I use an Canon Power Shot SD1000.  This is a very popular model among ghost hunters.  It uses smartmedia memory cards.  An 256meg card can hold up to 400 photos.  You can also buy additional memory cards up to 4 gigs.  I get great results and the flash is very bright and works great outdoors at night.  I have also seen great results from digital cameras by Kodak, Canon and Nikon.   There are many levels of photo quality available now and denoted in megapixles.    I used a 3.1 MP for years with excellent results.  I now use a 7.1 MP camera.   The higher the number the better quality of the photos IF you are going to print them out on good photo paper with a very good photo printer.   For viewing on computer screens, the lower megapixel cameras are fine and still print photo quality photos.   Many department stores (Walmart, Target, Kmart) and computer stores carry many different models of digital cameras.  A good one starts a about $120.00 and the go up from there.      Ghosthunting 101 Camera Tips

        

I also use modifed cameras that can see in infrared and one that can see in what we call the full spectrum (ultraviolt light through visible light into infrared light.    These cameras can be used with the camera flash or special IR or IR/UV full psctrum lights.    If you are going to video record with them, which most digital cameras all also do now,  you will need a IR light source or a full spectrum light.   You can use IR and UV flashlights as lights for these cameras too.   Remember to be very careful when using the ultraviolet lighting because it can be harmful to the human eye.

Moultrie Game Spy 4.0-Megapixel Digital Camera with IR Flash

We also use motion sensor scouting cameras.   When somethign trips the motion sensors the camera takes photos of the area simultaneously.    The latest version we use is show above.  It is a digital camera scouting camera but instead of having a regular flash, it uses 72 infrared LED light bulbs that enables the camera to take infrared photos in total darkness when the motion sensor is triggered.

Where you can order these:
Dick's Sporting Goods
The Ghosthunter Store ®

        

           ccd-tr716                                                           IR Light Extender


Sony HVR-HD1000P

The camcorder of choice is the older consumer Sony camcorder line which had the night shot IR feature.    Now they only include that on their prosumer line of camcorders like the model I use which is the HVR-HD1000P.  This camcorder features a night shot feature which records in total darkness.  The night shot setting uses infrared light to record beyond what the human eye can see.  We have been getting great results using it.    You will also want to consider getting an IR light extender for your camcorder.   This increases the distance you can film in total darkness from 10 feet to 150 feet.     You can also get a modified camera like the digital ones shown listed under digital cameras above that will also do video too, some in high definition.   Ghosthunting 101 Recording Tips

Where you can order these:
Sony.com
The Ghosthunter Store ®

  

I also use a wireless camera set up.  This set up have 4 cameras that can see in color and in total darkness thanks to 20 infrared LED lights.   I've used this with a  $40 USB video capture device and I view and record the video directly on my laptop.   Now I use a standalone DVR with an internal hard drive that allows me to record all 4 cameras at the same time.    Using the DVR requires the cameras to be hard wired but its much better quality that running them wirlessly.  

Where you can order these:

The Ghosthunter Store ®

A normal tape recorder or a handheld one is an invaluable tool.  I recommend when you are attempting to record spirits, use an external microphone in order to reduce the amount of noise generated by the internal mechanics of the recorder itself.  You can also use these for interview witnesses and keeping notes during an investigation.  Hi grade or metal tapes seem to work the best.  These are available at all department stores and many other places as well.  Most start at $15.00 on up.   Ghosthunting 101 Recording Tips

Where you can order these:
Yahoo Shopping

Digital voice recorders are becoming more popular and the majority of investigators use them instead of tape recorders.   We have gotten good EVP results with this type of recorder with and without a external microphone.   It is also easy to transfer your EVPs to your computer.  This piece of equipment is also well suited for notes and interviews.  They start at about $40.00.   Ghosthunting 101 Recording Tips

Where you can order these:
The Ghosthunter Store ®