Flashlight - Always bring a bright flashlight to see where you are going and to look at the surroundings. You can also buy one with a red lens or cover it with red cellophane. Red lens will help save your night vision on investigations, be less distracting to other investigators, draw less attention to us in cemeteries and also eliminate the chances of flashlight caused anomalies in photos. Click here for info on how to make your own red lens flashlight
Digital Camera - Many regular digital cameras produced today are capable of taking photos on par with 35mm cameras now and there is something else that most people do not know about digital cameras that is important. Most digital cameras can also see and take photos in a limited infrared spectrum of light. We have all seen the great results that have been obtained with infrared video cameras. We’ve also obtained good results with infrared motion sensors and IR thermometers. For years people have obtained good results with infrared film as well. This infrared capability is built into most digital cameras that people are using on investigations and I believe that this accounts for the larger amount of orbs being photographed in recent years. If you want to test this with your camera take your TV remote and point it at yourself. Press the on button and you will not see the light bulb in the tip of the remote light up because it is an infrared light bulb. If you view the same remote while pressing the on button through your digital cameras LCD screen or take a photo of it, you will see the light is illuminated. This proves that your digital camera can “see” infrared light. When you take a photo with your digital camera you can actually be captured things in the visible light and infrared light spectrums. Since we believe that orbs are composed of energy that exists in the semi infrared range of light, using digital cameras will give you a better tool and a better chance of capturing an anomaly.(From The Shadowlands - Digital Cameras are Good Tools and the Infrared Connection)
35mm Camera - Used with black and white film and/or infrared film is very useful for capturing any pictures. Ensure that you have plenty of film. For best results use a film speed of no less than 400. A speed of 800 may produce better results although it will be very grainy. It is also important that your camera has flash either its own or slave flash. You can have the pictures developed at your local Wal-Mart if you wish, but be sure to tell them you want all the pictures developed. Many a good abnormality has been discarded because they thought it was just a bad picture.
Tri-pod - Use this to avoid camera shake
Digital Voice Recorder - Great device for obtaining electronic voice phenomenon . Best to have one that has a USB port for your computer so you can download any EVP you might get.
Dowsing Rods - Some investigators that the use of dowsing rods can help to pick up ghosts. I use ones made with copper wire, and tipped with a glow in the dark substance to see them in a darkened room or at night. When you hold them in your hand, they move around and cross when a ghostly presence is near.
EMF Detector - EMF Detectors can pick up electronic fields over different frequencies. Where there are ghosts there are usually disruptions in the electronic field. They are relatively cheap ranging from $24 to $130. You should try to get a hold of one of these for all field work.
Video Camera with Infrared light - A video camera that has a special light called night vision can be used in total darkness. Even if you have a video camera without this option, it is also good to video tape the ghost hunt so you have a record of where everyone is and what they were doing. Don't forget to use new tapes every time you investigate. A very good investigation tool.
Infrared Light - An infrared light is used with the video camera. It aids the night vision light so the video camera can see further in the dark
Tape Recorder - A good tape recorder and an external static free microphone should be in use at all times in the ghost hunt. Even if you don't hear anything during the hunt rewind the tape and play it back. Spirit voices have been known to be heard on tape later after review. This is referred to as, EVP, Electronic Voice Phenomena. Again, use brand new tapes when recording.
Notebook and Pencil - This is used to write down things such as Weather, Geomagnetic Field, Solar x-rays, Currant Moon Phase, Ghost experiences, places you are investigating, and times. Always keep records of times and events, this is very useful for documenting the investigation and especially if the study is to be replicated. Pens and pencils are also essential.
Infrared Thermometer - These devices accurately pin point cold spots. Great for outdoor and indoor investigations.
Walkie-Talkies - These allow you to communicate with your ghost hunting party. If you are investigating a house and you have people scattered all over, walkie-talkies allow you to keep in touch. Good for outdoor ghost hunts too.
Extra Batteries - These are essential because ghosts are thought to be electromagnetic and this can cause batteries to run down quite quickly. Extra batteries will be essential for all of the ghost hunting equipment that needs it.
Compass - A compass is not only very useful for navigation it is also great for picking up electromagnetic forces. A compass will react to any magnetic or electrical stimulus that may be out of the ordinary. For this reason it is probably better to avoid an electronic compass instead use the needle points north kind.
Candles and Matches - These are essential items especially if your flashlight and equipment stop working. Some ghost hunters believer that ghost energy can drain equipment energy and candles should be taken as a back up.
A Watch - An essential piece of equipment for recording the time when the events happen.
First Aid Kit - You never know when you will need this handy item!
