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Convert 8mm Cine Film to Digital

8mm film reels can hold magical moments from history, priceless family memories and historical artefacts not seen for decades.

8mm cine film to digital conversion can be done in two simple steps and lets you preserve all the amazing memories you've got stored away on film to watch over and over on modern digital formats.

See our 8mm cine to DVD or 8mm cine to usb pages for more 8mm conversion options, and our Cine reels to DVD and Cine to USB pages to see our other cine conversion types.

Clients we've worked with.

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How 8mm Film to Digital Conversion Works..

Our 8mm film scanning process is simple, reliable, and trusted by thousands of happy customers

Send your media

After you order, we'll email you to arrange a courier collection. If you'd rather send your 8mm film reels directly, we'll also explain how to post them to us in North Yorkshire.

We digitise your media

We'll let you know as soon as we receive your 8mm films. Our specialists will carefully begin work to preserve and digitise your memories.

Enjoy!

You'll get an email when we've sent your digital conversions (and your original 8mm 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 8mm 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 8mm film.

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8mm 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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8mm 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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8mm Film to Digital

Your 8mm 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 8mm film conversions as digital files

Your 8mm 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 8mm 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 8mm 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...

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Convert 8mm film
to digital files.

8mm 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 8mm film around the UK and we're determined to preserve as much of it as we can.

Thanks to the incredible frame-by-frame scanning technology available, converting cine 8 to digital produces incredibly clear results.

Our highly-trained technicians use the best, professional-grade equipment to carefully capture and preserve your 8mm film footage and treat your memories as if they were their own.

Even though 8mm 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 basic steps involved in converting 8mm cine film to digital?
The conversion of 8mm cine film to digital encompasses several key steps. Initially, the cine film must be inspected for any damage and cleaned to ensure optimal quality. After this, the appropriate equipment, which includes a film projector or a film transfer machine and a digital recording device, needs to be set up. The film is then played and the images are captured by the digital recording device. It's important to maintain a stable environment to avoid any flickering or blurring during this process. Once the recording is complete, the digital files can be edited and enhanced using video editing software to adjust colour balance, remove scratches, and improve sound quality, if present.
Q. What are the challenges in converting 8mm cine film to digital?
The conversion process poses several challenges. First, the age and condition of the 8mm film can affect the quality of the digital conversion. Films may have shrunk, become brittle, or acquired scratches and dust over time, which can lead to quality loss. Synchronising the frame rate of the film with the recording device to avoid flickering is also a technical challenge. Furthermore, ensuring accurate colour reproduction and dealing with the inherent graininess of the film requires careful attention during both the capturing and editing phases.

At Digital Converters, we are experts in extracting the very best quality from old cine reels, so you be rest assured that you'll get the very best possible conversion back from us.
Q. What are the common issues faced during 8mm cine film to digital conversion?
Common issues during the 8mm cine film to digital conversion include flickering, uneven exposure, colour shifts, and focus problems. Flickering can be resolved by synchronising the frame rate of the film with the capturing device. Uneven exposure and colour shifts can be corrected during post-processing with video editing software. Focus problems need to be addressed at the time of capture by carefully aligning and focusing the camera on the film. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the equipment can also help in reducing these issues.

We are vastly experienced in dealing with all of these issues, so they normally do not prove to be an issue and will not be present in your final conversions.
Q. Can I do the conversion of 8mm cine film to digital at home, and what would I need?
Converting 8mm cine film to digital at home is technically possible with the right equipment and a quite a bit of technical know-how and experience. You would need a film projector or transfer machine compatible with 8mm film, a digital camera or camcorder capable of capturing high-quality video, and a screen or surface to project the film onto. Additionally, a computer with video editing software is needed for post-processing the captured footage. It's important to note that while DIY conversion can be rewarding, it will not match the quality of professional services, especially for films that require extensive restoration, not to mention the fact it will likely cost £100's if not £1000's to get started.
Q. Can you add sound to silent 8mm cine films during the digital conversion?
Yes, you can add sound to silent 8mm cine films during the digital conversion process. This can be done by importing a separate audio track into the video editing software and synchronising it with the video. The audio can be anything from background music, voice-over narration, or sound effects, depending on the desired outcome. Careful synchronisation is key to ensuring that the audio complements the visual content. The choice of audio can significantly enhance the viewing experience, especially for silent films, by adding an emotional layer or context to the visuals. It's important to use audio that is either royalty-free or for which you have the rights, especially if you plan to share the digitised film publicly. If you have suitable audio you'd like us to add to the digital version of your 8mm reels, please let us know.
Q. What file formats are best for storing the digital version of 8mm cine films?
The best file formats for storing the digital version of 8mm cine films are those that balance quality with file size. Formats such as MP4 (using H.264 codec) or MOV are popular choices as they offer high quality with relatively small file sizes, making them convenient for storage and playback. For archival purposes, where preserving the highest quality is paramount, formats like AVI or ProRes can be used, although these will result in larger file sizes.

