At Kodak, we get a lot of questions. That’s understandable. As the undisputed leader in film and video since film and video existed, we’re flattered that people come to us with their inquiries. If they didn’t, we’d be concerned.
One question that we get pretty often is, “Can you transfer Super 8 film to DVD?”
Easy answer: yes.
Super 8: A Quick History
Super 8 film, loved by hipsters and indie bands everywhere, is a type of camera that basically brought home video to the masses. Consisting of 8mm wide film and compact cameras, Super 8 made making home videos easier than ever. When you see videos from the '60s and '70s with a really pleasant, warm, sepia appearance, it was probably shot on Super 8.
How do you know if your video format is Super 8? Key features of Super 8 Film include:
- Preloaded cartridge for easy operation, eliminating the need for manual threading like 8mm film.
- Smaller sprocket holes allow for a larger image area and improved picture quality.
- Super 8 Sound (introduced in 1973) features a magnetic audio stripe for synchronized sound recording.
- Popular for home movies and amateur filmmaking, later embraced by independent filmmakers.
- Replaced by digital formats, but is still cherished for its nostalgic and artistic appeal.
Even though Super 8 film is ultra aesthetic, it also has its drawbacks. Specifically, it’s not so easy to playback. To watch Super 8 movies, your only real option is to use a projector. That’s a lot of work. Also, have you ever used a projector? I’m pretty good with technology, but I’m 99% sure I couldn’t use a projector without it messing up the film in one way or another.
Super 8 Film to Digital
The solution for the playback issue is astoundingly simple: digitize your Super 8 film and put it on a DVD! Kodak specializes in digitizing analog media of all kinds, and Super 8 is one we specialize in. Heck, we invented the dang format.
While it’s possible to digitize your own Super 8 film and put it on a DVD or digital format if you’d like, we don’t really recommend it for a few reasons. First, the quality won’t be so good. For example, one of the ways you can do it yourself is through the bootleg movie theater method, where you project the Super 8 video on the wall and record the recording with a digital camera. Not ideal. The second problem is that it takes a long time. The third is, do you even have a projector anymore?
However, if you want to go through the hassle of converting your old film at home, there are a couple of methods you can try.
How to Digitize Super 8 Film and Transfer It to DVD at Home
Step 1. Choose a Digitization Method
- Film-to-Digital Converter: Devices like the Wolverine Film2Digital convert Super 8 directly to digital files.
- Project and Record: Play the Super 8 film on a projector and record it using a digital camera for a DIY approach (lower quality).
- Flatbed Scanning (Frame-by-Frame): A high-quality but labor-intensive process where each frame is scanned and stitched together.
Step 2. Capture and Save the Digital File
- If using a film scanner or converter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to save the video as an MP4, AVI, or MOV file.
- If recording from a projector, stabilize the camera and adjust settings for the best exposure.
Step 3. Edit and Enhance the Footage
- Use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or iMovie to trim, adjust color, stabilize, and remove flicker.
Step 4. Burn to DVD
- Use DVD-burning software like Nero, Windows DVD Maker, or Roxio Creator to create a DVD.
- Choose “DVD-Video” format for playback on standard DVD players.
- Burn the file to a blank DVD and test it on a player.
The Better Option: Digitize with Kodak Digitizing
The ultra-simple alternative is to pack your Super 8 movies into a special Kodak box, send it to us, and let us use our special machines to scan them. What you’ll get from our transfer service is way better quality, no loss of fidelity, and no need to invest in expensive or complicated equipment. We have all that stuff. All you do is send your videos to us, and we’ll return your original media to you along with a DVD, digital download, or thumb drive with the digital files containing all of your beautifully vintage home movies.
Additionally, you won’t have to struggle with a film projector. Does anybody actually want to do that except the weird guy who works in the throwback movie theater?
I didn’t think so.
Let Kodak digitize your Super 8 videos onto a DVD or digital copy so that you can relive your precious memories. They’re not worth much if you can’t use them, after all.
