We Can Now See Ghosts
A Structured Light Sensor (or SLS) camera has become a famous piece of ghost-tracking equipment thanks to its use on television shows like Ghost Adventures. If you have encountered the spirit realm or had a paranormal experience, you know there is something out there. For those wanting to delve deeper into otherworldly phenomena, an SLS camera can be a great asset and ally.
In this overview, we will examine how the cam works, why it's considered an essential part of the ghost hunter's toolkit, and how it complements other investigation tools. Let's explore a world where technology meets the supernatural!
The SLS Camera In Action
An SLS camera is a device that uses an Xbox's Kinect sensor to detect and display human-like shapes that are invisible to the naked eye. The cam works on the principle of structured light and uses an infrared light projector with a monochrome CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor. Here is a brief look at how the cam works:
Infrared light emission: The structured light sensor emits thousands of infrared light beams into the environment. These beams can't usually be seen by the human eye but are detected by the camera's sensors.
Reflection and time measurement: When these infrared beams come into contact with objects in the environment, they bounce back to the camera. The camera then measures the time it takes for each beam to return, and this measurement allows it to calculate the distance between it and the objects.
Building a 3D map: The camera's software then builds a detailed 3D map of the surroundings based on the data collected from the reflected infrared dots. This map shows the shapes and positions of objects, people, and potential paranormal entities in the field of view. These entities are shown as stick figures on a screen.
Real-time image: This information is processed in real-time to provide a live display that shows the mapped environment and activities taking place in it.
Choosing the Right SLS Camera For You
Ghost hunters use a variety of cameras. Some use models that are required to be plugged into a power outlet, but these are quite limiting in the field. A battery-operated, fully portable rig is usually the preferred choice.
The right model for you will depend on factors such as the locations you're exploring, other equipment you're using, portability and ease of handling, and your budget.
Here are some of our most popular SLS shooters:
SLS Cam Gold
At the top of the range, we have the SLS Cam Gold, a powerhouse, portable ghost-hunting device that combines an EMF meter, video camera, Ovilus (for spirit communication), and ghost cam in one. With the Cam Gold, you can detect EMF fields, spot ghosts, attempt to communicate with them, and record videos and photos of your encounters.
The battery life on the Cam Gold is over 10 hours, and you can attach an LED light and fix the cam on a tripod. This easy-to-handle rig is priced from under £290 to around £530, depending on the features you buy.
V1 Stickman Camera
You can get a mains-powered Xbox 360 Kinect kit (excluding a tablet) for under £100. Kinect software is at the heart of most cams since it's part of the origin story.
The Xbox Kinect Cam was originally designed for gaming. This was until paranormal enthusiasts noticed that this peripheral to the Xbox console could pick up figures that were not physically present. The camera may have fallen out of favour with gamers, but it gained a second life in the ghostbuster community.
V1 and V2 SLS Stick Man Cameras
These stick man camera kits both use a Kinect sensor to pick up those intriguing stick figures that some may say shouldn't be there! The V1 stick man camera kit with tablet will cost you around £290 and the more advanced V2 stick man package costs around £380.
Accessories
To be on top of your ghost-hunting game you'll also want to be well-versed in the following accessories:
Tablet - A tablet allows you to monitor and interact with the action in real time. A Windows tablet with screen capture software typically makes up over half of the cost of an SLS kit.
Batteries - Rechargeable batteries are essential for on-the-go ghost hunting. The battery life will depend on its capacity and usage, but a good pack should give you over 4 hours.
Lenses - <>Different attachable lenses may suit different haunted environments. A wide-angle lens captures a broader area, while a zoom lens lets you hone in on zones where you may expect sightings.
Tripods and mounts - Stabilising your camera on a mount will <>steady the view and reduce the chance of false readings.
USB cables - To connect functions and accessories.
The SLS Camera In A Ghost Hunter's Equipment Kit
An SLS camera has become a crucial piece of gear in a ghoul hunter's toolkit. Its capabilities offer a unique perspective in detecting paranormal activity. Here are a few ways this smart rig adds value.
A complement to other tools
Structured Light Sensor cameras complement other ghost-hunting equipment, such as EVP recorders, EMF (electromagnetic field) meters, and spirit boxes. Other types of cameras, such as infrared cameras and full spectrum cameras, as well as thermal imagers, also come into play.
