Everyone needs to start somewhere. The more equipment you have, the better, but some investigators have shown significant results with equipment that is very affordable, so don't let pricing discourage you. Here is a list of equipment that HPS uses.
Digital voice recorder - Digital recorders are fast becoming the item of choice for obtaining electronic voice phenonmenon (EVP). An EVP is a disembodied voice or sound that is not heard by the human ear, but is recorded onto a recording device.
Electromagnetic field detector (EMF) - EMF detectors can pick up electronic fields over different frequencies. A compass can also be used but to detect them quickly and correctly an EMF meter is a must. They also come in many varieties. Our group uses an emf meter from K- II, very efficient.
Digital and/or 35mm cameras - Visual proof is the ultimate proof. Although pictures are not as compelling as video, it's still something that should be taken into account. The goal is to have different types of camera on hand. Make sure you carry plenty of extra film and batteries.
Night vision camcorders - Why do we hunt ghosts at night? It's not that they are not there during the daytime, it's just easier to detect them in dark and quiet conditions. With that said, nightvision cameras are important to witness events you might not see and for safety.
IR thermometer - Ghosts absorb energy around them to manifest. The most common type of energy is heat. A ghost will absorb heat to help it manifest, which is where cold spots come from or people feel cold breezes. The ir thermometer detects this temperature change , which may be a sign of ghostly activity.
Motion detectors- We use these for a few reasons. One, to alert us if anyone should go near our detection equipment while investigating so there is no foul play. And two, to alert us of any movement of objects or even an apparition.
IR cameras- Used for capturing any evidence at a location with little or no light provided. Placed in different areas hoping to catch anomalies.
Parabolic microphone- An item we are currently experimenting with. The theory is that the microphone amplifies sounds so that you may hear a disembodied voice in real time instead of waiting until the evidence review.