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35 MM and Digital
Bring at least one reliable camera. However, each set of teams should have their own camera. The negatives of the film can be put through laboratory experiments to discern the validaty of the photo in question of a possible ghost. Defects in the camera or the film can be thus ruled out. Use high-speed film of at lease 400 ASA low shooting in low light. Another camera with black and white film can be useful and produce interesting photos. Many people have had good luck with disposible camera.
It is the opinion of many that digital cameras should be used only as a secondary camera. It seems, in low light, that digital cameras have trouble filling in all the pixels and thus produce an orb-like anomaly. However, this result can vary from camera to camera and environmental issues. These cameras certainly can be helpful for comparison with 35mm cameras. Bring more rolls of film than you think you will need. If the investigation turns out to be a very active one, you will kick yourself if you only have one or two rolls of film. And of course, get to know your cameras prior to going on the investigation. You don't want to miss that perfect picture if you are trying to figure out zoom or flash features.
Whether you use a spiral notebook or create one on the computer, the most important and basic tool a ghost investigator needs is a log book. The following are most commonly recorded in the log book:
*Date and time of the investigation, including duration.
*A listing of all photographs taken, and with what type of camera.
*A listing of all EVPs recorded, and what type of device used.
*Names of all persons present during the investigation.
*A brief history of the paranormal activity reported.
*A listing of equipment used during the investigation.
*A sketch of any areas/rooms and what activity was reported during the investigation.
You can obviously tailor your log book to fit your investigational needs. However, just in case you take that one picture or video capture that seems to be concrete proof of the existance of ghosts, you must have a detailed report that covers temperature changes, notes about who was where, environmental conditions, etc. Although ghost hunting and investigating is fun and mysterious, it should also be approached scientifically so that no one can deny your results.
IR Thermometers measure target temperature, vapor, and particulate temperature in the air. These instruments should not be waved around because you are looking for a smooth transition in temperature changes. You are looking for the overall change in temperature, not the actual number. And, as always, look for a source of the temperature change before labeling it paranormal. Find out if wiring or pipes are behind the walls/flooring/ceiling in which you are pointing the instrument. And compare the air temperature (with a mercury thermometer) with the IR measurements.
An audio recorder can also be another important piece of evidence for your investigation. Select a recorder that has an external microphone. Try not to use one that has a built in (internal) microphone because it does pick up the sounds of the recorder's gears and such. It is recommended to use high bias tapes or metal tapes.
Digital recorders are now on the market at reasonable prices. These recorders can pick up realitively faint noises. Many models have a voice activation option and timesstamps each activation.
It is suggested that you place the recorder on a stable table/chair/etc in a room and everyone leaves the room for a good half hour or more. Before actually leaving the room, try asking any spirits some simple questions. The one question I have heard investigators ask is, "Are there any messages you would like to leave?" If you are going to stay in the room and ask a series of questions in the hopes of recording some voices, it is highly suggested that you ask the questions one at a time and leave ample time in between questions to give the spirits the chance to answer you. Remember, it takes them a lot of energy to interact with our world and it may take them a few moments to gather the energy they need to answer.
Always bring ample quantities of batteries for all your equipment. Ghosts suck up a lot of energy from whatever they can. It's not uncommon to have to change out batteries at the beginning of an investigation.
I have asked around and have found that many investigators use rechargable batteries. It is much easier (and cheaper!!!!) to have a recharging base plugged in at the site of an investigation with batteries always charging in case you need them at a moments notice. And many swear rechargable batteries are more reliable and long-lasting than the more common name brand ones. However, I do like the cost factor of rechargables. Between batteries and film, an investigation can become a tad pricey. Now, if only they had re-usable film, then we would truely be set! *grin*
