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How to Transfer 8 mm from a MiniDV

Although many filmmakers agree that analog film has a beautiful look that video can't quite match, shooting on film can be expensive. Some non-linear editors have "film grain" or "dust and scratches" filters you can apply to digital video for a film-inspired effect, but these can look cheesy and forced. For a more authentic film look, you can shoot and edit your project on MiniDV, then transfer the final product to Super 8 mm to give it some of that warm film glow.

Things You'll Need

  • MiniDV camera
  • Blank MiniDV tape
  • Computer
  • Connection cables
  • Monitor or television
  • Super 8 mm camera
  • Super 8 mm film
  • Batteries
  • Tripod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert a blank MiniDV tape into your camera and connect the camera to your computer with the cable of your choice. Copy the final edit of your video project to the camera with the highest quality settings possible.

    • 2

      Unplug the cable connection between the camera and your computer, then use the transport controls to rewind the MiniDV tape.

    • 3

      Connect your camera to a video monitor or your television screen using the appropriate cable. Play back the video all the way through, watching to make sure it rendered properly. If you see any macro-blocking or other encoding problems, go back to Step 1. If the video looks fine, rewind the tape.

    • 4

      Put a fresh set of batteries into your Super 8 mm camera. Load the film cartridge into your Super 8 mm camera and run the camera for a couple seconds to make sure you inserted the film properly. Put the camera in tungsten mode by flipping the color temperature switch toward the light bulb icon.

    • 5

      Remove the camera mount from your tripod and thread the bolt into the underside of your camera, tightening it with a coin. Slide the mount back onto the tripod and lock the camera into place. Adjust the height of the tripod so the camera lens points at the center of your monitor or television screen.

    • 6

      Start playing back your video and pull the trigger on the camera to begin filming. Release the trigger to stop filming when the video ends.

    • 7

      Send your film off to a lab for processing.

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