Best Camera for Taking Photos of Ghosts?

well the best i have used is called a fuji fine pix becase it has infarared lighting and it dosent reflect off of walls or furniture.

jimmy,lead investigator/tech manager

Our team is fairly new.  We use several types of cameras.  Our most popular camera is a small digital Sanyo camera with 7.1 megapixals.  This camera has two advantages that the others don't.  One, the photos are instant.  No waiting for film to be developed.  Second, it has a preveiw screen that allows us to look at the photo right after it was taken.  We never delete any photos, even if there is nothing interesting in it.  We file it with the rest. 

Our second camera we use is a 35 mm camera and use 400 to 700 speed film.  We use black and white and color.  The third camera we use is a video camera.  This is perfect for capturing us using our equipment and explaining to the camera what is going on and our feelings about a room or space.  We have never caught any ghosts yet on that camera.  We have caught things moving or dropping with no apparent reasons.  We also set this camera on a tripod and aim it in a "hot" room or hallways. 

Our fourth camera we use is a I.R. camera.  This allows us to see cold and hot spots indoors and outdoors.  It records, just as the video camera does.  (This camera is owned by one of our team members).  Each of our cameras record the time and date.  The next camera we are looking for is one that has night vision capabilities.

I would like your input on a Nikon D40 camera.  I just bought it, and would like to know what you think.

Sondra — That should work fine.  Nikon is a quality brand, often used by professional photographers.

Rich — Great comment. Thanks for sharing what your team uses.

I have been using a Canon Powershot A540, 6.0 MP & 4x optical zoom for the last couple years.  We have gotten several great shots with this consisting of orbs, ghost mist, ghost faces in windows of abandoned places, & even an apparition.  It is simple to use & seems to pick up on spirits really well.

I just bought a new Kodak ZD8612 IS because it has higher MP of 8.1 & 12X optical & other new features as well.  I will be trying it out in areas that we already know to be haunted & hoping to have good results with it also.  Has anyone else tried this model for ghost hunting?

Happy hunting,

Marsha

Wanted to update, I do not recommend the Kodak ZD8612 for ghost hunting.  I just took it back & traded it for the Canon A590 since we had seen such great results with the Canon A540.  The Kodak had blurry pictures anytime the flash was not turned on.  Could have just been a defect in that particular camera, but also did not like the fact that the lens cap was always falling off.  Also had a pop out flash that has to be manually closed every time.  Have only had the new Canon for a couple days but have already caught several orbs with it.  Great camera, just wish it would recharge quicker between shots.  Does anyone know of a camera that recharges quickly & works well for ghost hunting?

I would just love to say, I own this camera.  I too, am a huge fan of Sony CyberShot.  I own two of them.  The Sony DSC-H2 is really a great camera for ghost hunters.  Amateur or Expert Photographer, this camera is sweet!

Hi, I'm new to this and I have a lot of interest in Ghost hunting.  I have the Sony DSC-H1 and I was wondering what settings do you use for ghost hunting?  Do you need to add a special lens?

I do have a preference for Sony products myself, but I also use a Fuji Film Fine Pix S700 as well as the S1000 and both are great cameras. As far as camcorders go, I prefer the Sony Handycam Hi8.

Will an Olympus digital camera work, and if so which setting should i use?

I have the same question as Jessica (9-16-09). I have an Olympus SP 360 UZ, but am getting only black screen with video and flash isn't effective with the paranormal. Is there a way to use this camera to take photos in the dark?

I was wondering if the trail cameras would work with IR flash for night photo's ? The trail cameras work by flashing with movement or by auto shooting every few seconds. I am planning to stay at a haunted in by Gettysburg Pa and i wanted to set the camera up and take photo's while we sleep. Do you think it would work ? I am thinking of buying one. Thanks for your time.

Jevon Stremus

To take pictures of solid white orbs near the edge of the woods where I live, I use a Canon A510 3 Meg camera, with the flash turned on and AUTO setting is used. I also enjoy using my FUJI S700 – 7 Meg camera, too. I get the best pictures when turning off the color mode and switching it to BW mode. I've been able to capture orbs at ground level and also tree top level, at dusk in the early July evening.

