scanning
Scanning is the process of converting motion picture film images into digital computer files while maintaining the image quality. The scanned image becomes a series of digital information data. This data is stored on Efilm's network server and can then be transferred to an appropriate computer workstation, or to any digital tape format without any loss of image quality.
Pin registered scanning provides the highest possible quality: the digital equivalent of an optical step printer. The film is held steady by register pins while each frame is scanned - taking a couple of seconds per frame.
Any 35mm or 16mm negative format can be scanned. The pin-registered scanner can operate at maximum film resolution of 4K (that is, the full 35mm film frame width is 4,096 pixels wide). Data files are very large and so 2K files are sometimes preferred. Scanning at 4K and then 'downsampling' to produce 2K data files provides better image detail than a simple 2K scan.
No grading choices or colour adjustments are made at the scanning stage, other than ensuring that the scan is optimised for the type of film stock. Instead, the entire tonal range is captured and digitised, allowing the digital colorist the full range of choices later in the process.
For faster turnaround, Efilm's Spirit 4-4-4 Datacine can also provide high quality HD or 2K scans.