How to Convert 8mm Film to DVD on Windows PC

For home movie buffs and nostalgic adults, those boxes of 8mm film reels tucked away contain priceless memories waiting to be revisited. However, viewing 8mm film requires cumbersome equipment that's increasingly hard to find. Thankfully, modern video editing software combined with a film to DVD converter makes it easy to convert 8mm film to DVD on today's TVs and devices. In this article, you'll learn an easy, step-by-step process for converting 8mm film to DVD using widely accessible equipment, software, and materials. We will also be sharing the different 8mm to DVD conversion software available.

Part 1. The Best Way to Convert 8mm to DVD on Windows and Mac

When it comes to converting 8mm to DVD, HitPaw Video Converter provides the easiest and quickest way to digitize, edit, and burn your 8mm films to playable DVDs. As the best DVD creator and conversion software for Windows and Mac, HitPaw Video Converter can burn over 1,000 video formats including converted 8mm film to standard DVD formats playable on any TV or DVD player. When you want to change 8mm film to DVD, use HitPaw without a doubt.

With customizable DVD menus, chapter markers, and stylish templates to choose from, your old home movies can have a professional-looking DVD packed with features in no time. Read on as we explore the key features of HitPaw Video Converter that make it the top choice for flawlessly converting old film reels to digital DVD movies you can enjoy for years to come.

Key Features of HitPaw Video Converter

How to Convert an 8mm Film to DVD

Let's take a look at the steps on how to convert an 8 millimeter film to DVD with the help of HitPaw.

Step 1: Access HitPaw DVD Burner

Launch HitPaw Video Converter and select the DVD Burner feature from the Toolbox menu. This will open the DVD burning workspace where you can add videos and set DVD burning options. Ensure your 8mm film is converted to a digital video format first before adding it to the DVD burner.

Step 2: Add Video Files to HitPaw

Import your digitized 8mm film videos by clicking the + Video button and selecting the files to add or simply drag and drop the video files directly into the HitPaw DVD burner window. Arrange the video clips in the desired DVD chapter order if applicable.

Step 3: Configure DVD Settings

Customize your DVD settings including DVD label, menu style, aspect ratio, TV standard, quality and DVD format. Select DVD-5 or DVD-9 depending on the length of your 8mm converted videos. Choose a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and NTSC TV standard for optimum North American DVD playback.

Step 4: Customize the DVD Menu and Template

Personalize your DVD by selecting a visual theme template and customizing the menu background, adding background music, inputting a DVD title and scene names for each video chapter. This helps create a professional looking DVD.

Step 5: Preview DVD Slideshow

Review how your DVD will play by clicking the play icon to see the menu and video playback in action. Also preview individual DVD scenes using the chapter previews.

Step 6: Burn 8mm Film to DVD

After previewing, choose to burn the DVD disc directly by selecting your disc drive, or save as a DVD folder or ISO file by specifying the output folder destination. This allows burning at a later time.

Step 7: Start Burning Videos to DVD

When ready, click the Burn button to start the DVD burning process. The video encoding and burning will now commence and time remaining will be shown. Wait for the completion notification when done.

Step 8: Locate the Created DVD File

Finally locate your burned DVD disc, DVD folder or ISO image file, and play it using your preferred DVD player software or stand-alone player connected to a TV to enjoy your converted 8mm films digitally preserved on DVD video! This is a great way to ensure a hassle-free 8mm film transfer to DVD experience.

Part 2. Transfer 8mm to DVD with Expert Transfer Services

1. Leave a Legacy

For those wanting to digitize their 8mm film reels but don't have the tools or technical skill, utilizing a professional transfer service may be the best option for preserving home movies. Services like Just8mm use high-end equipment and expert technicians to flawlessly transfer film to digital DVD formatted to provide you with years of easy access to your family history. You don't need to worry about anything when using this to convert 8mm film to DVD.

Pros

High quality film transfers
Professional technicians
Options for music and titling

Cons

Minimum order $60
No home inspection projector

Pricing

Starts at $0.26 per foot
Average 30min film: $195
Add music/titles: $35 each

2. Just8mm

As an industry leader, Just8mm has offered 8mm film transfers since 2007 providing specialized film processing and transfers to DVD/Bluray along with complementary services like music and title restorations. Their trained technicians ensure proper film handling delivering pristine transfers from formats like Super 8, 8mm, and 16mm. This is a highly reliable 8mm to DVD converter.

Pros

Industry leader since 2007
Handles film properly
Competitive pricing tiers

Cons

Required 500ft minimum order
2 week transfer is fastest speed

Pricing

Starts at $0.22 per foot
30min film: ~$150
Music/titles: $39 each
2 week transfer: $0.49 per foot

Part 3. Other Popular 8 Millimeter Film to DVD Converter

1. ClearClick Video to Digital Converter Second Generation

The ClearClick converter provides an easy way to digitize 8mm and Super 8 films to digital files without a computer. It connects directly to your TV for reviewing footage to capture to SD card.

Pros

No computer/software needed
Compact and portable
Affordable price under $200

Cons

Manual frame-by-frame advancing
Requires SD card purchase

Pricing: $159.97

2. Kodak REELS 8mm Films Digitizer Converter

Specifically made to convert Kodak 8mm film cartridges, this converter with bundled software simplifies film digitization and editing/exports footage to common formats.

Pros

Made for easy Kodak 8mm reel conversion
Good quality HD transfers
Digitizes Kodak 8mm cartridge films
Automatic light adjustment
Software allows trimming, exporting

Cons

Only compatible with Kodak film
More expensive than other options

Pricing: $349.99

So, for easy standalone converting, ClearClick provides an affordable converter while the Kodak digitizer streamlines working specifically with Kodak 8mm film cartridges to DVD/digital file.

FAQs about 8mm to DVD Converter

Q1. How much does it cost to convert 8mm to DVD?

A1. The cost to convert 8mm film to DVD ranges from $0.20 - $0.40 per foot depending on service options like add-on music or titles. So, a typical 30-minute 8mm film averages $150-$250 for transfer to DVD. DIY conversions cost less but require purchasing equipment.

Q2. Does Walgreens transfer 8mm film to DVD?

A2. No, Walgreens only processes photo prints and no longer offers video transfer services like 8mm movies to DVD conversion. You'll need to use a specialized service like Just8mm or ClearClick converters instead. It provides an easier way to transfer 8mm to DVD.

Q3. What is the cheapest way to convert 8mm to digital?

A3. Doing DIY 8 millimeter film to DVD conversion using a device like the ClearClick converter is the most affordable method costing around $160 plus accessories. It captures footage without a computer for easySD card recording at 1080p resolution.

Conclusion

For breathtakingly clear, properly converted 8mm film footage without the equipment investment, HitPaw Video Converter is the best software for flawless movie digitization and customizable DVD authoring to make treasured 8mm memories last. With just a simple import of transferred film files, you can create stunning DVDs playable for years on any television. Preserve your vintage home movies today and always have your priceless moments in digital form forever thanks to HitPaw's all-in-one 8mm conversion and DVD burning solution.

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