Nothing seems to be active near the woods when its cold and wintery. I've tried known haunted locations and came up empty handed. It seems the wooded areas near me are the most active for orbs. I've even taken picture of a UFO near the woods, too. Triangle shaped object, made a 90 degree turn and vanished into a cloud. After the sighting, orbs showed up in pictures on my digital camera.

Baltimore, MD

Hi i have a Nikon D300 and I was wondering what setting would i have to set my camera to capture some awesome pics…Im a New ghost hunter but a semi pro photographer.

When choosing a digital camera be aware that digital cameras have software that filters out digital noise. Sometimes these filters can mistake ectoplasm and orbs as noise and filter these out. Read the owners manual or talk to a photography shop to find out. Our group uses a Cannon EOS digital, as well as disposable 35 mm cameras and inexpensive pocket type digital cameras. Many people I have talked to prefer the lower pixel less expensive cameras because they don't filter anything out.

i just found out that my house is haunted and the past owners have seen and talked to the apparitions. One is a elderly women who killed herself in the front bathroom. and there is a litle girl spirit and the last owners have seen and talked to her. we do not know why she is here. we are looking for ghost hunters.

LOL o.k., just to tell some people one thing.  IT'S SPELLED CANON!  lol not 3 "N's"; just 2 :)

Happy hunting!

While I don't doubt at all the existence of ghosts — they made me a believer at a young age, I have a naturally skeptical nature, especially when it comes to ghost photography. On behalf of logic, and the scientific community, I feel inclined to add that capturing a ghost on a regular 35 mm camera is not possible, since the "classic cameras" employ the use of mirrors. Our paranormal friends lack physical substance and have no reflection; ergo, they won't show up on film. The best cameras to use are digital cameras, full spectrum and infrared cameras.

what is a good reasonable camcorder for ghost hunting. Thanks.

hi me and my husband took a pic in april and we got a face on our living room door. its glass. it looks like a man but no one has died in here. what do you all think it could be? thank you.

We are a Ghost Hunting team based in Alabama. Where abouts are you situated ?

I've had good success with the Samsung TL225 with dual LCD digital camera. It can capture manifestations even when you aren't looking for them. I wrote an article about it in relation to ghost hunting which may be useful to people reading this post.

A couple of tips: When approaching a haunted house, it sometimes pays to take pictures of windows. Ghosts inside are almost always curious of visitors and sometimes peek out a window; it helps to use a flash in ghost photography because ghosts are arguably made of a material that can reflect light, even if they are invisible most of the time to the naked eye.

Nikon CoolpixS6 is one hell of a ghost camera!

Here at INDYNIGHTSTALKER PARANORMAL we are using sony's HDR-XR500 12.0 mega pixels still image recording; you can take still pix as you record, and you can take IR pix with it as well! its HHD, 120g hard drive.

I am wanting a digital camera to capture ghosts, I have heard you need a night vision/infrared camera! Can some one clarify which one is best to use. I am only new to this and therefore only have a budget of £100

Nikon Coolpix L110. And is there a way to filter out white noise on a RCA 5320R. I've been leaving it out at night in my den. For several years my daughter and I have both hear talking and at 8-1/2years old she saw a full appartion that she followed into my room one night. She thought it was me but I was in a sound sleep when she woke me up. She was so young then I didn't want to bring her harm or fear so now that she is older and can handle this, I wanted to find out for myself if something is here or not. Husband is big time non believer so he wouldn't corprate in an investigation of any kind. I have to do this is my own to find out. I actually live on a battlefeld from the Civil War. Shermans walk through Ga. Then in 1977 there was plane crash in the same location. Most on the plane died and a few on the ground. Once I heard a child about 5-6 years old crying/moaning- but hollow, coming from the same room but an older daughter slept in there at the time. I thought she was having a nightmare. I got up; went down the hall, hearing this hollow crying/moaning sounds and kept thinking to myself it didn't sound like her at all. When I reach for the nobe it stop and once I opened the door she didn't look as if she had even moved all night. I was told once that the Cherokee Indians cursed the land when they were forced to leave.

