Equipment
Just new to ghost hunting? Want to know what equipment to take with you on your hunts? Here are some inexpensive options.
1. A camera. Digital is a good investment since you don't have to spend lots of money on film and processing. You have to take A LOT of photos to get good ghostly phenomenon. But if you can't afford one, you can even use a disposable 35 MM camera. Some experts recommend 35 MM since you have the negative to compare to. Personally, I like digital better. In my experience, the digital camera (especially the ones with higher quality) produces excellent photos. I have read that digital imaging uses a different spectrum of light than regular film and therefore might catch something your film couldn't.
Additional Info on digital cameras versus film
2. A tape recorder. For capturing Evp's (electric voice phenomenon). Yes, sometimes the ghosts talk to you. And often, you can't hear them unaided. I have been surprised at what I have captured on tape. Digital format units are best, but pricey. If your using a regular cassette version, make sure you get an external Mic, or you will have hours of your recorder squeaking to listen to. I also recommend a voice activated model. You can leave it in a haunted site unattended and it will only record if it picks up noise. This makes reviewing the tapes easier, since you don't have to listen to hours of silence.
3. Flashlight. Most places you're going hunting in are very dark, so you'll need to bring light for 3 reasons. 1. So you can see and don't fall into a hole or something, 2. To find your stuff in the dark, so you don't walk off without your camera, and 3. your sanity. Sitting for long periods of time in a dark, haunted place can get hard on the nerves, so you will need light so you don't freak out.
4. Extra batteries, for everything. Camera, flashlight, tape recorder, you name it. Ghosts and haunted areas tend to drain the energy out of batteries, and you don't want to get caught with a bunch of dead equipment in the dark.
5. Compass. Very inexpensive. They detect shifts in the magnetic field and start to spin or point the WRONG way when they are close to ghostly activity.
6. A camcorder. THE BEST would be one equipped with night vision or low lighting conditions. But even a normal camcorder with a good light is beneficial for documenting things like the layout of the location. Showing where things like street lights or the moon are so you don't get confused in your photos thinking something is paranormal when it's not. Also, it comes in handy as blackmail if one of your group freaks out, you'll always have that on film.
7. EMF detector. Electro Magnetic Field Detector is an instrument used by many ghost hunters to detect variations in the electro magnetic field. Fluctuations in readings are a good sign of paranormal activity.
8. Thermometer. The BEST kind to use is an Infrared Thermal Scanner (like automotive technicians use). With it you have the ability to point anywhere in a given area and pickup variations in temperature (as significant decrease in temperature is a sign of ghostly activity.)
9. Pad and pen. To record paranormal activity including time, location, and weather conditions.