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Post by tigerblane on Apr 25, 2009 7:37:25 GMT -6
What do you consider your most reliable equipment?
After years of trial and error I contend that the camcorder and camera are tops.
I own several versions of digital voice recorders, EMF meters, and one Thermal imaging camera.
The Thermal (FLIR) IR camera is a neat tool, but the operator must be trained on it's use because it can deliver some strange results that are easily explained.
DAR's are also "finicky" in that the operator needs to control all aspects (ie. placement, outside noise, control timing, etc.)
You can't go wrong with a good camcorder (with add on IR) and camera! Proof is always solid!
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Post by Angela L. on Apr 25, 2009 8:09:31 GMT -6
I am cursed when it comes to camcorders, the last two Ive had have been used 3 or 4 times then they decide they dont want to eject the tapes LOL...I have a brand new Hi 8 with nite shot Ive used 3 times and now it wont give the tape back LOL...My digital voice recorder is my favorite but thats only becasue Im an EVP nut LOL...My digital camera is also a favorite but thats only becasue I like taking pics ...Im not picky though Id love to learn to use the thermal I think thats awesome.
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Post by shellyb on Apr 25, 2009 10:28:41 GMT -6
I like my camera and digital voice recorder. I have a camcorder but it has no nite shot so it is pretty much worthless in a night time setting.
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Post by tigerblane on Apr 27, 2009 20:04:02 GMT -6
Shellyb and Angela,
Even if your camcorder has no built in "night shot" function you should still be able to use it in conjuction with an add on IR illuminator and get some acceptable results. Same thing with the digital camera as long as the flash is disengaged. It's been a sequence of trial and error with me in order to find what works without spending tons of $$$. With the exception of the Thermal imaging camera, most of my equipment is standard "off the shelf" stuff and works just fine.
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Post by shellyb on Apr 27, 2009 20:37:20 GMT -6
I forgot about the IR illuminators and black lights should work just as good.
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Post by caroline on Jun 5, 2011 20:23:51 GMT -6
What's your favorite brand & model of voice recorder?
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Post by shellyb on Jun 5, 2011 21:21:10 GMT -6
We all use Olympus digital recorders. You can get them at Radio Shack for about $40 to $45 bucks. They are very reliable, they have the capability of uploading straight to your computer via USB and you don't have to convert any of the files to a wave like you do with some other recorders. The built in mic is omni directional and very sensitive. It will pick up the slightest sound that is made.
Very good quality recorders at a good price. Alot of researchers have said the same about Olympus.
I like them better than Sony because you dont have to have a special software installed on your computer like you do with Sony.
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Post by dengar31 on Jun 5, 2011 23:05:12 GMT -6
If you trust yourself enough, you "internal sensors" are the best. You can always find a weak point with any digital equipment. My group all have Sony but not on purpose. I like the recorders because they will always pick up soemthing out of the ordinary...if one doesn't then have multiple recorders in the room. One of those will pick up something weird.
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Post by Angela L. on Jun 6, 2011 10:59:24 GMT -6
I agree with Shelly on the audio recorders, I like my new Olympus so much better than the Sony I was using. It is definately more sensitive I think and I dont have as much trouble with it as I did my Sony. I like using my own senses too Marc, I am starting to trust myself a little more than I use to on my impressions and personal sensitivities, over time, I have kept a journal of my experiences and impressions on cases we have done, and I have been pretty surprised when I hear things on audio that correspond with things I sense and feel on investigations, I am still skeptical about some things , but I am learning to trust myself more as time progresses and I am able to prove things to myself LOL but overall, I think that audio will always be my favorite device.
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Richard
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Richard
Posts: 172
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Post by Richard on Jun 29, 2011 6:24:02 GMT -6
I want to buy a Olympus digital recorder from Radio Shack this weekend and after checking on their website I see that they sell a number of different Olympus models. Which model is the best buy? THANKS
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Post by shellyb on Jun 29, 2011 13:06:51 GMT -6
I have a Olympus VN-6200PC It is silver with a black face.
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Richard
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Richard
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Post by Richard on Jul 1, 2011 11:28:07 GMT -6
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Post by shellyb on Jul 1, 2011 12:08:58 GMT -6
That one looks slightly different from mine but awesome! Does it have the USB hookup?
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Richard
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Richard
Posts: 172
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Post by Richard on Jul 1, 2011 12:58:08 GMT -6
Yes it has a USB hookup and 2G of memory. (appx 51 hours of recording time) I have Audacity 1.3 Beta (Unicode) on my computer and going to play with the recorder and sound program this weekend!
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