8mm Film to Digital Conversion

8mm films are often associated with precious memories and home videos. These film reels may include your first ride on a bike or your wedding day.
In the digital age, however, 8mm film has been largely lost. This is why it is so important to preserve and convert these memories to digital format.

You have a variety of options to convert your 8mm film into digital format. You have the option of converting your 8mm film to digital formats using a DVD, USB drive, a hard disk, or an SD Card.

There are many ways to save your media and relive your memories. If you don’t know where to start, these guides can help.

This section will show you how to digitally convert your VHS memories. You can be certain that your sentimental film will never fade.

#1. You can record them while you play

This is the simplest way to convert 8mm films to digital files. As you project your film on a projector, you are basically re-recording it.

This allows you to easily and economically shift video formats. However, this method of converting video formats is far from perfect.

This converter method looks great if you are looking for an inexpensive and simple way of processing film. First, gather the following materials:

You can still watch your old films
A projector
Project on a surface
A camera

After everything is set up you just need to set the camera to record it as it plays. After the film is recorded, you can transfer it to your computer or Mac.

However, don’t confuse simplicity with ease. These are serious cons you need to be aware of.

You must first ensure that the projection surface is smooth and flat. Use a white or light grey wall as a projection surface.

Also, the space should be silent and uninterrupted. It would be best to use a home studio or production studio for this task. Make sure you don’t let anyone intrude into your room to ruin the conversion to film format.

8mm to Digital conversion software can be used to add titles to the reel. However, that’s about all you can do for editing.

The digital recording of the super 8mm or 8 mm won’t be as sharp as you’d like due to such a simple setup. This is due to the fact that frame rates can change over time.

Modern cameras can capture film at thirty frames per seconds. 8mm film is only good for 16pps.

This can make your digital videos look jittery. While this is an easy way to restore 8mm video, it won’t work perfectly.

The age of your films is another consideration when using this method. Both Super 8 film and 8mm film can shrink with time.

This could mean that the super 8 and 8 film will not fit into the projector. Worst, they might even rip and not be able to digitize.

These are not without their cons. If you don’t want to pay for a costly service, this could be the best way to convert your film.

#2. #2.

This film transfer technique is just one step above DIY. You will need to be able to navigate the camera and perform more complex steps.

Continue to use the same material, then remove the lens form your projector. To focus the lens’ light output, attach an element to it.

Install the projector lens again and place your DSLR infront of it. Turn the camera on and place a cloth over it.

The cloth should cover the lens and camera. The cloth should be dark enough that light cannot pass through.

Attach your super 8 or 8mm tape and begin recording. You must ensure that the scanner has sufficient memory to store the entire film.

Your 8mm film will have a higher resolution if you do this. DSLR cameras eliminate grain and can capture images with greater accuracy.

This method of converting 8mm film is not without its problems. However, a projector may cause your home movies and photos to be ruined.

Even though image quality may improve, it will still not be the best. If you are looking to save money and avoid paying professional services, this converter may be right for you.

#3. #3.

A transfer machine will get you as close to a professional service as possible. A self-contained machine allows you to convert your home movie just by pressing play.

The majority of these machines run at 20 frames per minute. Some people notice that their final videos are running a little too fast.

You can adjust the exposure and contrast settings of these machines before you start recording. You should allow enough time for testing before you start converting the entire roll of film.

How to choose the best storage format

There are many ways to store digital files. These are the most popular options you have:

DVD
HD-MP4
AVI
MOV

While DVD formats are very well-known to most people, they are quickly becoming less popular. Because they are compressed, AVI and MOV files are easier to download online.

HD-MP4 however, is the preferred format. The higher resolution makes it ideal for many editing programs.

You can store files on your computer, SD card, USB drive or other storage device.
How to preserve your family movies

There has never been a better time to care for your home media. This list is by no means exhaustive.

This guide should have given you some ideas on how to digitize your images. Make sure you start digitizing your images before your reels get too dusty.

These memories are important and you will want to keep them.