A Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT) DSLR camera or EOS 400D (Rebel XTI). Used cameras can be obtained quite cheaply.
A Canon Zoom 18-55mm EF-S ‘kit’ lens (normally supplied with camera). Set the focal length 24mm or above as low settings tend to cause a reflection of the lens to appear in the photographs.
A Cokin square filter holder, P series with adapter ring to fit lens (58mm diameter).
A Cokin P007 720nm Infrared filter. Cokin now only manufacture a round IR filter, which will only work in its own slot next to the lens on strong targets. To use this filter with the kit lens on small targets it is necessary to carefully cut or file two small flats on opposite sides of the filter ring so it will slide into the square slots in the holder.
Mount the holder onto the lens and fit the filter in the centre slot of the three square filter slots in the holder (the slot nearest the lens is for a round filter). Set the camera on automatic, no flash (that’s the selector turned fully clockwise). Let the camera autofocus through the filter. All other camera settings should be on automatic/default.
For best results the air temperature needs to be above 50 degrees F / 10 degrees C. Shoot in daylight at right angles to or away from the Sun although the Sun does not need to be shining.
Good results can be obtained with the camera hand-held but marginally better results might be achieved on small targets by mounting the camera on a tripod/stand.
The viewfinder must be kept covered either by the photographer’s eye (hand held) or a black cover if tripod mounted.
Strong auras can be seen on the camera’s backscreen but for weaker auras post process the images with Canon’s Arcsoft Photostudio (5.5) using the enhance facility.
Please note: Canon have upgraded their sensor a number of times and Canon cameras other than the two above may not work in the same way or at all for aura photography.
Also the internal IR blocking filter must not be removed.
The macro lens is optional for small targets or long distance but Sigma 105mm is the recommended macro – most others have not been tested.
There are Free videos here:
Finding Buried Treasure with Digital Cameras:
Filter and camera setup for photographing treasure auras:
Part 1 Photographing Infrared Pictures over buried Silver coins:
Part 2 Photographing Infrared Pictures over Silver coins:
The Successful Treasure Hunter’s Secret Manual is available in print (softcover) here:
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