Still Cameras:

We use many types of still cameras in our quest to photograph the paranormal during an investigation. 35mm SLR cameras were the norm until recently when we started using digital cameras. 35mm cameras are great, but they are a little expensive to use as there are fewer and fewer places to have film developed and with many manufactures cutting back on film production the film is becoming more expensive. We currently use 35mm, digital, multispectral digital and the still shot night vision on our video cameras.

There really is no theory behind the use of a still camera in paranormal research, the camera captures reflected visible light and you get a photo. If you can see it you should be able to photograph it. It's the unseen that we need to adjust for. We are not able to see in the Infrared area of the light spectrum so a good infrared capable camera is needed. We also can capture photographs using the day and night vision capabilities of a good video camera.

Let's take a look at some of the cameras we use in paranormal investigations and the capabilities of each. First, let's look at the Nikon D50 Digital SLR.

Without going into all specifications of the camera we can say that the Nikon D50 is a high quality Digital SLR. The camera is limited to visible light, it comes with a 28 - 90mm zoom lens and a built in flash. I always suggest using an external flash with a light diffusion filter placed over the flash. I have found that the further the flash is away from the Len's and the greater the megapixel capability, the greater the reduction of dust and water vapor orb anomalies and if the diffusion filter is placed on the flash we can eliminate most all of them. We suggest that you resist the urge to view the photos as soon as you take them as any time you turn your attention away from an investigation you can loose an opportunity to capture evidence. Remember there is plenty of time following the investigation to review photos and it is very hard to do a throw review of evidence on a tiny little screen.

The second camera on or list is the FUJIFILM IS-1 Digital SLR multispectral camera. This SLR has the IR-Cut filter removed and has the capability to shoot IR and visible light both. The camera comes with a built in flash, a 28 - 300mm zoom lens, IR and night shot. You will need a filter set for using this camera in different conditions.

The filters we use are the IR-Cut filter, this filter cuts out all IR light so the camera can take photos normally. The second set will be the IR filters in multiple wavelengths. We have the 720nm, 850nm and the 950nm filters. These can be used both day and night to only let in IR wavelengths. We also use Sony IR pods to help with lighting in the dark. These is a scientific

camera and you cant just pick one up at your local Best Buy. You will need to look at a professional photography store. These cameras are not the cheapest on the block, the IS-1 can run upwards of $800.00 and the IS Pro can run $5000.00, but they, in my opinion, are the best. A good cheep unit like this one can set you back about $1300.00.

Next on the list is the trusty 35mm SLR. We use both the canon A-1 and AE-1 cameras when necessary. At this point I can't find any real reason for using these on an investigation as the film and processing are costly and most of the newer Digital SLR produce higher quality photos. So unless this is your only option, you need to have those negatives, or you just like the warmth of film they are last on my list in the equipment bag.

We do still use them but it is on a rare occasion that we pull them out. If this is your only option due to the cost of the equipment, I suggest looking on eBay; you can pick up an excellent 35mm SLR for around $50.00 to $75.00.

Last but not least on our list of cameras, are our Sony DCR/SR-1 and DCR/SR-62 video cameras. The both come with still shot capability and Super Night Shot.

We have found these cameras to very useful, you can take still photos while video taping. We also have a series of filters that are used to cut out all visible light and only allow in the IR area of the light spectrum. The filter set consists of a 720nm, 850nm, 950nm and a 1000nm filter. These filters are great for shooting IR in the day and removing visible light from the dark.