In previous Technical Notes, we’ve covered many different forms of electronic equipment useful in gathering evidence while conducting an investigation but have never really focus on new digital products. In this Tech Note, we will discuss some of the new technology and what kind of evidence gathering capabilities we can expect.
Digital audio recorders: Digital audio is, by far, the best type of audio that can be used when attempting to record EVP’s. A high quality (hand held) recorder practically does away with hissing and high frequency interference that is common among standard analog recorders. This is accomplished by converting standard audio frequencies, in their analog (sine wave) format into a digital (voltage stepped) sine wave. The digital sine wave is a much “cleaner” sine wave than analog and therefore reduces standard tape “hissing”. In the figure below, the dirty audio (towards the left side of Fig. 1) is what produces hiss and makes differentiating EVP’s. difficult. Fig. 2 is a sample of a digital recording. Notice the lack of noise? That results in excellent quality recordings and makes picking out EVP’s. much simpler.
Digital audio recorders are still expensive in relation to their analog counterparts but are well worth the investment. Remember, to get the best quality recordings, you must use a high quality microphone. Do not use standard electret microphones because they naturally produce excessive hiss and will negate the usefulness and purpose of a digital recorder.
Digital cameras: Now that digital cameras are so more widely available, acceptable, and affordable, many more people have begun using them as their primary camera, tossing their “antique” 35mm’s on the top closet shelf. What advantages and disadvantages do digital cameras have over 35mm’s?
Advantages (technical and otherwise): One of the main advantages of the digital camera is its ability to review a photo immediately after being taken. Not only does this reduce the cost of film developing but also is an easy visible indication of a spirit’s presence. What makes it different from standard 35mm cameras is the photographic medium. 35mm’s use a film that chemically reacts when exposed to light. Historically, most common psychic photos were taken using some form of chemical film process and have proven quite effective, but the digital camera takes this process the next step. Instead of using a chemical film, the digital camera uses a series of electronic “eyes” that, as an entire unit, are called a “Charged-Coupled Device”, or most commonly known as a CCD. The CCD electronically reacts to light and color and when the photo is taken, the camera’s processor maintains the signals sent from the CCD as an image and stores it on disk or in memory. What really separates the two apart is the fact that it is commonly known that spirits have an uncanny ability to manipulate electronics, thus would be much easier for a spirit to reveal itself electronically (through the CCD) than to force changes in a chemical film. A new function of some digital cameras is their ability to also produce short time frame motion videos. Although digital cameras have only been widely available for a relatively short time, they have proven to be extremely effective in the role of psychic photography.
Disadvantages: The digital camera has two main disadvantages over the 35mm. First and foremost is the difficulty of producing quality, hardcopy photos. Most people cannot afford a true photo printer which is required for the expected standard 35mm photo results. Many photo developers now offer digital photo developing but at a significantly higher price than standard 35mm’s. The second disadvantage is their susceptibility to electrical interference. Due to the fact that spirits can manipulate electronics, they can (when it’s to their advantage) have the ability to more easily affect the operation (or lack of) of the camera.
Digital Camcorders: Over the last year or so, many improvements have been accomplished dealing with digital camcorder technology. Although many high quality digital camcorders are still fairly expensive, there are many models that would fall into the price range most people are able to afford. Digital camcorders use the same CCD technology as digital cameras and the differences between the two are surprisingly minimal. The digital camcorder has many advantages over standard analog camcorders in that because the video and audio signals are purely digital, they produce a much “cleaner” quality. The playback video is usually much less grainy and fuzzy and the audio has much less hiss. Also, because it is digital, it can be manipulated much easier. Some examples would be the higher magnification, the new image stabilizing function, and the static free “freeze frame” capabilities.
One of the better digital camcorders on the market is the Sony Night-Shot camcorder. Along with the typical digital capabilities, it also has a setting for “night vision”. With a flick of a switch, you can now view and record in complete darkness. This is NOT a true night vision, but close enough for all intents. It uses a very low lux imager that is infra-red sensitive, combined with a built in infra-red light source used to “light” up the viewing area. It also has much less snow when viewing in night vision mode than standard “Starlight” scopes and 3rd generation night vision viewers. This particular camcorder has proven to be VERY effective in recording psychic phenomena like globules, mist, vales… etc.
Most digital cameras use special digital video tapes that are not directly compatible with a standard home VCR and require re-recording to VHS format. Although some signal loss (and quality loss) will occur during the transfer, the quality of the video and audio will still be very good.
We highly recommend the use of digital products to any serious ghost hunter who wants top of the line quality and the best opportunities of capturing the paranormal for evidence.