5 Best 8mm Film Digital Converters to Buy in 2023

8mm film digital converterIf you are like most people who loved to record their memories with the use of an 8mm camera, then you probably have loads of film that contain special moments in your life. Unfortunately, while your 8mm player can still play these old films whenever you want to relive your memories, damage happens every time you do so. The more you play these films, the more scratches and damage these can suffer.

You can convert your precious home movies and other old films by converting them to digital with the use of an 8mm film to digital converter. Why risk damaging and even losing these precious memories simply because these were recorded using old-fashioned technology? Before you play those films again, and before you take another stroll down memory lane with your 8mm films, why not convert them to digital so you can keep your memories safe?

What is the difference between an 8mm and a Super 8?

KODAK VISION3 500T/7219 Color Negative Film, SP464 Super 8 Cartridge
Sony Single 120-min 8mm Tape

Aside from using 8mm to create memories, people also used what was called a Super 8. While these may seem like similar systems, they are actually two rather different films and use different equipment, both for recording and playing. The huge difference between the two includes the sprocket holes and the size of the frames on both. Super 8 films have smaller sprocket holes than the 8mm and bigger frames than the 8mm.

The Super 8 is actually an upgraded version of the 8mm, with the changes allowing for sharper pictures than the original format. This is because of the bigger frame size, which is also due to the smaller sprocket holes that allowed for more space for the frames.

If you’re unsure whether or not you have a Super 8 or an 8mm, you can tell by checking the holes that line the film. Smaller holes means you have a Super 8 and longer holes means you have an 8mm.

Converting 8mm Film to Digital Format

Converting 8mm Film to Digital FormatAs mentioned earlier, if you want to preserve the memories you recorded in your 8mm film, you should consider converting these to digital format. You can do this by purchasing 8mm film to digital conversion equipment.

There are many for you to choose from when it comes to this particular task. For you to be able to expertly convert your old films to newer, digital formats, you need to get one of these converters and do it yourself.

Getting a converter and converting your old films yourself will definitely be a better choice than hiring someone to do this for you. Having your own converter will enable you to convert as many of your old 8mm films to digital without added expense on your part.

The Best 8mm Film Digital Converters in 2023

Before you buy the first converter you come across, you should first weigh the pros and cons of the many options that you have. To help you out, here are some of the top converters that you can find on the market these days.

Wolverine Digital Movie Maker Pro

Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro Film Digitizer, Film Scanner, 8mm Film Scanner, Black

Output format: MPEG-4 (MP4), 1080p

Supported operating systems: Windows, Mac and Linux

This is one of the options you have when it comes to converting your films to digital format. This 8mm film scanner can handle not only 8mm but also super 8 films. This means that if you have both formats in your collection, you can easily convert both types to digital.

Some of the key features of this scanner converter include the ability to convert both super 8 and 8mm to digital format. These films can be converted to MP4, which you can burn into a DVD, upload to online sources, or simply save on your computer. This stand-alone machine does not need to be hooked up to a computer to be used. Simply load your film, convert, and save directly to your SD/SDHC cards.

This converter comes with the following specifications:

  • 53 Mega pixels 1/3″ CMOS image sensor
  • Color 2.4″ LCD Display
  • Auto/Manual control
  • Auto white balance
  • 1080P Resolution
  • 20 frames frame rate
  • Video scan method
  • 8 mm and Super 8 roll film up to 9″ reels film type
  • NTSC TV-OUT type
  • No built-in memory
  • SD/SDHC memory card
  • DC 12V Power Supply
  • USB 2.0 Interface
  • Windows 7 and higher/Mac 10.7.3 and higher support system
  • L269xW166xH114 mm/10.6×6.5×4.5 in dimensions
  • 1410 g/3.1 lb weight

Also consider lower end model by Wolverine with 720P @30 FPS resolution:


8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital Movie Maker Film Scanner Converter

8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Film Sanner Converter, Pro Film Digitizer Machine

Output format: MPEG-4 (MP4), 1080p

Supported operating systems: Windows, Mac and Linux

Another option you have for converting both your super 8 and 8mm films to digital format is this converter which simplifies the conversion method. You won’t have to worry about your films degrading with each viewing once you’ve changed these to MP4 format.

