the same view allowing you to quickly and easily compare images, tag images for later review and store images with attached notes.

For those unable to afford this piece of equipment, Steve suggests checking with your local fire department for out dated models they are no longer using. Fire departments often sell off this equipment for minimal fees when they update to newer models.

Wireless Audio/Video Systems
Wireless audio/video systems provide the benefit of monitoring several areas at one time and send the signals back to center command where they can be saved to the computer. The transmitters range in price from around $1,500 for a multi-link system capable of transmitting signals from several cameras to a central base. Look for one with low power requirements if you intend to operate it from a battery.

Night Vision Video Cameras
Night vision video cameras can be purchases relatively inexpensively for around $200 dollars apiece and can be installed to monitor unmanned areas while investigators are busy investigating other areas.

Hand-held Mini DVD Recorders
Hand-held Mini DVD recorders make is possible to record the investigation as it occurs and may be useful in capturing paranormal activity. The pop up screen provides a view of the area and any evidence captured. These range in price from $250 dollars to $300 and require an IR illuminator to allow you to film in darkness.

UV Cameras
UV cameras produce images that are beyond the scope of human vision. Fijifilm produces the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR capable of filming objects in both the ultraviolet and infrared spectrums. It sells for just under $1,800. Barry Fitzgerald of Ghost Hunters International has used a UV camera on investigations and revealed images presumed to be paranormal that were not visible to the human eye at the time. This camera seems to be worth the investment.

Investing in high tech equipment for your paranormal research increases your ability to capture evidence that may go unnoticed by the human eye or unheard by the human ear. Whether you choose to purchase one piece at a time or go all out and purchase it all depends on your finances and your commitment to paranormal investigating.

Digital Photography Review
Spyville.comWireless Video Cameras
SyFy. Steve's Gear