What is the Difference Between Scanning and Transferring 8mm Film?

Terms for Converting 8mm Film

Many terms are used to describe conversion of 8mm film to other formats so that it can be viewed without a projector using modern devices. Some terms are synonymous with each other, while others stand for individual steps in the process. Some terms overlap. Different vendors even use terms differently.

Some customers want to know details about the process, while others just want it to be done. Following are some definitions and descriptions for terms used in the conversion process.

Broad Terms:

1. Conversion. Consider converting solar power to electricity, a completely different format of energy is needed. In that sense, converting 8mm film to digital requires that a completely different video format be created. Several steps are needed to convert film from one format to another, 8mm film to mp4 for example. MP4 is one of many formats that the film conversion produces.
2. Copy. Most people don’t deal with video conversion on a regular basis and often refer to copying 8mm film to another format. Conversion is what they mean but the language is not familiar. Film cannot be copied to anything digital, per se.

Synonymous Terms:

These terms are used synonymously, describing the idea of producing a digital video file from 8mm film. The terms are used in reference to the entire conversion process even though technically some of them refer to steps within the conversion process which we will discuss in a moment.

This is not an exhaustive list.

1. Convert 8mm film to digital.
2. Transfer 8mm film to digital.
3. Scan 8mm film to digital.
4. Digitize 8mm film.
5. Make DVDs from 8mm film.
6. Copy 8mm film to DVD.

Behind the Scenes Terms:

1. Capture
2. Encode
3. Export

Convert 8mm Film to Digital

Converting 8mm film to digital, or 8mm film conversion, covers the entire process from reel to digital, involving several steps. Capturing video from the film is the first step, usually done via scanning. If captured via scanning, the resulting scan must be exported via computer software into a video file. That file is then encoded into a specific digital format after editing for quality. The encoded file is a ‘converted’ file and can be copied to a USB or other digital storage device for customer use.

Transfer 8mm Film to Digital

‘Transfer 8mm film to digital’ can be used synonymously with Convert 8mm film as described above. It is slightly nuanced in that you cannot transfer the film to anything other than a projector. In strict technical terms, the images on the film must be changed into digital video and not simply transferred. ‘Conversion’ is a more exact and encompassing term, but ‘transfer’ is often used interchangeably on the street.

Scan 8mm Film to Digital

Scan is used to refer to the entire conversion process but is actually one step in the process. As mentioned, capturing the film frames is conversion’s first step, not the entire process. While often asked, “Do you scan 8mm film”, referring to a total product, scanning is just part of it. 8mm film is composed of many frames (thousands depending on the size of the reel).

Today’s best practice for capturing film is to scan it frame by frame resulting in a collection of thousands of images. Depending on the equipment used, the quality (resolution), size, light, and color can all be adjusted and controlled as the film is being scanned.

Digitize 8mm Film

Like ‘converting 8mm film’ to digital, digitizing encompasses the entire process from reel to file. While technical digitizing happens during the scan phase enabling further manipulation into usable files, the term almost always refers to the entire conversion process in daily language.

Make DVDs from 8mm Film, Copy 8mm Film to DVD

Yes, DVDs can be ‘made’ from 8mm film, but the term refers to a complete conversion process. There is no way to copy film to a DVD without digitizing it in between, but the idea is clear, and the terms are used simply from a lack of daily familiarity with the process.

Capture 8mm Film

As discussed above, capturing 8mm film, usually through scanning, is the first of several steps in the conversion process. Most of the time, equipment investment, and skill used revolve around the capture step of the process. Once captured, the film can be edited and manipulated like any digital file. The next step after capture is export.

Export 8mm Film

Captured, or scanned, 8mm film produces thousands or even tens of thousands of images in a computer file. These images are exported via computer software into a digital video file such as Apple ProRes 422 or mp4. Exported video files can now be edited in preparation for customer delivery.

Encode 8mm Film

Exported 8mm film can now be edited, framed, and adjusted. After editing, the process to complete those edits and produce the customer’s desired file format (usually mp4) is called encoding. Encoding software often has hundreds of formats to choose from with many options for each format.

Difference Between Scanning and Transferring 8mm Film: Get Started

1. Call or text 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)
4. In a week or less, pick up your new digitized video.