How It Works
Our simple 6-step process to preserve your precious memories
Our Simple 6-Step Process
1. Estimate Your Project
Calculate the scope of your digitization project
2. Select Your Media
Choose how you want your digital files returned
3. Pack and Ship
Securely package and send your materials to us
4. We Digitize
Our experts digitize your materials with care
5. Review Your Project
View and approve your digitized memories
6. You Smile Again
Enjoy your preserved memories for generations
Step 1: Estimate Your Project
The first step in digitizing your photos and home movies is gathering your materials and estimating your quantities.
We've created a helpful project estimation tool to make this process simple and accurate. Use the guidelines below to help count your items.
Estimation Guidelines by Media Type
Slides
A stack of slides in 2x2 cardboard mounts can be estimated as 20 slides per inch. Carousel trays typically hold between 80 and 140 slides depending on the model.
Learn About Slide Scanning
Negatives
Count the number of frames to be digitized. Negatives in developer envelopes generally hold between 24 and 36 frames. Negatives are often cut into 6-frame strips.
Learn About Negative Scanning
Photo Prints
A stack of standard photo prints can be estimated at 100 prints per inch of stack height. Count albums by the number of individual photos.
Learn About Print Scanning
APS Film
When estimating APS film, count the number of frames rather than the number of cartridges. Each cartridge holds either 15, 25, or 40 exposures depending on the film type.
Learn About APS Scanning
Video Tapes
Our pricing includes all tape types (VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, etc.) for lengths up to two hours per tape. Simply count the number of tapes you have.
Learn About Video Transfer
Movie Film
Estimate film footage based on reel size:
- 3-inch reel holds approximately 50 feet of film
- 4-inch reel holds approximately 100 feet of film
- 5-inch reel holds approximately 200 feet of film
- 6-inch reel holds approximately 300 feet of film
- 7-inch reel holds approximately 400 feet of film
Step 2: Select Your Media
After estimating your project, you'll need to choose how you want your digital photos and videos returned to you.
We offer several convenient options to ensure you can easily access and preserve your digitized memories.
Digital Download
Instant Access
Access your images and videos instantly and download them directly to your computer or device.
- No additional hardware needed
- Immediate availability
- Easy to share with family
Flash Drive
Most Popular
Portable & Convenient
A versatile storage option that's easy to use and duplicate. Serves as a physical backup separate from your computer.
- Works with most computers
- Compact and durable
- Easy to store and access
Disc Set
Traditional Format
DVDs and data discs are becoming less common but remain an option for those with disc players or who prefer physical media.
- Compatible with DVD players
- Familiar format for some users
- Limited by modern computers
Expert Recommendation
If you're unsure which option to choose, we recommend the flash drive option for its convenience, durability, and compatibility with modern devices. It provides the best balance of accessibility and long-term storage.
Step 3: Pack and Ship Your Order
Proper Packaging Guidelines
Ensuring your precious memories arrive safely is crucial. Follow these guidelines to properly package your materials:
Do's:
- Place your film and photos in a secure container
- Use a sturdy box that won't crush easily
- Wrap your photos and film in plastic for moisture protection
- Group similar media types together
- Label boxes clearly with your order number
Don'ts:
- Use packing materials that generate dust or debris
- Write on the back of photos with marker, ink, or crayon
- Package photos to look like packing materials
- Use flimsy envelopes that can be easily damaged
Shipping Address
701 North Golden Key Street
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(866) 364-5952
Shipping Options
We recommend using a trackable shipping method such as:
- USPS Priority Mail
- FedEx
- UPS
Important Note
Always keep a record of your tracking number and take photos of your materials before shipping as a precaution.
Pro Tip
Consider our DigMyPics memoryBox - a complete kit that includes a crush-proof shipping box, return shipping label, and everything you need to safely send your memories to us.
Step 4: We Digitize Your Project
Once we receive your materials, our expert technicians begin the careful digitization process using our proprietary technology.
Every item is handled with the utmost care and precision to ensure the highest quality digital preservation.
Photo Scanning Technology
SmartScan™ Technology
We scan your slides and negatives using our exclusive SmartScan technology, delivering the highest quality digital images available anywhere.
