2022
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How to Convert Super 8 Film Into Digital Files Written by: Brandon Harris, Smooth Photo Scanning Services
8mm has been one of the most popular home video formats for a long time. And because of that, it’s not surprising that many families still have a vast collection of home movies that are collecting dust in a box of metal canisters.
Whether it’s birthdays, holidays, or vacations, you probably also have at least a few Super 8 film reels somewhere in your home. But the problem is that while the contents of the 8mm film are priceless, the format is outdated, inconvenient, and prone to deterioration.
Because of that, many people who own Super 8 are looking to convert 8mm film to digital. And the good news is that doing so doesn’t have to be a complicated process.
To help you get started, let’s look at a few different ways you could transfer 8mm films to DVD or a digital format quickly and without hassle.
Cheapest Method: Record the Footage as It’s Playing
The most affordable method to convert 8mm film to digital is to use another camera to capture it in a digital format. You could even use a smartphone camera if you don’t have anything else, but a digital video camera or a DSLR will work just fine as well.
This method is excellent because almost anyone can do it immediately, and it doesn’t require any additional effort or investment. So, if you want to simply digitize your collection as soon as possible, you could consider this route. But at the same time, it will require you to make compromises that might make it a less-than-ideal option in most situations.
To get started with this method of converting 8mm film to digital, you would first need to set up the 8mm film to be played on a projector. Make the projector as clean and flat as possible to ensure the best possible results. That will help you capture the footage more accurately and minimize any imperfections during the 8mm film conversion.
Then, simply point the camera into the projector and stabilize it, allowing it to capture and record the footage, which you will then be able to save as digital files on your computer or a DVD.
The biggest drawback with this approach is the quality. When you digitize 8mm film this way, you are not going to recreate the same quality as the original and will likely have a blurry, grainy, and poorly-colored version of the footage that will be barely recognizable. So, while it can work as a last-resort method, you are better off looking for options that will provide you with a consistent and satisfactory result.
Use a Transfer Machine
Since 8mm is such a popular format, it’s not surprising that there are quite a few options for getting them digitized. Many people have extensive collections they want to preserve so that demand is met by manufacturers who create specialized digital conversion machines that can complete the entire task with a push of a button.
Using this method to convert 8mm to digital, you would first need to buy a digital transfer machine designed for the format you currently own. There are quite a few options available, and you can find machines with good reviews on Amazon for around $300-400.
These machines are not only simple to use but can produce pretty satisfactory results. In some models, you can even tinker with the settings to create better contrast and exposure.
However, for the price you are paying, the results aren’t as good as they could be. What’s more, if you are only going to use it once, investing so much doesn’t really make sense. And then there’s the fact that in case of any imperfections or damage to your 8mm film, these types of devices will not be helpful.
Use a Professional Service
The final method you could consider is hiring a professional company to transfer 8mm films to DVD for you. Today, there are companies that operate nationally and can take over the entire 8mm film to digital process, from start to finish.
The great thing about using such a service is that you can rest assured that the quality will be as good as it can be. A professional provider has the world-class equipment and the necessary experience to handle your 8mm videos with care, removing imperfections and ensuring the best viewing experience on the digital format.
What’s more, you won’t have to waste time figuring out the nuances of 8mm film conversion and can sit back and relax, knowing that your entire video collection will be handled by someone who specializes in the process and delivered to you ready to be enjoyed.
When you convert 8mm film to digital using professional services, you can also choose the format that suits you best. Then, you can have the footage delivered on DVDs or on a USB drive that you can copy to your computer or anywhere else.
Also, you should make sure the company you choose uses the “Frame-by-Frame” capture method for digitizing film. This method ensures the best quality. More info can be found online or on our site.
My father has been in the document scanning industry for as long as I can remember. I worked for his company Smooth Solutions, Inc. during summer breaks growing up and for a couple years after college. Wanting to venture off on my own, I gained experience in several careers including wholesale seafood sales as well as owning and operating a bakery for several years. When my father approached me with the opportunity to expand upon his already successful business by providing high quality, professional scanning services to the general public, I jumped on board. From personal experience, I recognize how important it is for most people to have their family memorabilia preserved for future generations and I want to be a part of helping others do that.