How to Digitize Super 8 Film (And What to Do With It After)
Most people don’t realize how much family history lives on Super 8 film until they find a box in a closet or basement and wonder what’s on it — and whether it can still be watched.
If you’ve inherited old Super 8 reels or VHS tapes filmed decades ago, you’re not alone. These films often capture some of the only moving images people have of parents, grandparents, or early family life. The challenge is knowing how to digitize Super 8 film — and what to do with it once you do.
This guide walks through your options clearly, without assuming technical knowledge.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
What Super 8 film is and why it’s fragile
How Super 8 digitizing works
Your options for converting Super 8 film to digital
What you can do with digitized Super 8 footage
What is Super 8 film?
Super 8 is a film format introduced in the 1960s and commonly used through the 1970s and early 1980s for home movies. Unlike VHS tapes, Super 8 is actual motion picture film stored on small reels.
Because it’s film — not tape — Super 8 requires specialized equipment to view or digitize. Most families no longer have a projector, which is why digitizing is often the first step.
Why you shouldn’t wait too long
Super 8 film wasn’t meant to last forever.
Over time, film reels can:
fade or discolor
become brittle or warped
shrink or crack
suffer from dust, mold, or vinegar syndrome
If the footage matters to you — even if you don’t know yet what you want to do with it — digitizing sooner preserves both the image and your options.
Decide whether your Super 8 film needs to be digitized
1
If your Super 8 footage exists only on film reels and hasn’t been converted to a digital file, it is not digitized yet.
Digitizing Super 8 film means scanning each frame of the film and converting it into a digital video file that you can:
watch on a computer or TV
share with family
back up safely
use in other projects (like a slideshow or custom film)
Most people choose to digitize before deciding how the footage will ultimately be used.
Choose how to digitize Super 8 film
2
There are a few common options for converting Super 8 film to digital:
Professional Super 8 digitizing services
Most people use a professional film scanning service to digitize Super 8 reels. These services specialize in carefully handling film and converting it into high-quality digital video files.
Depending on the service, you may receive:
digital downloads
files on a USB or hard drive
basic color correction or stabilization
Costs and turnaround times vary depending on the condition and length of the film.
DIY scanning
Some people attempt to digitize Super 8 film themselves using consumer scanners. This can work, but it’s time-intensive and often produces lower-quality results — especially for fragile or damaged reels.
Working with a filmmaker or editor
If your goal is more than just storage — for example, creating a family film or memorial piece — it can be helpful to talk with an editor before digitizing so the files are delivered in the best format for editing.
Decide what you want to do with the footage
3
Once Super 8 film is digitized, many people are surprised by how emotional the footage feels.
Some common next steps include:
Creating a family memory film
Making a birthday or anniversary video
Creating a memorial or celebration-of-life tribute
Preserving family history for future generations
Organizing footage so it’s easier to watch and share
Not everything needs to be used — part of the process is deciding what matters most.
Turning Super 8 footage into something meaningful
Digitizing preserves footage.
Editing gives it context.
A custom family film weaves together:
digitized Super 8 footage
photos from different eras
optional music or voice recordings
thoughtful pacing and structure
The result isn’t just a file — it’s something people actually sit down and watch.
FAQ
Do I need to digitize my Super 8 film myself first?
Not necessarily. Many people digitize first through a scanning service, while others coordinate digitizing as part of a larger project.
How long does digitizing Super 8 take?
Most services take several weeks depending on backlog, reel length, and condition.
How much does it cost to digitize Super 8?
Costs vary depending on the service and number of tapes. Editing and storytelling are typically separate from digitizing.
What formats will I get after digitizing?
Most give you digital files (MP4, MOV) along with USB/drive options.
What if my footage is damaged or incomplete?
This is extremely common. Not all footage needs to be usable for a meaningful film.
How should I organize my footage once I receive it?
I’ve written a guideline for a simple, practical approach to organizing home photos & videos.