The key features of this scanner converter include the ability to convert your old films into digital format and save directly into an SD card. This scanner converter uses SD cards up to 32 GB, and can easily convert your colored as well as your black-and-white films to MP4.

You can hook this up to your computer for easy saving or you can simply hook this scanner up to your TV for easy watching. Don’t have a computer? You can also playback your old videos in digital format using the built-in LCD screen on the unit.

This scanner converter comes with these specifications:

  • USB 2.0 Interface
  • Color 2.4” LCD Display
  • Automatic / Manual Exposure Control
  • Automatic White Balance
  • 1080P (1440*1080 30frames per second) Resolution
  • 30 Frames Per Second (FPS) Frame Rate
  • Supports 5 inch and 3 inch Reel 8mm Roll film & Super 8 Roll film type
  • L269 x W114 x H166mm Dimensions
  • 1410g Weight

KODAK REELZ 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer

KODAK REELZ 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter

Output format: MPEG-4 (MP4), 1080p

Supported operating systems: Windows and Mac

With the name Kodak, you can be sure that you get quality products when it comes to film and video. Kodak brings its new scanner to compete with the market just like its 35mm film and slide scanner. Introducing the KODAK REELZ 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer!

This film scanner comes with the ability to scan 3”, 5” or 7” films. Unlike the previous scanners, the Reelz has a bigger 5-inch screen. On top of that, the buttons are easily found at the top so you can navigate this scanner thoroughly! Yes, the buttons are big and easy to operate. They surely brought the big guns in the film scanning market.

The Reelz’s 8.08-Megapixel Sensor is not that high compared to the scanners here but it can capture clear images. You can automatically or manually scan films with this scanner.

You can also hook this unit up to your computer to save your files directly and securely.

The specifications of this product is as follows:

  • 8.08-megapixel sensor
  • MPEG-4 (MP4) 1080p digital output
  • 2 frames per second scanning speed
  • 3”, 5” or 7” films supported
  • Automatic or manual scanning
  • 5” Onboard LCD Interface
  • SD/SDHC memory card external memory
  • USB (2.0) port and SD card slot interface

Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner

Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, Converts Film into Digital Video

Output format: MPEG-4 (MP4), 1080p

Supported operating systems: Windows and Mac

Another name that is considered an authority in film to digital conversion technology is the Magnasonic, which has quite a number of products that can do this particular task. This converter, the Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, is one of their top products since it supports a long list of formats that include 3”, 5”, and 7” Super 8/8mm reels.

If you’re looking to convert your 8mm and Super 8 films into a digital format, then this may be the scanner for you. This scanner has 3.5 MP lower than the Wolverine and Kodak but it delivers 1080p output resolution. You can scan 3”, 5”, and 7” Super 8/8mm reels and save it on external memory for up to 32GB. Take note that this has no built-in memory so you need to have SD card inserted to save your digitized videos.

You can use this converter even without a computer and there are no software downloads required either.

The specifications of this scanner are as follows:

  • 1920 x 1080 digitized output
  • 3.5 Megapixels scan quality
  • 2 Frames per second scanning speed
  • 20 FPS playback speed
  • Auto & Manual Exposure
  • Auto & Manual Color Balance
  • 2.31” Color LCD Display
  • View on PC (Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7/8/10) or Mac 10.7.3
  • Supports 3”, 5”, and 7” Super 8/8mm reels
  • Uses up to 32 GB SD/SDHC Card Reader
  • 12V DC Power Source
  • USB to computers and HDMI to TV interface options

Zonoz FS-Five Digital Film & Slide Scanner

zonoz FS-Five Digital Film & Slide Scanner - Converts 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Film Negatives & Slides to JPEG - Includes Large Bright 5-Inch LCD, Easy-Load Film Inserts Adapters

Output format: JPEG

Supported operating systems: Windows and Mac

The last scanner on this list is the one made by Zonoz. This scanner is another converter that can save your old films and photos into digital format. Unfortunately, if you’re thinking of converting old 8mm and super 8 films into viewable movies, this is not the scanner to pick. Just like the Wolverine and Kodak scanners reviewed above, it only converts your old films and negatives into JPEG format.

