- OUR EQUIPMENT -
Below is the equipment SJGR uses:

Digital and Automatic Cameras
(2) Vivitar BV35DB 35mm camera • (3) 340R Olympus Digital camera • (2) 35mm Minolta Maxxim Dynax 3xi with a Quantaray for Minolta Lens • Vivitar AF300 35mm camera • (2) Olympus D-620L Digital camera • Olympus Mutizoom 35mm camera • Minolta Vectis APS camera • Canon Sureshot 80 35mm camera • Sony Mavica Digital camera FD-73 • (3) Olympus D-490 Zoom Digital camera • Fujica AZ-1 35mm camera w/zoom lens • Ansco 35mm camera • Pentax IQZoom 35mm • Epson Digital Photo PC 700 • D450 Zoom Olympus Digital Camera • Nikon Cool Pix 950 Digital camera • Minolta Freedom AF35 35mm Camera • Hewlett-Packard Photo Smart 215 Digital camera • Olympus 3040Z digital camera • Nikon N60 SLR 35mm camera • Ricoh af-77 35mm camera • (2) Kodak Digital camera DC-3200 • (2) Olympus Digital camera D360-L • Nikon Cool Pix 950 Digital camera • Kodak KB10 35mm camera • Pentax PC-330 35mm camera • Ricoh KR-30SP 35mm camera • Fuji DL8 35mm camera • Studio35 ST200 35mm camera • Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm camera • Ricoh R1 35mm camera • (2) Sony Mavica FD-71 digital camera with external slave flash attachment (Quantaray Q383 super flash) • HP PhotoSmart 210 digital camera • Minolta Freedom Zoom 140 EX 35mm camera • MinoltaQT 35mm camera • Fuji APS camera • Mavica FD-90 digital camera • Olympus stylus epic LTD 35mm camera • Fuji Endeavor APS camera • Polaroid PDC700 digital Camera • Vivitar ps40 35mm camera

Video Cameras and Camcorders
(2) Sony DCR-TRV520 Digital 8mm Camcorder w/ infrared Nightshot • (2) Sony DCR-TRV103 w/infrared nightshot • Sony DCR-TR416 8mm Camcorder w/infrared nightshot • Sony DCR-TRV8 Digital Camcorder w/ infrared nightshot • Sony DCR-TRV720 Digital camcorder w/ infrared nightshot • DelStar model GEE900RX wireless infrared audio/video transmitter and receiver monitor

Audio Recorders
(4) Panasonic RR-DR60 tapeless audio recorders • (11) Panasonic RR-QR80 digital voice recorders • (2) Optimus CTR-109 Cassette Recorder w/ external mic • Radio Shack Model 33-2001A Dynamic Microphone • (2) GE micro-cassette personal recorder w/external mic • Sony Micro Cassette Recorder M-530V • GE standard Tape recorder w/external mic • Aiwa TPM320 micro-cassette audio recorder • Optimus boundary Microphone • Labtec AM22 Microphone • Recoton MM-40 Microphone • GE 35376B mini cassette recorder

Electromagnetic Field Detectors - (EMF)
(3) Cell Sensor EMF Detectors • (4) Trifield Natural EMF Meters • (27) ELF Zone EMF meters • (2) Electrosensor EMF Detectors • (4) Gauss Lites EMF meter • (2) Hutech EMF meter • Dr. Gauss Meter EMF Meter • Sperry EMF-200A sensor • Elektro SMOG-detector

Temperature Sensing Equipment
(4) Raytech MT2 non-contact IR thermometer • (2) Raytech MT4 non-contact IR thermometer • PT50 Digital Thermometer • Extech 42520 IR Thermometer • (4) Radio Shack digital thermometers • (3) Radio Shack remote thermometers with base unit • PDT300 digital thermometer • Cooper SH66A Multiprobe Digital Temperature Tester • (2) Radio Shack Digital Barometer

Miscellaneous Equipment
(2) Minialert IR motion detectors • (5) Radio Shack 49425 IR Motion Detectors • Night Owl Optics night vision scope • (2) Ranger FRS Radio • (2) UFR-308 FRS radios • (10) Cobra Cleartalk FRS radios • (3) Motorolla FRS radios • Uniden 4000 FRS radio • Bell South FRS radio • (2) V-talk FRS radios • (2) Bell South 18 channel FRS radios

Here is a list of some of the equipment we use on investigations. All you need really need is a camera and an open mind!
  1. 35mm camera (autofocus or autoflash)
  2. Video camera (Sony nightvision or low lux settings are the best)
  3. Tape recorder with external microphone
  4. Electromagnetic field detector (EMF)
  5. Parabolic microphone
  6. Night vision scope
  7. Thermometers or Thermal scanner
  8. Motion detectors
  9. Two way radio
  10. Flashlights
  11. Compass
  12. Digital barometer

Extras
Batteries • matches • candles • food • drinks • *tapes (audio, video) • *film • magnifier lens • measuring tape • adhesive tape • notebook • pens • pencils • clothes

*Film: S.J.G.R. recommends 400 speed color print film for indoor shots. Eight hundred speed film for outside photos. The brand of film doesn't seem to matter.