We use MP4 for the reasons outlined above.
Q. Can you improve the resolution of 8mm cine films during digital conversion?
Improving the resolution of 8mm cine films during digital conversion is limited by the original resolution of the film. However, techniques such as upscaling can be used to increase the resolution for modern displays. Upscaling involves interpolating additional pixels to increase the resolution, which can make the film more suitable for high-definition or even 4K screens. However, this process does not add new details to the film and may introduce some artefacts, so it should be done carefully. If you'd like to explore this option, please let us know when you make your order, or just drop us an email before you order.
Q. How can you preserve the original look and feel of the 8mm cine film when converting it to digital?
Preserving the original look and feel of 8mm cine film involves careful handling during both the capturing and editing stages. Use a film transfer system that respects the original frame rate and aspect ratio of the film. In the editing phase, avoid over-correcting colours or removing too much of the inherent film grain, as these are characteristic of the original medium. If possible, use restoration techniques that enhance the quality without altering the fundamental aesthetic of the 8mm film.

We utilise all of the above techniques when carrying out your conversions to ensure what you receive is a natural looking but subtly enhanced version of your original cine films.
Q. Is there a difference when converting colour cine film or black and white?
Converting coloured 8mm cine films may require different considerations compared to black and white films, particularly in terms of colour balance and correction. Colour films might have experienced colour shifts over time, which need to be corrected during the digital conversion process.

Black and white films, on the other hand, may require contrast adjustments and grain management. Regardless of the type, careful attention during the capturing and editing stages is essential to ensure the best possible quality for both coloured and black and white films. In colour films, restoring faded colours without over-saturation or altering the original hues is crucial.

For black and white films, enhancing clarity and detail while preserving the film's inherent grayscale aesthetic is key. Each type of film presents unique challenges and opportunities in the digital conversion process, and addressing these nuances can lead to a more faithful and visually appealing digital rendition.
Q. Can you restore damaged 8mm cine films?
Yes we can, and all repair work is included free of charge. Digitally restoring damaged 8mm cine films involves several steps. Initially, any physical repairs to the film, such as splicing broken sections, will be done carefully to ensure the film can be safely run through a projector or transfer machine. Once the film is digitised, software tools are used to correct visual imperfections. This includes scratch removal, stabilising shaky footage, correcting exposure issues, and repairing tears or missing frames. Advanced restoration may involve frame-by-frame restoration, which can be time-consuming but yields significant improvements in the overall quality of the film.
Q. How long does it typically take to convert 8mm cine film to digital?
The time required to convert 8mm cine film to digital can vary greatly depending on the length of the film, the conversion method used, and the extent of restoration or enhancement required. The actual transfer process is typically done in real-time, meaning an hour of film will take about an hour to capture. However, pre-transfer preparations, such as cleaning the film, and post-transfer work, such as editing and enhancing the footage, can add additional hours to the process. Complex restoration work can extend this time even further, but generally we aim to take no longer than 7 days to convert your 8mm reels if it is a small order of 1 - 3 reels.
Q. What are the legal considerations when converting 8mm cine films to digital, especially for commercial use?
When converting 8mm cine films to digital for commercial use, it's important to consider copyright and intellectual property laws. If the film contains copyrighted material, permission from the copyright holder may be required. For films created by a family member or an unknown creator, it's generally safe to assume that they are in the public domain, but it's always advisable to conduct due diligence. If the films are intended for public viewing or distribution, considering privacy laws and obtaining consent from identifiable individuals in the films may also be necessary.