What equipment is needed to transfer old super 8 video films and beta films to DVD?

Answer 1

You're not going to like my answer, but it's an honest answer at least.

I've done what you describe, and there are devices out there to assist you in the transfer process. However, there are so many headaches to overcome, you might want to re-think the "do it yourself" route. Look up the word "Telecine", and you'll learn a lot.

There are problems with frame rate, peripheral focus, interlacing...it just goes on and on.

The home-brew way is obvious: Project your images using an old super-8 projector onto a screen, aim a video camera at the screen, connect the audio signals together, and hit play on the projector and record on the video camera.

The video camera (of the current decade) should have a "Firewire" output, which will allow you to bring the video into your computer for editing, touch-up, and eventually burning to a DVD. There are a few good video editing packages out there; some with built-in DVD burning. However, a real classy way to do it would be to purchase (yet more) software that let's you create menus, chapter points, and even throw in a slide show from old slides you probably have.

But, this isn't my answer. My answer is to send your media out to a commercial transfer service and pay them to do it.

This process is almost always a one-time deal. Why invest so much effort, money, and time when later that equipment (and software) will be just collecting dust? I can't remember the last time I used some of this (very expensive) software that again, I only used once.

...been there and done that...and wished I hadn't.

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I pretty much agree that a professional film transfer house is the best option. However, there are a few manufacturers of sophisticated super-8 transfer equipment in the 2,500 to 25,000 dollar range.