Ghost hunting doesn’t take place in perfect lighting, far from it. Most meaningful paranormal activity happens in silence, in pitch-black basements, long-abandoned corridors, derelict homes, or out in the woods under a sliver of moonlight. If you’re not equipped with proper night-vision gear, you may miss what’s happening right in front of you.
Today’s paranormal investigators need reliable night-vision footage, clean audio, and tools that can document true darkness. This guide covers the best night-vision and full-spectrum cameras for ghost hunting in 2025 and beyond, based on real field use, not photography marketing hype.
New to ghost-hunting equipment? You may also like:
→ Understanding the Types of Ghost Hunting Equipment
→ Best Ghost Hunting Equipment
This guide focuses specifically on night-vision & full-spectrum cameras for paranormal investigation. We compare camcorders separately in our in-depth buying guide, since they serve slightly different filming styles and investigation setups.
If you’re looking for our full guide to the best overall ghost hunting cameras — including camcorders — check this out: Best Camera for Ghost Hunting
Night Vision vs Full Spectrum vs Colour Night Vision
There are three main types of paranormal-grade cameras. Here’s a simple explanation:
| Type | What it Captures | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR Night Vision | Infrared light | Full darkness, indoor lock-ins | Classic “green/mono” ghost night look |
| Full Spectrum | UV + Visible + IR | Capturing possible anomalies across the light spectrum | Great for advanced investigators |
| Colour Night Vision | Enhanced low-light in colour | Outdoor hunts, movement tracking | Doesn’t replace true IR |
In simple terms:
- IR Night Vision = see in the dark
- Full Spectrum = see beyond normal human vision
- Colour Night Vision = see your surroundings in darkness
For ghost hunting, IR + Full Spectrum is the strongest combo.
Best Night-Vision Cameras for Ghost Hunting (Ranked)
Top Recommendation Table
| Camera | Type | Best For | Quick Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| GhostStop Phasm Cam | Full Spectrum | Serious paranormal work | Best dedicated ghost-hunting cam |
| Sony FDR-AX43A | Low-light video (no IR mode) | YouTube & cinematic filming | Amazing quality, pair w/ IR |
| Kodak PixPro FZ45 (FS mod) or Ghost Hunting Modified (HERE) | Full Spectrum | Beginners on a budget | Affordable full-spectrum entry |
| SiOnyx Aurora | Colour Night Vision | Outdoor environments | Best for woods, cemeteries |
| ORDRO IR Cam | IR Night Vision | New investigators | Budget IR + static setups |
GhostStop Phasm Cam – Best Professional Full-Spectrum Camera (also functions as a night-vision cam, but recommended mainly for advanced investigators)
The GhostStop Phasm Cam remains the most trusted paranormal-specific camera available. Unlike consumer cameras converted after manufacturing, this device is engineered for paranormal fieldwork and captures UV, visible, and IR light simultaneously, ideal for detecting visual anomalies.
It’s lightweight, durable, and performs incredibly well in genuine darkness, especially when paired with an IR illuminator.
Note: The Phasm Cam also ranks as our top pick for ghost-hunting camcorders. If you want a full review dedicated to it, see:
→ Why the Phasm Cam Wins
Sony FDR-AX43A – (Best Cinematic Low-Light Camera – Not IR)
If you want high-quality paranormal documentary footage, the Sony FDR-AX43A is outstanding. Its low-light performance and stabilisation system are some of the best available, perfect for haunted location walkthroughs, team filming, and cinematic storytelling.
- Brilliant true-to-life 4K
- Built-in gimbal
- Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processing engine
- Fast Intelligent Autofocus
- Great sound, less noise
Important note:
This model does not include Sony’s NightShot IR mode — it’s not full spectrum and not true IR night vision.
However, pair it with IR lighting, and it becomes a powerhouse tool.
Ideal for:
Paranormal YouTubers, documentary creators, tour walkthroughs
Related:
→ Couple this with the Ghost Hunting Here
Kodak PixPro FZ45 (Full-Spectrum Modified) — Budget Full-Spectrum Pick
This Kodak model is professionally converted for full-spectrum filming, making it a great entry into spectral capture.
Expect to pair it with an external IR light for best results, but it’s an excellent way to start capturing UV and IR without breaking the bank.
