How Do I Convert 8mm Film To DVD?

Watching old film without a projector is, well, just not possible. The film must be converted into video files that can be played on today’s devices. There are two basic choices: 8mm film to digital and 8mm film to DVD. The process is straightforward and simple.

Capture 8mm Film to DVD

This step requires specialized equipment that can copy or scan the film and convert it to a digital format. Originally, old projectors were used to project the film on a screen or directly into a camera. Today, standard equipment performs frame-by-frame scanning with a choice of scan resolutions, real time scan lighting adjustments, and multiple output options including frame rate and resolution settings.

Insist On a Clean Frame

There is no reason to settle anymore for ‘rough’ frames. It is a simple software process that makes a clean, full frame for every frame. The look is clean and watchable with out distraction. Yes, there is going to be film flutter here and there from damaged sprocket holes caused by either the camera or projector decades ago, but for the most part, a clean video is expected.

Make Basic Color and Light Adjustments

Along with a clean frame, basic lighting and color can be adjusted where needed. Choices are available for simple, basic correction up to scene-by-scene correction. Film can fade over time and need to be darkened a bit, contrast increased, or red level lowered, for example. Lighting might have been poor when exposed through the camera and needs a little bit of extra lighting.

Create The Final Format

Once captured and all edits have been made, the video is now exported to the final desired format, usually mp4, mov, or DVD. Size and resolution must also be chosen, DVD’s physically burned and labeled, or copies made to USBs/hard drives.

Other Options

There are many choices when digitizing film, including:

1. Frame size
2. Resolution
3. Hand Cleaning
4. Scene-by-scene light and color correction

Frame size matters depending on the device(s) being used, anywhere from a smartphone to a large screen TV. Resolution affects the sharpness and clarity of the picture with the tradeoff being file size or number of DVDs required. While hand cleaning is not required for most situations, but is available to improve the picture. If scene-by-scene light and color monitoring is chosen, this is the most intensive option available. A person actually watches every second of the film, adjusting light and color as needed for the entire film project.

Don’t Skip on Backups

The cost can add up when having film professionally converted to digital, including DVD. Adding expense on top to back up your digital video can seem like a lot. Frankly, doing what it takes is to create backups is very cheap insurance if you don’t want to pay for the conversion effort again.

Backup DVDs

There are two strategies for backing up DVDs, with advantages and disadvantages to both.

1. Simply make copies of DVDs. Hundreds of dollars of film conversion can be backed up for the cost of copying a DVD.
   • Advantages.
     • A simple, straightforward, inexpensive way to backup converted film on DVDs.
     • A 2nd copy of the same format that you want to begin with.
   • Disadvantages.
     • DVD players will not be around forever and are required to play DVDs.
     • DVDs can be damaged, scratched, warped by heat/sun, and just plain wear out.
     • Sharing DVDs means copying and shipping.
       
2. Make a Digital copy at the same time in mp4 format. This is a simple process for most professional conversion companies. Once the file is captured and edited as stated above, it is a simple process to create a USB or hard drive with an mp4 version of the converted film.
   • Advantages.
     • Converted Film is backed up.
     • Backup is in a format that is more modern and more usable in the future if needed and DVD players are discontinued.
     • If DVD Players are still available, then the mp4 files can easily be used to burn new DVDs.
     • Sharing is much easier and faster through the internet, especially through the cloud.
   • Disadvantages.
     • Digital is a different format compared to what you are used to.
     • Digital requires a basic level of computer knowledge to manage and recover.

Convert 8mm film to DVD? Next Steps

1. Call or text Jamey (About Jamey) at 720 204-5464.
2. Set an appointment (every project receives my individual attention).
3. Drop off your tapes (and records, cassettes, slides, or negatives, too). Check Pricing!
4. In a week or less, pick up your new digitized videos.