Blackmagic Design's film scanner line offering affordable real-time scanning of 35mm and 16mm film – democratizing film scanning for independent productions and archives.
What is Blackmagic Cintel?
Blackmagic Cintel is a film scanner product line from Blackmagic Design. The scanners enable affordable, high-quality scanning of 35mm and 16mm film in real-time – a game-changer for independent productions and small archives.
Models
| Model | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cintel Scanner 2 | 35mm, Ultra HD, HDR |
| Cintel Scanner G3 | Latest model |
| Cintel Audio/KeyKode Reader | Optional accessory |
Technical Specifications (Cintel Scanner 2)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to Ultra HD (4K) |
| Bit Depth | 12-bit RGB |
| Formats | 35mm, Super 35, 16mm, Super 16 |
| Speed | Real-time (24/25/30 fps) |
| Dynamic Range | HDR capable |
| Color Correction | Integrated |
Supported Film Formats
| Format | Status |
|---|---|
| 35mm | Full |
| Super 35 | Full |
| 16mm | Full |
| Super 16 | Full |
| 8mm/Super 8 | With adapter |
| 65mm | Not supported |
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time Scanning | 24 fps without interruption |
| HDR Workflow | Wide Gamut, high Dynamic Range |
| Infrared Channel | For dust/scratch removal |
| DaVinci Integration | Direct integration |
| Film-friendly | Low pressure |
Software Integration
| Software | Function |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Full control |
| Blackmagic OS | Scanner operating system |
| Color Management | ACES, DCI-P3, Rec.709 |
Workflow
| Step | Activity |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean, inspect film |
| Setup | Select format, settings |
| Scanning | Real-time transfer |
| Review | Check in DaVinci |
| Processing | Dust/scratch removal |
| Grading | Color Correction |
| Export | Final deliverables |
Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Price | Significantly cheaper than high-end |
| Speed | Real-time instead of frame-by-frame |
| Integration | Seamless with DaVinci |
| Quality | Professional results |
| HDR | Modern workflows |
Limitations
| Aspect | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Max. 4K (vs. 6.5K+ on ARRISCAN) |
| Formats | No 65mm, 70mm |
| Fine-tuning | Fewer options than high-end |
| Handling | Limited for difficult material |
Comparison with Competition
| Scanner | Price Range | Max. Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Cintel | ~€30,000 | 4K |
| ARRISCAN | ~€250,000+ | 6.5K+ |
| Lasergraphics | ~€150,000+ | 5K+ |
| Scanity | ~€200,000+ | 6K |
Application Areas
| Area | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Independent Film | Ideal |
| Small Archives | Well suited |
| Education | Perfect |
| Home Movies | Suitable |
| Blockbuster Restoration | More high-end |
Costs (approx.)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cintel Scanner | €25,000–€35,000 |
| Audio Reader | ~€5,000 |
| Cleaning Station | Extra |
| DaVinci Resolve | Free/Studio |
Today
Blackmagic Cintel has democratized film scanning. What was once only possible for large labs and archives is now affordable for small productions, film schools, and archives. The integration with DaVinci Resolve creates a seamless workflow from scan to finished master.
More in the lexikon