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Convert Cine Film to Digital

Old Cine films often hold cherished memories from the past, but when was the last time you were able to watch them?

We can convert your Cine Films to USB, DVD or cloud storage, letting you enjoy all the amazing memories you’ve got stored away all over again, forever and ever.

See our 8mm Cine to Digital and Super 8 to Digital pages for converting those types of Cine reels.

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  • Discount iconOriginal media returned

Clients we've worked with.

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How 16mm Film Scanning Works..

Our 16mm film scanning process is simple, reliable, and trusted by thousands of happy customers

Send them

After you order, we'll email you to arrange a courier collection. If you'd rather send your 16mm film reels directly, we'll also explain how to post them to us in North Yorkshire.

Save them

We'll let you know as soon as we receive your 16mm films. Our specialists will carefully begin work to preserve and digitise your memories.

Savour them

You'll get an email when we've sent your digital conversions (and your original 16mm film reels) back to you. After that, it's over to you to enjoy your old memories made new!

You'll always know where your 16mm reels are, when we're working on them, and when you can expect to get them back.

What type
of conversion
should you
order?

How to choose the right
digital conversion for your 16mm film.

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16mm Film to USB

Your cine film reel(s) transferred to memory stick. Plug in to your computer (or any other device with a USB port) and you can play, save, and copy your files.

What you get

All your reels on one stick

All your reels on one stick
What to order

You only need to order one stick to get all your conversions

You only need to order one stick to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Watching on the computer or Smart TV.

Watching on the computer or Smart TV.
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16mm Film to DVD

Your cine film reels, converted to a Digital Versitile Disc. You'll be able to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive

What you get

Your reels on at least one disc

Your reels on at least one disc
What to order

You only need to order one set to get all your conversions

You only need to order one set to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Watching on the telly

Watching on the telly
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16mm Film to Digital

Your 16mm cine film converted to digital files, stored safely online. We'll upload your files to the cloud and send you a private access link, so you can watch and download your videos instantly, from anywhere.

What you get

Your 16mm film conversions as digital files

Your 16mm film conversions as digital files
What to order

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Sharing with friends and family

Sharing with friends and family

What you can expect from us.

Your memories are irreplaceable - this is how we'll take care of them

We digitise cine film using advanced technology - a high-end sprocketless scanner that captures each frame individually at high resolution, combining them into a digital video.

Since most cine films are silent, we add backing music to bring your memories to life. If your film has an optical or magnetic soundtrack, we'll preserve this during the transfer.

One of the benefits of cine film is its remarkable durability. While poor storage can lead to issues like mould (which is usually visible on inspection), the vast majority of cine films have stood the test of time exceptionally well. When digitised, these films typically produce stunning results that capture the unique beauty of the original footage.

Free blanks

Free blanks

You'll never have to pay for sending blank 16mm cine film reels. If we find any blanks in your order, we'll refund them ASAP.
Free return

Free return

Your originals are priceless. We'll send them back to you free of charge along with your conversions.
Free repairs

Free repairs

Our technicians can fix most problems and will always try their best to repair any damaged media you send us.
Bulk discounts

Bulk discounts

More conversions, more savings! You can get up to 30% off, depending on how many 16mm cine film reels you're converting.
Quality equipment

Quality equipment

The best conversions are made using the best equipment. What else would you expect us to use for your memories?
Real-time updates

Real-time updates

You'll be updated via email when your order arrives and again when it is sent back to you. You can check on the status of your order at any time using our real-time order tracker.

What do Digital Converters
customers think?

Thousands of people have trusted us with their memories already.
This is what they made of the experience...

Reviews
Excellentstarsstarsstarsstarsstars Reviews
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Convert 16mm film
to digital files.

16mm cine film is a very old video format. That's great, because it holds amazing moments from the past. That's worrying, because it's deteriorating and could be lost.

All sorts of footage is stored on 16mm film around the UK and we're determined to preserve as much of it as we can.

Thanks to the incredible frame-by-frame film scanning technology available, converting cine 16 to digital produces incredibly clear results.

Our highly-trained technicians use the best, professional-grade equipment to carefully capture and preserve your 16mm film footage and treat your memories as if they were their own.

Even though 16mm film isn't commonly used as a recording medium anymore, the memories it holds deserve to be preserved and enjoyed for many years to come.