As a professional photographer who also ghost hunts I want to add something to this discussion. I don't believe I've ever seen this brought up before and I feel it does impact paranormal research. The basic types of cameras really fall into two categories, fixed or non-interchangeable lenses and interchangeable lenses. There are view through the lens (SLR) and view through a seperate viewfinder, I've seen both of these with interchangeable and non-interchangeable lenses.

If you have a non-interchangeable or fixed lens then this problem won't affect you. Your camera body is sealed. If yours is a interchangeable lens type then you could face this problem. The problem is dust inside the camera. The sensor that actually receives the light and records the image is statically charged and attracts dust. This is dust that gets inside the camera when you change lenses and open the mirror box (where the mirror resides just behind the lens)and the mirror is before the sensor.

When the mirror flips up to expose the sensor to the incoming light, the sensor is also able to attract any dust inside the box. When you change lenses you let dust into the camera's mirror box. How to tell if you have dust on your sensor is to look closely at your images and look for a spot that is in the same spot on all pictures that are taken at the same zoom setting. They are there at all zoom settings but can appear differently or somtimes seem to vanish all together.

This problem can be taken care of. The cameras sensor and mirror box has to be cleaned. It's not recommended to clean it yourself unless you know what you are doing. That sensor is very sensitive to any physical touch and if it gets scratched your camera will be ruined. You can take your camera to a repair shop to get cleaned. Unfortunately this does cost money. And due to the nature of the camera and the enviroment your camera will start to collect dust again. And will need cleaned again (and again).

As a professional photographer I make a living off my images so my camera has to be clean and dust free for me to make money. I did learn to clean my sensors myself. It is possible but take the time to learn how to do this and buy a good kit.

For any one looking to buy a camera I would recommend looking for cameras that are 1-simple to use. 2-weather proof (sealed against dust!). 3-for digital cameras if you need a zoom – get an optical zoom, digital zooms are still not up to the optical standards needed for this kind of work).

I hope this helps and I apologize for being so lengthy.

Truly,
Jack

Hi Indy,
My otek Dv9000 camcorder so far takes the best pictures of orbs however it is only 6 mp so I'm looking to find a new snappy camera to keep capturing orbs. You mentioned that the Nikoncoolpix S6 is a great camera. Is there any chance that we could email each other and you forward an example for me to go by. Also, it would be great to chat to someone who believes in orbs as not many people know about them around here or want to know about them!!

Thanks,

Best regards,

Melissa

I am new to the field of paranormal investigations and i have a kodak easy share, would that be ok? or should i try to look into getting something better?

I am in the market for a good digital camera.I have been looking at the Nikon D3100..Would this be a good camera for catching Paranormal activity?

I have a Sony Cybershot Carl Zeiss, 10 X Zoom, 10.1 megapixel, DSC-H20. I am getting Orbs, but want to quantify them. I also captured a picture in daylight with mist that has a face in it. I can send pics if you'd like to see them, this camera is great for nightshots.

I just had a Canon Rebel T2I DSLR retrofitted for infrared. Has anyone used IR cameras like this? I get great spirit pics with point-n-shoot cameras, but nothing with the T2I yet. Wondering if I need other lens filters. Thanks.

the sony dcr pc350 fitted with sima infrared lights in their hot shoe is an excellent choice. I have a positive result with and will continue using it due its handyness, night capabilities etc….moditronic provides these for the best price and other awesome equipment.

i bought a nikon camera. how good do you guys think it is?

I think some good information has been given. Personally I think the best camera for ghost hunting is also the best camera for everything. It is the Olympus Stylus tough. I got mine about 6 months ago and I must say it is awesome.