The SmartScan Advantage:
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): Multiple exposures are captured and merged to preserve details in both shadows and highlights
- DustNet AI: Our proprietary neural network identifies and removes dust particles without affecting image details
- Color Correction: Expert technicians manually adjust color balance for optimal results
- Resolution: High-resolution scans capture every detail of your original media
Industry Exclusive: Only at DigMyPics do you get digital images that truly capture the full dynamic range of film.
Movie Film Transfer
Frame-by-Frame Capture
Unlike other services that simply project and record your films, we digitize each frame individually for superior quality.
Our Film Transfer Process:
- Cleaning & Lubrication: Each film is carefully cleaned and lubricated to reduce scratches and improve image quality
- Frame-by-Frame Capture: Every individual frame is digitally captured at high resolution
- Manual Color Correction: Professional film editors adjust color balance for each scene
- Digital Enhancement: Brightness, contrast, and sharpness are optimized
- Final Assembly: Frames are combined into a smooth, high-quality digital video
Note: While we perform extensive color correction on movie film, we are unable to color correct video tapes due to their different format and technical limitations.
Video Tape Transfer
Professional Video Digitization
We use professional-grade equipment to transfer your video tapes to digital format with the highest possible quality.
Supported Formats:
- VHS and VHS-C
- 8mm, Hi8, and Digital8
- MiniDV and HDV
- Betamax
- And many more
Video Enhancements:
- Digital noise reduction
- Automatic gain control
- AI-powered blank section trimming
- Digital stabilization
Step 5: Review Your Project
After digitization, you'll have the opportunity to review your photos and videos online before finalizing your order.
Our unique review features give you unprecedented control over your digitization project.
Real Time Scanning™
Our exclusive Real Time Scanning™ feature allows you to see each photo as we scan it. This unique capability makes it fun for you and your family to watch your account every day as new photos become instantly available.
Benefits of Real Time Scanning:
- Immediate Access: See your photos as soon as they're scanned
- Share the Experience: Invite family members to watch the process
- Progress Tracking: Monitor your project's status in real-time
- Early Decision Making: Start selecting favorites before the project is complete
Screenshots of our Real Time Scanning interface
Don't Want Don't Pay™
Screenshots of our Don't Want Don't Pay interface
Our unique Don't Want Don't Pay™ feature gives you the freedom to delete any scans you don't want and receive a full credit for them.
How It Works:
- We scan and manually color/exposure correct all your photos
- You review them online and mark any you don't want to keep
- We deduct the full scanning charge for each deleted photo
- You can delete up to 20% of the photos in each media type
Save Money
This exclusive feature can save you up to 20% on your scanning charges while ensuring you only pay for the photos you want to keep.
Final Billing
Once you have reviewed and approved your images, we will send you a final bill for the remaining balance of your project. After payment, your digital files will be prepared for delivery according to your chosen media option.
Step 6: You Smile All Over Again
The final step is the most rewarding - receiving your digitized memories and enjoying them with friends and family for generations to come.
What Happens Next
After your project is complete and payment is processed, we'll prepare your digitized memories according to your chosen delivery method:
Your Digital Files
- Download: Access your files immediately through our secure online portal
- Flash Drive: Receive your files on a convenient USB drive
- Disc Set: Receive your files on DVD or data discs
Your Original Materials
We carefully repackage your original photos, slides, negatives, films, and tapes and return them to you along with your digital media (if applicable).
All materials are shipped using secure, trackable methods to ensure safe delivery.
Enjoy Your Memories
Now you can:
- Share your digitized memories with family and friends
- Create photo books, slideshows, and video compilations
- Easily make prints of your favorite photos
- Preserve your memories for future generations
- Enjoy peace of mind knowing your precious memories are safely digitized
Ready to Preserve Your Memories?
Start your digitization journey today and ensure your precious memories last for generations.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Real reviews from our satisfied customers
"The process was so simple and the results were amazing! My grandmother cried when she saw her wedding photos restored to their original beauty. Thank you DigMyPics!"
— Robert M., Boston, MA
"I loved being able to see my photos as they were being scanned. The Real Time Scanning feature made the whole process exciting and engaging for our entire family."
— Jennifer L., Seattle, WA
"The Don't Want Don't Pay feature saved me money and the quality of the scans was exceptional. I've already recommended DigMyPics to all my friends and family."
— David K., Chicago, IL