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The first table shows how the same film looks using our 4 different processes. You can see that the difference can be significant for our Tucson customers.

The second table presents a case for scanning 8mm and Super 8 film at 2K resolution. In the past year we have done 20 comparisons. Contrary to popular belief, we do see a noticeable difference in quality between our Pro HD and Pro 2K process on 8mm and Super 8 film.

In general it is recommended that you scan at or above the resolution of the film. For 8mm and Super 8 that means scanning at HD or 2K.

8mm And Super 8 Film Tucson


SD Scan

  • This SD scan was performed with a SD frame by frame machine. The film is ran through a projector and captured using a camcorder.
  • If you compare this to the HD or Pro 2K scan you can see that this SD scan almost looks blurry.
  • In addition, you can see the blue color shift. This is very common on both 8mm and Super 8 film.


Pro HD Scan


Pro 2K Scan

  • This Pro 2K Scan (1556 lines) was performed with a professional 2K Datacine machine.
  • This example also includes our optional color correction restoration.
  • Compared to the Pro HD scan you can see more details and better color and skin tone.


Pro 4K Scan

  • This Pro 4K Scan (3112 lines) was performed with a professional 4K Datacine machine.
  • This example also includes our optional color correction restoration.
  • Most 8mm and Super 8 film will not benefit from a 4K scan. But you can go out to a 4K format like 4K-ProRes. This would allow you to create formats for your 4K/UHD TV.

 

Film Resolution


8mm 2K Scan

Resolution of Film


  • Determining resolution of film can be a very complicated and controversial task involving many variables.
  • The image to the left is a 2K scan (1556 lines from top to bottom) of 8mm film
  • At full frame it looks nice and clear and you don't see a lot of film grain or digital pixilation.


8mm 2K Scan

Film Grain

  • As you zoom in you can start to see the film grain (looks like little dots or bumps).
  • We've highlighted the smallest feature which is on the tip of this person's nose. This is about the size of the film grain.
  • Film grain is laid out in a random pattern.
  • Film grain is not laid out in a nice, neat pattern like digital pixels in a digital image.


8mm 2K Scan

Film Grain vs Digital Pixel

  • Here we are zoomed in enough on the 2K scanned image that you can see the digital pixels.
  • The red highlighted area is the smallest feature size which is about 1 grain of film.
  • In order to achieve a digital image as good as the film you would need to scan the film at 1/2 the size of the film grain or smaller. Here, the 2K scan is just enough to meet this requirement.

 

So, for example, if you are looking for the best quality DVD, scan your 8mm or Super 8 at HD. If you are looking to go to BluRay then scan your 8mm or Super 8 at 2K.

Professional films usually have access to the original camera negative in addition to work prints, answer prints, etc. It is always better to scan using the original camera negative.

Tucson Fun Facts: In the period before the turn of the century, Tucson was a typical Wild West city, with gunslingers patrolling the area. The installation of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base during World War II brought more growth; many of the men trained there fell in love with Tucson and settled there permanently. Today, Tucson is a growing city of over a half million residents and the heart of a booming high-technology region with more than 1,200 companies employing more than 50,000 people. Among its industries are aerospace and missile production, computer hardware and software, optics, biotechnology and electronics.

Arizona Fun Facts: Arizona, the Grand Canyon state, achieved statehood on February 14, 1912, the last of the 48 coterminous United States to be admitted to the union. Originally part of New Mexico, the land was ceded to the United States in 1848, and became a separate territory in 1863. Copper was discovered in 1854, and copper mining was Arizona’s premier industry until the 1950s. After World War II, the widespread availability of refrigeration and air conditioning caused Arizona’s population to boom and Phoenix to become one of the fastest growing cities in America.

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