- 16 megapixel CMOS Sensor
- 1080p Full HD 30fps video recording
- Optical Zoom: 4x
- 2.7″ LCD screen
- AA Batteries
Ideal for:
Beginners, secondary camera angles, experimental full-spectrum footage
🎁 BONUS – Kodak PixPro FZ45 Full-Spectrum Camera (CONVERTED FOR GHOST HUNTING)
Available from SpiritShack.com HERE
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly night-vision camera that’s already converted for paranormal investigation, the Kodak PixPro FZ45 Full-Spectrum Camera (same as above) is a fantastic option.
This camera has been professionally modified to remove the IR and UV filters, allowing it to capture a wider spectrum of light — including the ranges many investigators believe spirits manifest in. Paired with an IR or full-spectrum light source, it can film in complete darkness and pick up energy anomalies that standard cameras may miss.
Perfect for both still photos and video, it delivers 16MP images and 1080p HD footage, with intuitive one-button operation so you can focus on the investigation, not the settings.
Key Features
- Full-spectrum converted (captures IR + Visible + UV)
- 16MP photos / 1080p HD video
- Works with IR and full-spectrum lights for night vision
- Includes 32GB SD card and AA batteries
- 2.7″ LCD screen + autofocus and face detection
- Compact and lightweight — ideal for investigations on the move
This model is plug-and-go straight out of the box — perfect for beginners, teams, and solo investigators looking to document evidence right away.
Check availability at SpiritShack Here
SiOnyx Aurora (Best Outdoor Colour Night Vision)
The SiOnyx Aurora offers something unique in this field: colour night-vision.
Instead of traditional monochrome IR, it reveals terrain, shadow movement, and surroundings in low-light environments. Ideal for outdoor locations such as forest trails, graveyards, castles, and abandoned farm sites.
- Clear-color night vision recording: The affordable SIONYX Aurora Black digital clear-color night vision camera lets star…
- Designed for rugged conditions: The SIONYX Aurora Black is IP67 water-resistance-rated, allowing the digital camera to b…
- Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels: With 2 millilux near-moonless starlight capabilities, the SI…
It’s also useful for safety and situational awareness, knowing what’s moving around you in the dark is beneficial, paranormally and practically.
Ideal for:
Outdoor investigations, footsteps tracking, figure movement monitoring
ORDRO IR Night-Vision Camcorder (Best Beginner IR Option)
For new investigators or teams needing static surveillance angles, the ORDRO IR camcorder is a dependable and affordable IR option. It offers true IR mode (not just boosted exposure), making it suitable for real blackout investigations.
- 【Full HD Camcorder for Vlogging】 This multifunctional video camera captures 1080P HD videos and crisp photos…
- 【Hot-shoe Night Vision Camera System】 Transform this compact Camcorder into a professional night vision camera…
- 【Dual Power & Seamless Recording】 Includes two 1000mAh batteries (60-100 mins) and supports charging while rec…
Pair it with a small IR panel, and you’ll significantly boost its performance.
Ideal for:
Beginners, hallway cams, secondary angles, overnight lock-offs
Field Tips to Capture Better Evidence
Night-vision footage is strongest when supported by multiple devices. Try pairing cameras with:
- EVP recorders
- REM-Pod / K2 spikes
- Trigger objects & motion sensors
- Temperature probes
→ For a Guide on Trigger objects see Here
Want a guide on safe investigations?
→ Protection During Paranormal Investigations
Pro method:
Call out your movements while filming. Example:
“Investigator stepping left.”
“Dust, not anomaly — disturbed by walking.”
It makes evidence review dramatically easier.
Final Camera Recommendations
| Role | Recommended Camera |
|---|---|
| Best overall paranormal camera | GhostStop Phasm Cam |
| Best cinematic documentation | Sony FDR-AX43A + IR |
| Best cheap full-spectrum | Kodak PixPro conversion or Ghost Hunting Modified (HERE) |
| Best for woods & outdoor hunts | SiOnyx Aurora |
| Best first IR camera | ORDRO IR camcorder |
New to ghost hunting?
Start simple: ORDRO + IR light. Upgrade as you learn your filming style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need night vision to hunt ghosts?
Yes, most evidence is captured in low-light or darkness.
Is full spectrum better than IR?
Neither is “better.” They serve different purposes. Serious investigators use both.
Can phones replace night-vision cameras?
No, phones do not offer true IR or full-spectrum capability.
What’s the best beginner setup?
A basic IR cam + IR light, then add full-spectrum later.
Wrap-Up
Capturing paranormal activity isn’t just about belief it’s about documentation. The right night-vision equipment allows you to see what your eyes can’t, and review footage later with confidence.
Whether you’re building your first ghost-hunting kit or upgrading to pro-grade gear, these cameras are the strongest choices in 2025.
