It might surprise you that 16mm film was introduced to the world in 1923. This was a substantial jump in technology compared to this film’s predecessors.
Digital media has taken the world by storm since then, and many people want to convert 16mm film to digital. Converting old films into digital formatting might seem complicated, but it’s easier than most people anticipate.
We’ve created a guide that details the key information you should know to handle this process appropriately. Let’s look at what to keep in mind.
Playback Recording
It’s possible to digitize 16mm film by recording it as it plays through a film projector. You can use a camcorder, digital camera, tablet, or smartphone.
This creates a digital file on your device that you can transfer to a computer. You can email it to yourself, save it to an SD card, or place the files on an external hard drive. While this option is easily accessible, it comes with many drawbacks.
Primarily, the quality of the result leaves much to be desired. Recording a video prominently showcases glares and external noises.
For instance, imagine if a car alarm went off in the middle of a 1.5-hour recording. This could substantially detract from the overall experience.
You’ll also encounter frame rate issues that make the recording appear jittery. Modern cameras shoot at least 30 frames per second and 16mm film runs at 24 frames per second.
This option is only recommended for people who desperately need a backup of 16mm film. In most scenarios, it won’t meet your needs.
Film Scanner Machines
This is a great DIY approach to converting 16mm film to a digital format. Unfortunately, many of the premier file scanner options on the market only work with 8mm film.
Scanners that handle 16mm film are difficult to find and are typically expensive. They also have a learning curve that many people struggle with. If you choose a file scanner machine, look for one that’s user-friendly.
In context, it should come with comprehensive instructions that guide you through the process. The primary benefit of using a file scanner is achieving high-quality results.
This is especially true when compared to the results you get from playback recording. File scanners also work with most computers, so you likely won’t encounter compatibility issues.
However, there’s one major drawback that you need to keep in mind. This process is very time-consuming because it requires you to scan frame-by-frame. As previously mentioned, 16mm film runs at 24 frames per second.
This means you must make 24 scans for a single second of footage. People without technical knowledge might also find it difficult to work with a film scanner machine. This is true even if it includes detailed instructions.
Still, it’s a possible option for people who don’t mind the length of time it takes. Hobbyists often choose this route since they prioritize learning about the process instead of focusing on the results.
Professional Services
This option provides the best outcome by far. Working with a professional offers access to unique tools and resources that you otherwise wouldn’t have. You have far more flexibility regarding the goals you can attain, as well.
Since experts have handled countless projects like yours, the turnaround time is much shorter compared to what you could accomplish on your own. Prices are typically affordable, as well.
You won’t have to worry about stretching your budget to convert your film. Not every digital transfer service offers color correction or resolution enhancement, though. You’ll sometimes have to look for other opportunities for these obligations.
Benefits of Digital Conversion
Many people are unaware of the benefits digital files can provide. They might be tempted to leave their 16mm film in its original form.
Understanding the benefits will help you make the best decision. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Ease of Use
Converting film to a digital format makes it much easier to work with. You can easily send footage to other devices and back it up in multiple locations. It’s impractical to share physical film, as you would need to mail it or deliver it in person.
This is also a great opportunity for professionals who work with film. Sending footage that’s been digitally converted can make it easier to expand your clientele and improve your efficiency.
Ensure Preservation
If something happens to your film, it’s gone forever. Accidents can occur at any time, and the last thing you want is to lose your footage unexpectedly.
For example, a house fire could destroy your personal belongings and collection of 16mm film. This can be devastating in some circumstances, such as if this footage contained important events or loved ones who have passed away.
Once you convert film to a digital format, you’ll ensure that it’s kept safe. This allows you to preserve your legacy and share your content with future generations.
It also eliminates conflicts that would have arisen over ownership of the film. To clarify, let’s assume that someone passed away and left their estate to four of their grandchildren.
The grandchildren could argue over who has the ownership rights to a 16mm film collection. This can lead to legal complications and cause unnecessary friction between family members.
Save Storage Space
If you have an abundance of 16mm film reels, this can easily take up a large amount of space. Depending on your situation, you might find it difficult to store other belongings in the same location.
Digital conversion allows you to limit your storage space to a computer or hard drive. If you store your footage on a cloud server, it won’t take up any physical space at all. This is a great opportunity for people looking to minimize the items they store in their home or a separate location.
Stay Organized
It can be difficult to navigate through a collection of 16mm film. It’s not uncommon for people to forget to label film reels. In some situations, they might be labeled incorrectly.
Converting to digital formatting makes it much easier to work with. Keeping organized files can also make going through your footage more pleasant.
If managing your footage is difficult, you’ll be less likely to do it. This could dictate whether you start or finish certain projects.
Peace of Mind
There’s something to be said about the peace of mind you can achieve through digital conversion. You won’t have to worry about contingencies arising. For example, someone might have a set of home videos shot on 16mm film that’s kept in a faraway location.
They might have anxiety about something happening to the footage since they aren’t there to keep an eye on it. You can back up digital footage in multiple locations, such as in a cloud server and on an external hard drive.
This will prevent unexpected scenarios from destroying your footage. In the event something happens, you can simply pull the footage from your archives.
Enhanced Creativity
Digital footage comes with virtually endless creative opportunities. You can splice footage to use in video projects, or you can use video editing software to enhance it. Regardless of what you choose to do, it would likely be impossible to achieve the same results when working with film.
A common project people focus on after digital conversion is creating compilation videos. For example, they can take film recordings of various family vacations and combine the best footage into a single video.
Getting Started
To get started, gather the 16mm film you need to convert. It’s best to have it all in one place so you can streamline the process. Then, you’ll need to choose your desired conversion method.
It’s recommended to work with a professional unless you have substantial experience in digital conversion. This will save the most time and provide the greatest results. When looking for someone to hire, research their past reputation.
See what other people have to say about the results they got. Look for reviews that mention professionalism and timeliness.
These are crucial attributes of a reputable conversion service. Stay away from companies that don’t seem interested in your project. If they aren’t enthusiastic about working with you, they’ll likely fall short of your goals.
Ask about their pricing, as well. You often get what you pay for when working with digital conversion services, and it’s best to avoid the cheapest options.
Keep an eye out for fake reviews, as these can mislead you and waste time and money. False reviews are typically posted in batches and contain similar formatting. With enough due diligence, you’ll find the best choice for your needs.
Understand How to Convert 16mm Film to Digital
It might seem complicated at first, but understanding how to convert 16mm film to digital is a straightforward process. From here, you can digitize your old films and make them much easier to work with.
Envision Video Services prides itself on having an experienced, professional team to handle each of our client’s projects. We strive to exceed expectations and deliver the best possible results. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can bring your vision to life.