Each device is designed for different conditions or provides a different form of evidence to help build a fuller picture of paranormal events.
Enhanced visual confirmation
While temperature readings, EVP recorders, ghost communicators, and ghost-hunting apps provide valuable data, an SLS kit captures vital visual evidence. The 3D stick figures mapped by the camera confirm the presence of entities. You can use this recording in combination with other sensor readings to fully understand what you witnessed.
Capturing anomalies in darkness
Ghost hunters use SLS Cameras to capture anomalies that might not be visible to the naked eye. The technology's ability to pick up a human shape or other entities beyond the visible light range makes it a powerful resource in very low-light conditions or absolute darkness.
Real-time monitoring
The real-time imaging capability of Structured Light Sensor cameras allows you to monitor and interact with apparitions as you investigate haunted locations. This immediate feedback, especially how the spectre reacts to your communication, is a terrific help in capturing the paranormal as it unfolds in front of your 'eyes'.
Final Thoughts
With their unique technology, SLS cameras can conclusively identify human shape-based forms in a variety of light conditions, including inky darkness. When used smartly with other ghost cameras and equipment, the camera can reveal exciting discoveries and eye-opening secrets.
When considering a device for spirit world investigations, remember to consider the specifications of each component to ensure they meet the needs of your investigation. SpiritShack has a great range of speciality SLS cameras and will gladly fix you up with your perfect spirit hunter companion.
Also, be sure to shop the comprehensive selection of ghost-hunting kits so that you're fully equipped for any mission!
Questions and Answers
How much does the SLS camera cost?
There are many variations of the Structured Light Sensor. There are mains power models, battery operated, portable, Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions. The mains powered Xbox 360 Kinect Kit starts at around £80, and the high-end portable battery operated versions are around the £450 mark.
Which is the best SLS camera?
The best Structured Light Sensor is the SLS Cam Gold by SpiritShack. Its portable and battery operated, so it can be taken to any location. The one-handed handle can be folded out into a tripod to place it down. And it comes with a wide-angle lens which allows it to see more than you can normally.
Does the SLS camera work in the dark?
Yes, as the Structured Light Sensor uses infrared laser beams to build a 3D map, it works perfectly well in pitch black environments. You can't see the light from the camera, as it’s beyond the range we can see, but it can be seen with a night vision or full spectrum camera.
Do the SLS camera phone applications work?
You can’t compare phone applications to the structured light sensor, as phones do not have a built-in structured light sensor. The Kinect sensor uses structured lights to build a 3D model of the environment, allowing it to measure depth and distances. Mobile phones only use software for skeletal shape tracking.
Do you need the SLS camera for ghost hunting?
You don't need to have the structured light sensor for ghost hunting, they do really help if you are able to source one. They are only of the only pieces of ghost hunting equipment which allow you to actually see them. If you want to see them visibly, they are the best alternative to the full spectrum camera.
What is an SLS camera?
The purpose of it is to show a 3D model of the environment. It works by building a 3D map of the environment using its advanced sensors. They have a range of uses and are very popular among ghost hunters as they are believed to be able to see them. They work in the darkness as well as during the daytime.
How does SLS camera work?
How does the SLS camera work? It works by sending out thousands of infrared beams, and times' how long each beam takes to come back. Using this information, its advanced software builds a 3D map of the environment.
How to make a Kinect SLS camera?
It's quite simple to make a Structured Light Sensor. You will need the Xbox 360 Kinect Sensor, the USB power cable, and a 12v battery pack. All you need to do is the mains plug off, and wire it to the 12v battery pack. Plug this into the camera and you have a portable Kinect SLS.
Can you really catch ghosts with the SLS Camera?
Although not scientifically proven, is it generally believed in the paranormal field that ghosts can be seen with the structured light sensor. As it uses infrared technology to make a 3D model of the environment, people, and objects in the area. Many claim to have good evidence of catching ghosts with the camera.
Can you see more than one ghost with the Xbox Kinect camera?
There is no limit on how many objects, people and ghosts the Structured Light Sensor can detect at any one time. It's capable of detecting many anomalies at the same time. Many ghost hunters have claimed to have caught 3 and 4 entities all at once.