Capturing old 8mm Projector Images using Modern Camcorder.

[billybobb]

Hello All,

I have some old family video that I'm trying to transpose to DVD.

The first step I have taken is to use the 8mm projector our family has and to run it against a screen (or white wall) and use my SONY 8mm Camcorder to record the image.

In doing so, besides have focusing problems on the recorded images at times, I encountered a more troublesome problem. The recorded image on my Camcorder pulses. That is, the image is normal one instant, and then dark the next, then back to normal. The fade is not sudden, that is, normal to black to normal... it's fades to black then back. Like a heart beat.

Strange thing is that it doesn't happen for the entire capture. Only certain segments of the film. Obviously the original broadcast of the film on the wall does not have this problem. It is clear and sharp.

I am guessing it has to do with framerates. At times, the framerate of the projector is near that of the 'modern' cam corder, then others it deviates. Resulting in the pulsing I saw.

Anyone have any ideas, am I right? If so how do I correct it? If I'm not, what could it be?

Thanks,
Bill

[kisrum]

If you scroll down this topic a little way, there are several experts talking about how to deal with the flicker problem. Out of my league. Good luck

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=222267&highlight=

[edDV]

Several ways to approach this issue. The chosen alternative depends on your motivation, $, and hours of labor you want to invest.

Alt1: shoot against wall, try to match projector speed to reduce flicker.

Pro: allows you to see what is on the film and produces a grade D print.
Con: low quality print and may blow the bulb ($40-100 to replace and 0-25 hr life).

Alt2: buy consumer "telecine" mirror box.

Pro: a bit better print
Con: same as above

Alt3: local store or mass online "DVD" transfer

Pro: Good quality. Don't need a working projector or bulb.
Con: Usually mastered with high compression MPeg2 so user edit is not good. They want you to buy prints at their shop. Usually include DRM to prevent copying.

Alt4: Online Pro-Sumer quality MiniDV or uncompressed HDD 4:2:2 master.

Pro: All frames captured in very good quality. User can edit from DV or HDD master and author DVD in high quality. Typical broadcast 3CCD camera aerial telecine (very good) or flying spot scanner (best) used for capture.
Con: ~20-40 cents per ft. plus media. User masters the DVD or pays extra.

Alt5: Pro quality custom service transfer

Pro: They do all the work on pro level gear. Produce masters and author DVD.
Con: You must negociate a price.

Alt 4 and 5 are being discussed in this thread
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=252746&start=60

[billybobb]

Thank you very much for all your help... God .. thought this would be simpler.. but did get my hands on a friend's DV Corder, so results should be much better.

I'll try some reels.. and if i can't seem to get it right, will probably send it to the pros... just not in this decade... lol..