You can digitize 16mm film (or other formats like 8mm film, Blu-rays, DVDs, or VHS tapes) at home with a digital camera, camcorder, or phone by recording the film as it plays through on the film projector. This creates digital files on your recording device that you can then transfer to an SD card, through email, or to a hard drive. It’s certainly easy and affordable, but the results are typically below average. Since you are recording a video of a video, it can show glares, record outside noises, and appear jittery because of the different framerate between the 16mm film format (24 frames per second) and modern cameras (30 frames per second).

Pros

• Affordable (if you already have a quality digital camera)
• Easy to do it yourself

Cons

• Poor quality that looks jittery, shows glares and may contain outside noise
• Time-consuming because it converts at a normal playback speed
• Recording area must be perfectly quiet, clean, flat, and uninterrupted

A 16mm film transfer machine can be a great do-it-yourself option to convert your home movies into digital format, but many of the best film transfer options, like the Kodak Scanza, do not work with 16mm film (they only work for 8mm and Super 8 film types). Few 16mm film scanners exist, and you can find some for around $150 on Amazon, but you have to be careful to get one that works with 16mm film. Also, try to find a model with step-by-step instructions if you’re not tech-savvy.

Pros

• Good quality digital format results
• Works with most computers

Cons

• Very time-consuming because you must scan film frame-by-frame
• Requires some technical knowledge
• Hard to find machines that accommodate 16mm sprockets

We pride ourselves on producing the best quality digital transfers for your 16mm film. Plus, you can achieve peace of mind with 24/7 tracking every step of the way using our sophisticated security system. Not only that, but our efficient service means you will receive your original film reels and digital download, DVD, or USB flash drive within 30 days or less, compared to the 70+ days from some of our competitors.

Pros

• Affordable at $29.99 for the first 100 feet and 20 cents for every foot after
• Professional results and 24/7 security for your memories
• Receive high-quality results in less than 30 days compared with the industry average of 70+ days

Cons

• We do not enhance resolution or offer color correction (although you can use your own photo or video editing software to do so!)