Benicia CA, Film Transfer Services - 16mm, 8mm & Super 8mm Film

San Francisco Bay Area, Benicia CA film transfer services to digital format.

No longer have a projector? No problem! Let Digital Roots Studio convert your 16mm film, Super8mm film or 8mm film to digital computer files for sharing online or editing. MOV/AVI and the most popular MP4 file formats are available options for computer file output. Computer files aren’t for everyone, sometimes you just want to sit back on the couch and gather around with the family and watch the family footage

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16mm Film

Digital Roots Studio can transfer your 16mm film to either a playable DVD (for DVD players) or editable/shareable computer files that you can edit on your computer or share online. Our film telecine machine captures frame by frame to SD or HD.
8mm/Super8mm Film

Digital Roots Studio can transfer your 8mm & Super8mm film to either a playable DVD (for DVD players) or editable/shareable computer files that you can edit on your computer or share online. Our film telecine machine captures frame by frame to SD or HD.
S 8 & 16mm Sound Film

Does your film have sound? If so then let us know, we can transfer Super 8 magnetic sound film and 16mm optical sound film. We are unable to transfer 16mm magnetic sound. Please note, sound film is an additional $0.15 per foot of film.

Our Film Process

Upon receiving your film we will carefully examine your reels for any signs of mold, as well as confirm no symptoms of vinegar syndrome, which will first be detected by a vinegar smell, followed by curling/shrinkage of the film do to lack of moisture.

For ensuring your reels are output in the order you would like, we ask that you organize them ahead of time to ensure the correct order for playable DVD or numbered digital computer files on your hard drive. If you do not have a preference on order then Digital Roots Studio will number each reel for you.

Prior to transfer all film is cleaned, adding leader and repairing broken splices as necessary.
All film is captured 1080p (1920x1080) frame-by-frame using the RetroScan Universal HD/2k Film Scanner. Transfers can be output in Hi-Definition 1920x1080 or down-converted to SD 720x480.
Please see the Film Length Table below to estimate how much content you have, or we'll do so.
We use a digital process to remove color casts (typically red, yellow, or blue) on the overall reel, and will compensate for under/over-exposed film when possible. The current condition of the film, and how it was originally shot, will determine the quality of the footage.
If the footage is blank or deteriorated to a point that is no longer viewable then you will be notified.

Film Equipment

All of our film transfers are done using the RetroScan Universal HD/2k Film Scanner capturing unit.

All footage is captured frame-by-frame into our computer, recording each and every frame of your film.

Continuous feed transport provides true frame-by-frame digitizing without use of claws and sprocket holes for moving film forward, so there's no pressure or contact that can damage older film. This also allows warped film or film with broken sprocket holes to still be digitized.

Read what our customers are saying about us!

“They were able to provide a truly amazing slide show for a life celebration that my whole family was thoroughly impressed by. Everyone was asking for their info as we all have memories that we need to have archived to pass on to our next generations. I couldn't recommend them any higher!”

— Andre B. Dublin, CA

“Sean and Andrea were great to work with. They took my old VHS cassette tapes, digitized them, and uploaded the mp4 video files to a secure server. Communication was excellent, price was fair and I'll certainly be back again. Thanks!”

— Robyn H. Oakland, CA

“They transferred 8mm film and a few old prints to digital video format and jpeg format. Unlike many similar online services, this business does all transfer work in house. So there's less risk of your precious family analog memories getting lost in transit.”

— Timothy M. North Berkeley, CA

Film Transfer FAQ

All of the work we do is done in house at our physical office 1329 Solano Avenue Albany CA - We never outsource your materials, but if for some reason we need then we will speaking with you first.
We are able to transfer 8mm film, Super8 film & 16mm film into digital computer format or playable DVD.
Your film can be scanned at SD 720x480, HD 1920x1080, and we will soon be offering 2k & 4k film transfer. Please ask about 2k & 4k, if you are interested.
Yes, we can transfer Super8mm sound film as well as 16mm optical sound. WE CANT transfer 16mm magnetic sound at this time.
You have the choice of MP4, MOV (Quicktime) or AVI. MP4 files are compatible on most platforms, and MOV usually defaults to Mac, and AVI to PC.
We number every film reel that we receive prior to transfer, and you will have a corresponding digital file with a number that matches up to the numbered reel. If you want the reels to be in a certain order, then please number them prior to drop off or arrange in the preferred order and then we will number them.
If you decide on HD output and want a disc back, then it will need to go on a Blu-Ray disc, but with standard def transfer we can put the footage on a DVD-R. 10 hrs of standard definition can be put onto a Blu-Ray disc, but you must a have a Blu-Ray player to play a Blu-Ray disc.