Dig My Pics Review: Services, Process, and Costs
Get a balanced look at the Digmypics media conversion service. Our review provides the details needed to decide if their approach fits your preservation project.
Digmypics is a company that specializes in converting physical media, like photographs and videotapes, into digital formats. This service is for individuals who want to preserve their memories but may not have the time or equipment to do so themselves. The company, based in Arizona, has been in operation since 2002 and serves a global customer base to safeguard aging photos and films from natural deterioration.
What Services Does Digmypics Offer?
Digmypics provides a range of digitization services for various media formats. They can convert different types of videotapes into digital files to preserve home movies and other recordings. Common formats include:
- VHS and Super VHS
- VHS-C
- 8mm tape and Hi8
- MiniDV
The company also handles the conversion of older film formats like 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm film reels, which are often susceptible to damage. In addition, Digmypics offers comprehensive photo and audio scanning services. They can digitize standard photo prints up to 8×10 inches, various types of film negatives and slides, such as 35mm, 110, and 126 formats, and convert reel-to-reel and cassette tapes into MP3 files.
The Digmypics Process Explained
The process with Digmypics begins with the customer estimating the size of their project using the website’s calculator. After getting an estimate, the customer selects their preferred format for the returned digital files, with options including digital download, USB flash drive, or a disc set.
The customer is then responsible for packing and shipping their media to the Digmypics facility. The company provides guidelines on how to package materials securely to prevent damage during transit. Upon arrival at their Arizona facility, each order is logged into their system for tracking.
After receiving the media, technicians begin the digitization process, which involves cleaning and preparing the items. Customers can track the progress of their order online in real-time, viewing images and technician notes as they become available.
When the digitization is complete, customers are notified to review their project online. After the customer approves the order and makes the payment, Digmypics returns the original media along with the new digital copies in the chosen format.
Understanding Digmypics Pricing
The pricing model at Digmypics is based on a per-item cost, which varies depending on the type of media and the selected resolution. For example, scanning a standard 35mm slide has a different price than scanning a larger medium format slide, with higher resolution scans costing more. Photo prints are also priced individually, with options for different dots-per-inch (DPI) resolutions affecting the final cost per image.
Videotape and film conversion have their own pricing structures. Videotapes are priced per tape, with a standard price covering up to two hours of footage. Movie film, such as 8mm or 16mm, is priced per foot of film.
The company offers a feature called “Don’t Want Don’t Pay™,” which allows customers to delete up to 20% of their scanned photos from their order. Customers review their scanned images online and can remove unwanted pictures, thereby reducing their final cost before making a payment.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Customer feedback for Digmypics is generally positive, with many clients expressing satisfaction with the quality of the digitized media. Reviewers frequently praise the clarity of the final digital images, noting that the company successfully preserves the quality of the original photos and negatives. The communication throughout the process, including status updates and responsive customer service, is another commonly highlighted point of praise.
The company’s practice of returning original materials is a significant point of trust for many customers. Knowing that their irreplaceable memories will be sent back safely after the digitization process is a recurring theme in positive reviews.
While many reviews are favorable, some customers have noted areas for improvement. A few have mentioned that the turnaround times can be lengthy, sometimes taking several weeks to complete an order. Others have found the ordering system and downloader tool to be somewhat clunky or outdated.
Comparing Digmypics to Alternatives
When considering digitization services, it is useful to compare Digmypics with other companies in the market, such as Legacybox and ScanCafe. A primary difference lies in the pricing model. Digmypics utilizes a per-item pricing structure, where the cost is determined by the quantity and type of each individual photo, slide, or tape.
In contrast, Legacybox often uses a kit-based approach. With this model, customers purchase a box of a specific size that can hold a predetermined number of items, which can be a mix of different media types. This all-in-one box model can be simpler for customers who have a variety of media and prefer a single prepaid price.
ScanCafe also offers a per-item pricing model similar to Digmypics. However, ScanCafe may charge additional fees for the delivery of digital files on formats like USB drives or through digital download, which is something customers should factor in when comparing total costs.
The choice between these services often depends on the customer’s specific needs, the volume and type of media they have, and their preference for either a-la-carte or bundled pricing.