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DIY Super 8 Conversion

Perhaps you have recently found some old super 8 film footage in Grandpa's garage or uncovered some reels you shot when you were a kid growing up. You may be wondering if you can ever see them again. Transferring super 8 to a digital format requires a few tools and some knowledge of the telecine process. While small amounts can be transferred by outside professionals, you may prefer to do it yourself if you have a large number of reels.
  1. Taping a Projection

    • If you have access to a digital video camera and a super 8 projector, transferring your footage is not that difficult. Tape a piece of white paper to the wall and project the footage onto the wall at close range. The closer the projector is to the wall, the smaller the image will be. This will ensure better color retention and more sharpness for your image. Set up the digital video camera next to the projector and tape what is being projected on the wall. Get as close as you can to the small image on the wall, avoiding the "zoom" function on the camera, if you can, to keep the quality sharp. When the footage has been recorded on the camera, use a firewire cable to connect the camera to your computer. Import the digital footage in a program like iMovie, Power Director or Adobe Premiere, where you can edit, if you so desire. You can also use the Quicktime or AVI files you have created on a DVD.

    Home Telecine

    • To step up your image, you will need a home telecine machine. There are models offered from Elmo and Goko, among others. Run your film through the machine as you would a regular projector. The machine can run the film onto a cell, from which you can record it into a camera. Some machines can align with a television signal, allowing you to record onto a VHS tape or a DVD directly from your television.

    Pro Frame-by-Frame Telecine

    • Convert your footage like a pro with a frame-by-frame telecine system. The machine features a built-in camera that will record the footage as it is being scanned. Each frame will be scanned separately and aligned individually for color correction and continued sharpness. The image quality will be impeccable, and your super 8 footage will bring you right back to 1975.

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