How Much Does It Cost to Digitize 8mm Film?

How Much Does It Cost? This is obviously one of the most common questions asked when considering the idea of digitizing 8mm film. The answer is “yes”, there is a cost. The specific cost for your project depends on several factors. Those factors include:

  1. Amount of film being converted.
  2. Format for captured film.
  3. Resolution for the captured film.
  4. Whether or not scene-by-scene adjustments are chosen.
  5. Amount of post capture editing.
  6. Resolution for the final video.
  7. Storage for the digitized film.

Amount of Film Being Converted

The cost to convert film is based upon the length. Reels come in a variety of sizes. 3 inch reels are 50 feet, 4 inch reels are 200 feet, 5 inch are 300 feet, and 7 inch are 400 feet. These lengths assume the reel is full. Often, the reels are not full, so only the amount of footage on the reels is counted. Likewise, it is common for reels to be ‘overwound’, winding more film onto the reel than they were designed for. As much as 100 extra feet can be added to a 400 foot reel. Actual footage is always used to calculate the conversion charge.

Format For Captured Film

Mp4 is the most popular and is supported by a very wide array of devices. That doesn’t make it necessarily the best format for capturing. Professionals often capture in ProRes 422 format. This produces a much larger file, but is also better suited for editing. The final video format is independent of the capture format.

Resolution for Captured Film

Depending on the capabilities of the capturing equipment, there is a wide range of potential resolutions. While resolution can be ‘upscaled’ later in the process, capturing at high resolution at the beginning is important. The cost charged can depend upon the quality of the equipment used by the digitizing company.

Resolutions can vary from very low, which are used for online posts to very high for professional use. A typical resolution for good home use is 1080p (Full High Definition) or 2k (Quad High Definition). These resolutions are higher than the original film. Higher resolutions can be used, but at some point, depending on the film quality, higher resolution just produces better graininess.

Scene-by-Scene Corrections

The most expensive upgrade for digital 8mm film conversion is scene-by-scene light and color correction. Most consumer level film videography has a wide variation of focus, light, and film quality. Film can also ‘fade’ over time, drastically affecting color and lighting.

Some of this can be corrected as the film is captured, but requires that a person watches the entire film as it is capturing, adjusting light and/or color in real time as the lighting and fading change throughout the reel.

Post Capture Editing

Additional correction to captured film can be applied via editing after the capture has finished.

Due to camera ‘flutter’, play in the camera, and variations between film brands, captured film rarely produces a ‘clean’ border. The frame can be centered and scaled to produce a fill screen and clean frame. This kind of editing and basic light correction should be included in the base price.

Additional editing can include detailed restoration, ‘scrubbed’ blank sections, and elimination of selected footage. Since most 8mm film is silent, music can be added as well.

Final Video Output

The options for the final output can also affect the cost. Most good home video options are included in the base price. A few options, like very high resolution or an unusual format may increase the cost.

Storage Options for Digitized Film

Once digitized, the video files need a way to get home, each of which has a cost, though usually very small in comparison to the whole project.

The most common method is a USB. USBs come in many sizes to accommodate most projects. For larger projects, external hard drives are more cost effective and are more durable than USBs.

If either USB or external drive is chosen, backup is critical just like any other important computer digital data. Multiple copies on multiple drives is one option. Another is to make a copy of the purchased drive on your local hard drive and use the original as a backup. For even more security, use a cloud account to make another copy. The key is to have multiple copies of your videos, preferably in multiple locations.   

Some people still convert 8mm film to DVD, which are still available. The risk with DVDs is that, just like videotape players, at some point DVD players will no longer be produced. In addition, DVDs can be damaged and lost. If DVDs are selected, consider a 2nd copy as backup.

Bottom Line

Given all of these considerations, the price range to convert 8mm film to digital ranges from about 30 cents per foot to as much as $1.25 per foot. In order to get an accurate quote for your specific project, please contact a professional company.

How much does it cost to digitize 8mm film: 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!

In a week or less, pick up your new digital conversions.

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James Nordby

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