How to Convert Super 8 Film to DVD
Super 8mm was a popular film format that was first introduced in the 1960s. These films were able to capture more images than standard 8mm films and so were dubbed "Super 8mm". Super 8mm and film cameras in general fell out of favor with the public as videotape slowly crept up and into the marketplace. But there's no reason for your Super 8mm memories to sit gathering dust. With today's computer technology, you can capture and convert your Super 8 film to DVD.
Things You'll Need
- Super 8mm projector
- Dark room
- Projection screen or white poster board
- MiniDV camera
- Blank miniDV tape
- Firewire or USB connection
- Computer with video capture software and DVD burner
- Blank DVD
Instructions
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Set the Super 8mm projector up in a darkened room. If the room doesn't have blinds or window covers, rig up some kind of sheets or some other covers over the windows. You want the room as dark as possible.
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Set your projector screen up across from the projector. If you don't have a projector screen, tape a white piece of poster board to the wall.
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Thread the movie up according to the projector instructions and project it on your screen. Ensure that the film is in focus and that the screen is free from any dust or debris.
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Set up a miniDV camera next to the projector, in parallel and pointing at the screen. Zoom the camera in so that the projected image fills the frame. Insert a blank tape into the miniDV camera.
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Start your miniDV camera. Start the Super 8mm projector. Capture as much of the film as needed.
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Connect your miniDV camera up to your computer by Firewire or USB.
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Start your video editing or capturing software. Cue the tape up to the portion that you want to capture. From the "File" menu select "Import" or press the record button to begin the capture process.
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Edit the movie once it has been captured. You can also add titles and other effects, as well as correct footage color and exposure as needed.
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Open your DVD burner and place a blank DVD inside.
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Export the captured and edited Super 8mm movie to DVD. How you do this depends on your editing software. You may be able to export it directly from your editing program to DVD, or you might have to export the captured movie as a file, and then import it into a DVD-authoring program. A DVD-authoring program gives you greater flexibility, as it allows you to add titles and features, such as chapter menus.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a Super 8mm projector, you can try online auction sites or the Internet to see if anyone is selling a used one.
Most computers come with some type of built-in editing and capture software. In Windows this is Windows Movie Maker (part of Windows Live), while in Macs this is iMovie. There also are a number of freeware video and capture programs available (see Resources).
Use caution when threading films in a projector, because old Super 8mm projectors can become quite hot.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit projecteur 8 mm image by danimages from Fotolia.com