If you’re okay with saving your films and movies in JPEG format, then you can opt for this scanner converter. It features an intuitive user interface, which makes using it easy, and large buttons that enable you to scan/capture then save or print with a single press.

This scanner converter also comes with a browse gallery function that allows you to view the images you’ve saved in the internal memory or on your SD card via the LCD screen.

The specifications of this product are as follows:

  • Large 5-Inch Wide TFT LCD Screen Color Display
  • Supports 35mm, 126 film, 110 film, Super 8, and 8mm film formats
  • High Resolution 22MP Image Output
  • Adjustable Brightness
  • Mac & PC Compatible
  • Supports up to 32GB memory card
  • Stand Alone Scanner
  • Uses Internal Memory or Optional SD Memory Card
  • USB Power Adapter with Worldwide Voltage 110V/240V – Can be used anywhere such as USA/Canada
  • USB Cable

Choosing the Right Scanner Converter for Your Needs

The five aforementioned scanner and printer options are all great, but before you choose one, there are a few things to consider. To be able to pick the right one for your needs, you have to list down the pros and cons of each product you are considering. Some of the things you need to list down include the following:

Number of formats it supports

If you have a wide variety of old films that you want to convert and preserve in digital format, you should look for a converter that supports many different film options. Some of the scanner converters that are mentioned above support multiple formats that include 135, 35mm slides, Super 8 film, and 8mm film.

Conversion format

You also need to consider the format that it converts your old films into. If your 8mm and Super 8 films cannot be converted into a viewable movie format like MP4, you might want to find one that does this. Most of the multi-format supporting platforms only convert these films into images or into JPEG format. This means you cannot view these as movies but rather only as pictures.

Price

This is another consideration you have to take when buying an 8mm film to digital converter. A lot of the products you see listed here are sold on Amazon at lower than $400, with the lowest priced product at $169. Unfortunately, the lower priced converters are those that can only change your film into pictures and not into digital film versions. If you want 8mm film to digital conversion equipment that converts your old movies into digital movies that you can view on your PC, the more expensive options are your ideal choices here.

Ease of Use

Another thing that you have to consider is how easy these scanners can be used. Some of these can be somewhat complicated, with the need to change film inserts for each film type. The easiest to use are those that are considered plug and play. Also included in the ease-of-use category is how you save your images and videos. All of these products pass this particular test since these can all save your images and videos directly on SD cards without the need to be hooked up to a computer or for software to be downloaded.

Add-ons

Some of these scanner converters come in a package that includes printers that allow you to immediately have a physical copy of the images you are saving. Scanners also come with multiple cables that you can hook up to your TV, computer, and other devices that you can use with it. Some of the best options you have when it comes to these products are those that come with free SD cards, free printers, and even free cleaning brushes and cloths.

What’s next?

At the end of the day, what you choose to purchase for your conversion needs is dependent on what formats you have and what kind of conversion you are looking for. If you want your 8mm films and Super 8 films to be converted into a digital video format, then the latter three products mentioned here are not the right ones for you. You are better off choosing between the first two scanner-converters listed here.

If you’re looking to simply saving everything you have into digital format, regardless of whether it’s in picture form or video form, then the latter three options will work well for you. These last three are capable of converting a wide variety of films into clear and crisp images that you can save on your computer, upload online, or print for display in frames and picture albums.

If what you want or need isn’t in this list, you can always browse Amazon or other online stores for some of their recommended 8mm film to digital converter products. There are a lot of these to be found online and these include converters that are more expensive and only support one or two formats. Listed above are the more budget friendly options that have lots of great consumer reviews and are easy to use.

The Bottom Line

Suffice to say, converting your old 8mm and Super 8 films into digital format, no matter what product you use to do this, is a good idea. Not only do you preserve your memories in a format that is clearer, crisper, and easier to access, but you also stop damaging your old films with constant use.

After you convert your old films into the new digital format, you can either choose to upload these on video sharing platforms online or burn DVDs that you can give to family members. You can also choose to simply save these on your computer for future use.

In the long run, you end up saving a lot of money by converting your old films yourself rather than having a professional service do this for you. You don’t have to pay top dollar for each foot of film that is converted since you can do this yourself easily with the equipment that you can buy for under $500.


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