Digitizing 8mm film from scanner

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111 points

Digitizing 8mm film from scanner

I need to analyze 8mm film at the highest quality possible on a frame-by-frame basis, including anyy material between sprocket holes. Consequently, I will be using a flatbed scanner at the highest DPI setting possible. Once that work is completed, I would like to render these scanned digital images as a digital movie. Thus, I need to obtain MacOS X software that will recognize and extract frames (sprocket holes are unreliable indicators) and create additional iFrames so that the resulting video plays at 30 fps without flicker, strobe effects, stutter, etc. I have found Windows-based software but don't have a Windows machine. I want to use my Mac. So the question is, what MacOS X software do I need to acquire in order to make this video?

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 12 TB Disk Space

Posted on Feb 16, 2013 10:45 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 16, 2013 12:17 PM in response to Frank Lowney

I have no idea, but I have used a company called www.mymovietransfer.com in the past to digitize 8MM for me into 1080P. This is the highest quality possible, because their equipment is much better than any consumer could afford, and they use a professional colorist.

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Answer 2

Frank Lowney Author

Level 1

111 points

Feb 16, 2013 1:44 PM in response to AppleMan1958

Yes, I am aware of several such companies and the one I would normally use is http://www.gotmemories.com because they use state-of-the art equipment and their prices are reasonable. The gear I am refering to is the $2500 scanner pictured here: http://www.moviestuff.tv. However, in this particular case I will already have very hi rez source (9600 DPI) – much better than what any telecine gear can produce so paying someone to do less well seems wasteful. The Windows-based software that they use fits my specifications exactly but I'm just more comfortable with a Mac and would prefer to DIY if possible. I expect to have more such work so I don't mind a small software investment.

Thanks for the reply though.

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