| One of the largest flaws that I have found in the | | | | These basic tools can be used to record evidence for |
| professional paranormal industry is that TV shows | | | | your first few practice investigations. The compass |
| give the image that in order to be successful and | | | | can be used as an EMF meter. If the needle starts to |
| considered a professional group, you need to have an | | | | turn in false directions that means energy is interfering |
| abundance of equipment that is expensive and as up | | | | with the compass. If it consistently changes direction in |
| to date as possible. In reality, you can spend anywhere | | | | one spot it could be caused by underground wiring or |
| from $50 to $1000 and be just as strong of a ghost | | | | water. If the compass starts to go haywire randomly in |
| hunting group as those with equipment totaling | | | | one spot it could be paranormal. The voice recorder |
| $100,000 or more. With the TV industry networks and | | | | functions both as a way to take verbal notes of the |
| producers will be willing to spend $100,000 dollars at | | | | location and to record EVP, or electric voice |
| least to make shows more exciting for viewers. | | | | phenomena. EVP is when a spirits voice is caught on a |
| Frankly producers and networks do not care if the | | | | recording device but not heard by human ears. |
| equipment used is practical for the average persons | | | | Bring these tools to at least four or five practice |
| budget. If it will attract more viewers they will buy it. If | | | | investigations and see if situations record repeatedly |
| you decide to start ghost hunting after watching a | | | | where you find yourself wishing you had an additional |
| show and you would like to purchase equipment, | | | | piece of equipment. Take note of what you wish you |
| please keep this fact in mind. There is no reason why | | | | had, such as a digital camera, a better voice recorder, |
| you should spend $10,000 for a thermal imaging | | | | walkie talkies, an EMF meter or other similar pieces of |
| camera when you do not have to. Would it be nice to | | | | equipment. When you have a list of equipment, sit |
| have it? Yes, it would be. But if you are on a tight | | | | down and ask yourself if you really do need the |
| budget that money could be used to purchase | | | | equipment. If you do need the equipment be sure to |
| everything you need, and still have plenty of cash left | | | | compare prices and look at different products online. |
| over for the future. | | | | Read customer reviews and look at the different |
| The best way to avoid buying equipment that you do | | | | features. |
| not need is to have some practice investigations at a | | | | By doing this you can avoid buying equipment that you |
| local haunted location whether it is a friends house, a | | | | do not need. Yes, you can sell the equipment after |
| cemetery or other outdoor place. Just be sure that | | | | deciding you do not need it or do not like it, but you will |
| you are not breaking any trespassing laws being at | | | | often end up losing money if the product is not in new |
| the location, you are there during visitor hours, and be | | | | condition. With digital cameras and camcorders, often |
| sure to be packed up and out of the location before | | | | times new models are released within months of each |
| the visiting hours expire. | | | | other. If you are trying to sell an older model it can be |
| You should have a few basic tools with you that can | | | | difficult. Customers will be more interested in buying the |
| be found around your house including; | | | | latest technology, and it may be harder to sell your |
| · Pencil and a paper for notes, or a digital voice | | | | older product. The best advice that I can give when it |
| recorder | | | | comes to buying equipment whether you are a new or |
| · A disposable camera | | | | experienced ghost hunter is to ask yourself "do I really |
| · Flashlight | | | | need this." It can save you time and money by asking |
| · Compass | | | | this question when deciding to buy new equipment. |