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I use a few different types of cameras, which includes 35mm, digital, still shots that are taken with a digital camcorder and even disposable 35mm cameras. I only use 400 speed film and for the most part only use color film, but many ghost hunters also suggest the use infrared and black and white film. APS (Auto Point and Shoot) cameras may also be used. When transfering digital data to PC, i use firewire cables.
Currently my main camera is a Toshiba PDR-4300 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera.
Specifications:
- Sensor: 4.0 Megapixel
- Size: 1/1.8-inch
- Optical Zoom: 2.8x
- Digital Zoom: 2.2x
- LCD Monitor: 1.6-inch TFT
- Shutter Speed: 1/2 - 1/1000 sec.
- Movie Mode: 15 fps without audio (Captures AVI Video)
- Memory Included: 16MB SecureDigital Card
- Storage Media: Secure Digital
- Resolution: Offers 2400 x 1600, 1200 x 800 & 720 x 480 options
Why Take Photos?
No one really knows for sure just how ghosts end up on film, but the camera has become one of the most important tools that a ghost hunter uses in every investigation. Science tells us that the human eye does not see the world as it realy is. Our brain processes the information from our eyes and presents it to our conscious mind in a way that we can understand. Perhaps the brain simply doesn't allow us to see ghosts, except on rare occasions when the spirits somehow slip past the brain's screening process. Another theory suggests that spirit energy is made up of a different spectrum of light, a spectrum the human eye can’t see but which the camera picks up. There are countless theories as to why it works, but no one seems to know exactly how. They just know that it does.
Video Recording
The main video camera we use is a Sony DCR - TRV320 Digital Video Camera Recorder With Super Night Vision Capabilities and it records on to 8mm digital tape, in which we only use high quality metal tape. We always use a tripod and when needed in certain environments, we have a small surveilance monitor, so we are able to set the camera up in one room, while monitoring from another. The camera has adjustable speed settings, but we only use the fastest speed, which makes for the highest quality recording.
Why Record Video?
As with photos, there are countless theories as to why it works, but no one seems to know exactly how. They just know that it does.
Regarding Night Vision
The military developed light-intensifying lenses for night surveillance. With their stark, green-glowing image field, these units will not work in absolute darkness but will electronically amplify minute levels of available light (such as moonlight, starlight or IR emitters) to provide a functional image where unaided eyesight or photography would be useless. This allows late-night surveillance in a haunted house without having to turn the lights on. Some ghostly phenomena are reported to be more active at night, and the use of artificial lighting might inhibit a paranormal event. Night vision devices have also allowed investigators to film misty or vaporous manifestations that would have appeared washed-out or invisible under illuminated conditions.
EVP Recordings
(Electronic Voice Phenomenon)
Presently we are using two different sources for recording EVP. The first source is an external omnidirectional microphone that is connected directly to the Sony DCR - TRV320 Digital Video Camera Recorder, which records the EVP directly on to 8mm digital tape (metal). The other source is a standard quality Optimus CTR - 108 Portable Cassette Recorder, with an external omnidirectional microphone and we use only high bias metal tape. We look forward to adding a portable, digital audio recording device in the very near future.
Why Take EVP Recordings?
Just the same as photographs and video recording, spirit voices have been known to appear when using audio recording equipment, where otherwise they may have been inaudible to the naked ear. No one knows exactly why.
EMF Metering
(Electro-magnetic Field Metering)
The devise we currently use for monitoring EMF is a Gauss Master, which meters EMF on two different scales, 0-1 milligauss (mG) and 0-10 milligauss (mG). It has a visual needle guage and also emits audible signals.
Why Monitor EMF?
As with cold/hot spot monitoring and other types of monitoring, when we find unexplainable, erratic fluctuations in the electro-magnetic field (especially between 0 - 1 milligauss), this is when we concentrate our photography, video and EVP recordings on a targeted area.
Anomalous electromagnetic field readings are often recorded in haunted areas. Varying levels of electromagnetism are normal, generated by electric appliances, wiring, overhead powerlines, and the like. Normal electromagnetic fields need to be isolated and ruled out -- though it should be noted that some researchers, including William Roll, believe that strong artificial sources of EMF can induce or aggravate poltergeist activity.
Paranormal EMFs are untraceable, fluctuate in intensity, and typically move from one spot to another. They often occupy specifically defined areas of isolated, suspended space, as opposed to emanating from a structural surface. The locations of these pockets may correspond to the exact areas where a psychic claims to see an apparition. Their location and intensity can both be logged by hand-held magnetometers.
Strong EMFs can also affect magnetic videotape, causing interference bands and resulting in strange glowing or fogged images on tape that were invisible to the naked eye. Similar sound distortions, as well as strange voices (EVP, or electronic voice phenomena), can show up on magnetic audio tracks.
Cold/Hot Spot Monitoring
We currently use a CEM DT-8810 Digital Infrared non-contact Thermometer with laser pointer. Range: - 20 Degrees C - 270 Degrees C/- 4 Degrees F - 518 Degrees F
Why Monitor For Cold/Hot Spots?
Thermometers help us identify cold/hot spots in an area. Usually if spirits are present, the area will be dramatically hotter or colder than other surrounding areas. If there is no reason for the sudden change in tempature in the surrounding area, spirits may be present. As with EMF and other types of monitoring, when we find these indicators, this is when we concentrate our photography, video and EVP recordings on a targeted area.
Short of using expensive thermal imaging units, the best way to document a paranormal cold spot is with a rapid-reading electronic thermometer. (Forget the old mercury-filled tubes). The best type will give a constant background reading of the room and have an external probe that can be directly inserted into a cold spot. Many units will record and store data continuously, and some can be programmed to sound an alarm if the temperature drops or rises beyond set parameters.
Motion Detection
For indoor investigations, we currently use a Radio Shack motion detector that can detect infrared disturbances up to 30 feet away, in every direction. On occasion we will also use "Ghost Catchers" (glorified wind chimes), which are made of lightweight aluminum. We will hang these in the middle of doorways, so if a spirit happens to pass by, they will chime.
Why Use Motion Detectors?
Some theories suggest that spirits give off infrared energy which is detected by infrared detectors. If this is the case, then it is possible for paranormal activity to set off the alarm of the infrared detector. This is one other step toward possibly proving that spirits are infrared. In any case, these devices are good for sensing movement when there should be none. One sensor can easily monitor an entire hallway or room. it is an ideal tool for indoor investigations.
Infrared motion detectors sample the infrared light in front of the detector and convert it into an electrical signal which is then monitored by the internal circuits for changes in the signal. When something moves in front of the infrared detector, the infrared signature will change. This new signature is read by the detector, if there is enough of a change in the converted eletrical signal, the detector will set of an alarm or chime to notify the user that something has changed the infrared light in front of the device, ie, it detected motion.
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