Full Spectrum camera anyone?

[Mouse House Mama]

Okay- I am coming to the experts here. My son wants a full spectrum camera for ghost hunting. (don't ask) I don't know anything about them. Does anyone know how much they run and what is a decent one to buy that won't break the bank? TIA!

 

[AbbysFamily]

Ghosts? Sorry...
Try here: http://maxmax.com/aXRayOrderIRCamera.asp

Looks like the XNiteFujiJ20 at $325 is the starting price.

I've liked the idea of an IR camera for the types of pictures you get... I don't know how well this works. Most IR pics I've seen are on SLRs.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Yep. Ghosts. We have some diehard TAPS fans here. Thank you for the information. I was hoping for something a lot cheaper.

 

[ukcatfan]

I do love me some TAPS, but could never imagine myself doing it. I suggest that he find an established group that already has the equipment before going out to try on his own and spending a lot of $$$.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I do love me some TAPS, but could never imagine myself doing it. I suggest that he find an established group that already has the equipment before going out to try on his own and spending a lot of $$$.

He is too young to go out with a group. Maybe I can get some other equipment instead. He has his heart set on this camera though. I had never even heard of such a thing. Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[zackiedawg]

A cheap option would be to look at some used cameras that have nightshot capability, that have had the hot mirrors removed. Maxmax typically charges $175 for the conversion, so just add the cost of the camera. Many compacts can be picked up for $20-80 used, and converted, making your total cost well under $300. A list of possible used cameras to look for that they'll convert:

Sony DSC-S30, DSC-F505, DSC-F707. DSC-P51, DSC-P72, DSC-P93, DSC-P150, DSC-P41, DSC-P100, DSC-R1, DSC-F828, DSC-P30, DSC-N1, DSC-N2, DSC-W200, DSC-W300, DSC-980
Fuji F10, F20, F30, F31fd, F40fd, F50, S6000, A400, A500, A900, S9100S, S8000, S6000, S1000fd, J10, J20
Canon Powershot G5, G7, G9. G10, S5-IS, SX10-IS
Panasonic Lumix LX2, LX3, FZ28

Also, if IR/UV capabilities with reduced visible light is most desirable, and visible light isn't as important, Sony manufactured a few cameras with built-in NightShot capability, which is simply IR photography (it can't be used in daylight though without a very dark visible light cutting filter, sold at most camera stores or online)...check the F707, F717, F828, V1, V3, or H9. These were the only still cameras made with built-in full-spectrum capabilities with the flick of a switch. At night or in dark areas (where I'd imagine most ghost hunting is done), you won't even need any filters. And some of these models go back to 2002...finding a used one shouldn't be too hard as they were all pretty good sellers.

(BTW - a quick look on keh.com shows a Sony F707 used in excellent condition for $105...just as an example!)