Examples of our cine film conversions.

Nothing beats seeing old memories remade for today

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FAQs

Q. What are the risks of converting 16mm film to digital yourself?
Converting 16mm film to digital at home carries significant risks. Without professional equipment, you could damage the fragile film, leading to irreversible loss of footage. DIY methods often result in lower-quality digital transfers, with issues like poor resolution, frame skips, or audio mismatches. A professional service like Digital Converters eliminates these risks. We use cutting-edge equipment and precise techniques to ensure your memories are digitised in the highest quality. Plus, we handle your reels with expert care, preserving their integrity for future generations.
Q. Can you convert 16mm film to digital without special equipment?
While it is technically possible, it’s not advisable to convert 16mm film without specialised equipment. Standard tools like a basic projector and a camera often produce subpar results with poor lighting and resolution. Digital Converters uses professional-grade scanners that capture every detail in crystal-clear quality. By trusting experts, you ensure your film is digitised with precision and care, avoiding the pitfalls of amateur methods.
Q. How does professional 16mm film scanning differ from DIY options?
DIY conversions usually involve basic projectors and cameras, leading to lower-quality results with inconsistent frame rates and poor resolution. Professional services like Digital Converters use advanced scanners designed specifically for film digitisation, delivering superior image clarity, consistent playback, and options for restoration. Additionally, professionals ensure your film is handled delicately, reducing the risk of damage during the process.
Q. Is professional film conversion expensive compared to DIY?
While DIY may seem cheaper upfront, the hidden costs of equipment, time, and potential damage to your film can outweigh the savings. Professional services like Digital Converters offer cost-effective solutions that include expert handling, high-quality output, and added features like restoration and digital enhancements. Investing in professionals ensures you get the best value for preserving your memories.
Q. Can damaged 16mm film be digitised?
Yes, but it requires professional expertise. Attempting to digitise damaged film yourself can worsen the condition and make it unrecoverable. Digital Converters specialise in handling aged or deteriorating film, using advanced techniques to safely restore and digitise it. This ensures even fragile reels can be preserved for the future.
Q. How long does it take to convert 16mm film to digital?
It depends! DIY methods can take hours — or even days — depending on the length and condition of the film, and results are often disappointing. Professional services like Digital Converters streamline the process, completing high-quality conversions efficiently. Our team ensures every frame is carefully preserved without the hassle and guesswork of doing it yourself. We often turnaround a single conversion order in 1 - 2 days, and you will usually have your new digital copies and your originals back within 7 days of sending them to us.
Q. Is my film safe during the conversion process?
Your film is much safer with a professional service than in a DIY setup. Handling delicate 16mm film requires expertise to avoid scratches, tears, or other damage. At Digital Converters, we treat your film with the utmost care, using specialised equipment designed for archival preservation. DIY methods often lack this level of protection, putting your film at risk.
Q. What formats can I choose for my digitised 16mm film?
Professional services such as ours offer a wide range of digital formats, including USB, DVD, and digital files such as MP4 for you to stream or download. DIY methods often limit you to whatever your equipment supports. Digital Converters ensures your film is digitised into formats compatible with modern devices, giving you flexibility and ease of access.
Q. How can I prepare my 16mm film for digitisation?
Preparing your film requires careful cleaning and inspection for damage, which can be challenging without proper tools. Digital Converters handles this for you, ensuring the film is ready for conversion. We also inspect for potential issues to avoid during the digitisation process.
Q. Why is it important to digitise 16mm film now?
Over time, film degrades, losing quality and risking permanent damage. Digitising your film professionally with a service like Digital Converters preserves your memories before they fade. Professionals ensure the best possible quality while protecting the original reels from further wear.
Q. Can I combine multiple reels into one digital file?
Yes, Digital Converters will always seamlessly merge multiple reels onto a single DVD or USB for convenience. On DVDs, we will make each original reel a separate chapter, enabling you to choose any of them to play. DIY methods often struggle with this, leading to disorganised or incomplete results.
Q. What happens if my film has mold or dirt on it?
Attempting to clean mold or dirt yourself can damage your film. Digital Converters has specialised cleaning processes to safely prepare your reels for digitisation. This ensures a high-quality result without risking further damage.