*Tapes: S.J.G.R. recommends high grade metal or high bias audio tapes for best recording.

Tips for Using Equipment
Cameras are a valuable tool for investigating a haunting. They provide a visual documentation of the site and the phenomena occurring. Cameras are neither for or against the supernatural, allowing what we do not see with our closed minds to be photographed.

When attempting psychic photography you should load the film into the camera on arrival at the investigation site. This will show the intention you have and by this recognition, spirits will be drawn to you. When taking pictures it is also wise to say "flash" to notify others in the area that you are taking a photo. Psychic photography is best achieved during the hours between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The most opportune time for you will be when you have the feeling something is near you or watching you. You will know that feeling.

While photographing at the site, try to avoid any unnecessary focus points that might have lights, poles or any other obstruction. This will interfere with evaluation or determination of the photograph and its elements. All photographs should be cataloged with the corresponding negative for archival storage.

Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation. Unlike still cameras, they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation. With video, any phenomena occurring can be documented in its entirety. This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs, what is happening, the conditions surrounding the phenomena, and possibly even the cause.

When setting up the video camera, place it in an area that has an unobstructed view of the whole area being investigated, but not in the way of the investigators, an entrance, or an exit. You can also have a mobile camera roaming the entire investigation scene. When videotaping, state the location, time, investigators names, and weather conditions. It is extremely important to state any obstruction in the focus point of the video camera that may be perceived during review as an anomaly. Do not use any external light source when videotaping. Many video cameras are low lux or have a night shot setting on them. If so, use that setting. The infrared nigth shot feature sees beyond what the human eye can see and we have been very sucessful with them. During review, be sure to mark down all times that any phenomena occurs.

Tape recorders or digital recorders are without a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in your investigator's toolbox. Tape recorders are utilized for many different purposes throughout an investigation. Recorders are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts, and electronic voice phenomena (EVP).

When using tape recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigator's names. When recording investigator's names, have each individual present state their own names into the recorder. This will make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice activation mode should be deactivated on tape recorders during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved. This is due to the fact that it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases.

If the recorder comes equipped with a tape counter, record the locations on the tape where any audible phenomena is being heard during review. Always use an external microphone with tape reocorders instead of an internal one. You may record the gears of the recorder instead of an EVP if you do not. Do not whisper while on location. This too can be mistaken for an EVP.

The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghosthunters tracking device and a very important piece of equipment. With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy sources. When using this device be sure not to leave it on for the full duration of the investigation. This will prevent the instrument from burning out. Before using the EMF on an investigation, be sure to walk around the area and take readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets. This way, you'll to be sure of the readings you will receive while scanning the area during the investigation. Most units when purchased come with a manual describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading.

Parabolic microphones are an advantage to have when ghosthunting. These microphones amplify sounds that are a great distance away or below your range of hearing. When used with a tape recorder this will increase the chances of recording electronic voice phenomena.

Night vision scopes are a benefit when used on an investigation that is being conducted in low light conditions. They provide vision in darkness and can be adapted to a video camcorder which will provide the investigation with an illuminated view while recording and reviewing.

Thermometers are an inexpensive instrument that no ghosthunter should be without. When used on an investigation, this will aid as a detection system for spirit activity. Rapid temperature drops will indicate spirit activity. IR non contact thermometers are more expensive but they can scan entire areas while looking for cold spots.

The compass is a useful instrument to an investigator do to its compact size and low cost. When used on an investigation, this will indicate spirit activity when the needle can not come to a precise heading.

Two-way radios are a good communication system for an investigation team. Often the investigators tend to split up and this will allow quick and clear communication to avoid searching and yelling.

Flashlights are a must for any investigator. In most investigations this will be the only light source you will have. When using the flashlight, if possible, the investigator should have a red filter fitted to the lens. This will still provide clear vision but tinting the light keeps your night vision intact.

Extra batteries, extra flashlightbulbs, extra tapes, extra film, etc. are a must when you want to be well-prepared for an investigation. You do not want to have that once in a life time opportunity such as a full body apparition to float on by because your batteries were drained or you did not have enough film. In this field there is never enough when it comes to equipment.

To see photos and find out where you can buy some of this equipment, visit: The Ghost Hunters Toolbox.