Hi i just wanted to let u guys know that i have taken thousands of photos with huge, small, bright, coloured orbs and even a figure of a ghost. i captured all my photo's on a sony ericsson k800i cybershot phone camera. its the only camera ill use on ghost hunts, but as i get alot of orbs at home i need something quick and easy to use. as soon as i feel a presence, out comes my phone and you would be amazed at the pictures ive taken. :)

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever heard of using the kinds of high speed cameras on mythbusters for any kind of ghost hunting?

I take photos of spirits all the time using a small Olympus digital camera.

However, I want to upgrade to a bigger SLR camera for the main purpose of night/darkness shots. Any recommendations for under $500 FOR A BASIC SLR camera for night ghost hunting shots?

I am thinking about getting the Canon – EOS 60D 18.0 Megapixel Digital DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-135mm IS lens. I am kind of new to Paranormal investigations,
but I was looking at this camera and it blew me away. Anyone recommend this camera for Paranormal investigations?

Acrux: Sorry, but there isnt one that will charge faster than the other. Not one that will make that big of a difference. Any of the canons that are starting around $300.00 and up will do good. Also, nikon, huge in the industry as canon is even for professionals. If you can get one with nite shot or IR on it, that's great. But if not, still you're good if you have a little light to use yours. DSLR's be careful. They are big and bulky even though they take good pics. And are heavy. The fugi 2950, 3280, are a great price. But, either alot of people dont know how to use them or what they say is true. And that is taking pics inside with the flash, the pics come out grainy. But, these cameras have so much on them, i believe if you really know how to use one, they will turn out good. I advise everyone to do reviews on any camera they are looking to get. Look at the pros and cons. Then, make your decision. Kodak doesnt make a good DSLR.

I have been investigating for 11 yrs. I dont like the cameras that use film. To much can play into you thinking you have something when all it is, is the film going bad or something. This is way to common. be careful with digitals also. Any that have " FACE RECONIGTION " on it will do just that. What i mean is when you have that and if you take a pic of something and theres something it sees that it can put a face on it, IT WILL. Then you look at your pics and then you think you caught something but you really didnt. You will also need someone who has the equipment that when you come across one of these, you can have it run through and see what you get. That person will know by looking at it and the pixaling in the pictures when its blown up if its a real face of the cameras.

Also, if you look into getting a "FULL SPECTRUM LITE", dont do it. NO ONE Anywhere has one. They say they are but they dont get down to the full spectrum of where they claim to be. NO ONE HAS IT. Were working on building one to see if it can be done. It has to be lower than 350 nano meters to be full spectrum. Just use infra red and even with that to work great, you still need an extra lite to help it work properly. There are many great books out there and even on the internet to help you along. if you go to facebook and lookup " Dan Guthrie" and friend him, he can and will lead you to the right area. Also, one of my guys on our team who builds some of our equipment and has a couple of books out there, [ Dan does also and more so } he will and can tell you also. His name is Anthony Zepeda. He also does "Live paranormal" every wed. nite on Live paranormal.com at 8pm Houston time.

So, I hope this answers some of your questions and hope i gave you enough info to help you along the way. Also, PLEASE, AND PLEASE, PLEASE, when you get a orb, DO NOT COUNT ON IT AS PARANORMAL. So much has gone into this and no one can say an orb is a spirit and be true. ALL ORBS MUST BE THROWN OUT. Why? cause there are 50 different things or more that causes orbs. most popular one is either real big and looks like a bubble or its small and the same thing. That mostly will be dust.People see these things and think they got a spirit.

Unless that orb manifests itself with you watching it, dont count it. No one can prove a orb is a spirit even if it glows or blinks in total darkness. Without the spirit, you have just a orb of some kind of dust, water vapor, ect..Dont watch or listen to the TV shows. They are there for "ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY." All are in it for the same thing thing. They all add in sounds, ect.. to their shows. ITS IMPOSSIBLE to go to every place and get all this stuff going on to make a TV show. I hope this helps and good luck out there and happy ghost hunting.

I used my Kodak Easy Share for the 1st year of investigating and it did fine, but doesn't work now. It was a great starter camera, but I need something better now. No idea what kind to get yet, so I'll keep watching this thread. Use your Kodak until you decide.