When it comes to preserving your precious memories by converting them into a digital format, it’s important to explore the available options and services. In the realm of digitization, two notable names that stand out are iMemories and Capture. Both companies are committed to delivering high-quality results, affordable prices, and ensuring customer satisfaction. To help you make an informed decision, we have conducted a comprehensive comparison between these two services, considering their respective advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into the details and find out which one might be your ideal choice for preserving your cherished memories.
Final Verdict
After an extensive review and comparison of these two services, iMemories and Capture, it is clear that both are dedicated to preserving your memories in the best way possible. However, each service has its strengths and weaknesses.
iMemories shines with its user-friendly website, meticulous handling of memories by a large team of professionals, impressive track record, and comprehensive storage options.
iMemories
Additionally, their commitment to keeping customers informed at every stage of the process and their exceptional customer reviews are indicative of a trusted service provider. Capture, on the other hand, offers a unique Time Capsule box kit and a wider range of accepted film formats.
Furthermore, Capture’s longstanding presence in the industry and the availability of its services through major retail outlets add to its reliability.
In terms of pricing, both services are reasonably priced and competitive, given the quality of service provided. However, it’s worth noting that Capture’s pricing model is slightly more straightforward and easy to understand.
Ultimately, the choice between iMemories and Capture will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a user-friendly experience, comprehensive storage options, and the assurance of great customer reviews, iMemories could be the better choice for you.
In conclusion, both iMemories and Capture are reputable services committed to preserving your memories. Make an informed decision based on the aforementioned comparison and your specific needs, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Side-By-Side Comparison of iMemories vs Capture Service vs Time Capsule
Service | Editors Choice iMemories  | Capture  | Time Capsule by Capture  |
Website Link | |||
Shipping kit (box) | Yes | No | Yes |
Free repairs (splicing) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Average turnaround time | 2-3 weeks | 30 days | 30 days |
Expedited turnaround time | n/a | n/a | n/a |
ONLINE REVIEWS | |||
 | 4.5 | n/a | n/a |
 | 4.7 | n/a | n/a |
 | 4.0 | n/a | n/a |
 | 4.4 | n/a | n/a |
WHAT FORMATS THEY CONVERT | |||
Video tapes | VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, Hi8, Video8, Digital8 | VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C and S-VHS-C, Betamax, Video-8, Hi-8, Digital-8, Mini-DV, DVCAM, DV, DVC | VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C and S-VHS-C, Betamax, Video-8, Hi-8, Digital-8, Mini-DV, DVCAM, DV, DVC |
Film | 8mm, 16mm, Super 8 (with and without sound) | 8mm, Super 8, 16mm | 8 mm, Super 8 mm, 16 mm |
Photos | Photos, Negatives, Slides | Photos: | Photos: Slides: Negatives: |
Digital media | DVDs, MiniDVDs | Secure Digital (SD), Smart Media (SM), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Compact Flash (CF), xD-Picture Card, USB Drive, CD/DVD | Secure Digital (SD), Smart Media (SM), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Compact Flash (CF), xD-Picture Card, USB Drive, CD/DVD |
PRICING | |||
Video Conversion Price | $29.99 per tape ($14.99 with discount) | $29.99 for the first two hours of each tape ($29.99 for each additional 2 hours) | 2 Items $58.97 |
Film Conversion Price | $29.99 per 50ft. ($14.99 with discount) | $29.99 for the first 100 feet of each film reel ($0.25 for each additional foot) | 2 Items $58.97 |
Photo Conversion Price | $0.99 per item ($0.49 with discount) | $29.99 for the first 50 prints, slides, or negatives ($0.50 for each additional image) | 2 Items $58.97 |
Digital media | $29.99 per item ($14.99 with discount) | $29.99 per item for up to 90 minutes of content, and an additional $29.99 for each extra 90 minutes of content. | 2 Items $58.97 |
iMemories
With a remarkable 17 years of experience in the field of digitization, iMemories has established itself as a leading online-based service. The company boasts an impressive track record, having earned the trust of over 1 million families, making it a popular choice among customers. Notably, iMemories takes pride in its claim of never having lost a single memory, which provides reassurance to those who may have concerns about sending their valuable media for conversion.
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, iMemories operates its own dedicated facility staffed by a team of 200 professional experts. This ensures that all media conversions are performed under their meticulous supervision. The range of media formats supported by iMemories is extensive, including videotapes, old movies, photos, slides, and more. Rest assured; we will delve into the specifics later in our comparison.
Capture
Another prominent player in the realm of converting old media is Capture, formerly known as YesVideo. While the name might not be as familiar as iMemories, you’ll likely come across their services in major retailers such as Walmart, Costco (although they recently ceased offering this service), Sam’s Club, CVS Pharmacy, and more. Capture has been in operation since 1999, boasting a longstanding presence in the industry.
Capture, much like iMemories, offers a comprehensive range of media conversion services. They cater to various media formats, including photos, slides, negatives, videotapes, and old films. Their expertise covers all the fundamental aspects of media digitization.
Media They Accept and Convert
Let’s take a closer look at the media types and formats accepted by both iMemories and Capture for conversion.
| Service | Videotapes | Films | Photos | Slides | Negatives | Digital Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMemories | VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm tape, Hi8, Video8, Digital8, MiniDV, MicroMini | 8mm, Super 8, 16mm | Photo prints, slides, negatives | N/A | N/A | DVDs & MiniDVDs |
| Capture | VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C and S-VHS-C, Betamax, Video-8, Hi-8, Digital-8, Mini-DV, DVCAM, DV, DVC | 8mm, Super8, 16mm | 2” x 2” up to 8” x 12″ (except sheets) | 35mm, Super 35 mm, 110/220, 126, 127, and 127 Superslide photo slides (cardboard or plastic mounts only) | 35mm, APS film, 110 film, 110/220 film, 126 Instamatic film, and large negatives | Memory cards, CDs, DVDs |
Both iMemories and Capture cover a wide range of media formats, including various videotape types, films, photos, slides, negatives, and digital media. It’s important to note that iMemories accepts MicroMini videotapes, while Capture accepts a wider range of film formats, including S-VHS and DVCAM. Additionally, Capture supports a broader spectrum of slide and negative types.
What Media Won’t Be Accepted and Converter
There are certain types of media that iMemories and Capture will not accept for conversion. These include:
- Media containing copyrighted material: Both services will not accept media that contains copyrighted material, such as commercial movies, TV shows, or copyrighted music. They adhere to copyright laws and cannot transfer or digitize such content.
- Media containing illegal or obscene material: iMemories and Capture have policies in place to ensure they do not accept media that contains illegal or obscene material. This includes content that is unlawful, offensive, explicit or violates their terms of service.
In the case of iMemories, there is an exception for home movies that may contain TV or movie footage. They will remove any copyrighted footage and provide you with the remaining home movie footage.
It’s essential to abide by the terms and policies set by both services to ensure the content being submitted for conversion aligns with their guidelines and legal requirements.
How Does iMemories and Capture Work
iMemories primarily operates as an online-based service, providing customers with a user-friendly website optimized for an exceptional user experience. Their website offers a seamless ordering process and intuitive navigation, ensuring that customers can easily place their orders and access the necessary information. iMemories has focused on creating a website that simplifies the customer experience, making it convenient for users to understand the service and place their orders hassle-free.
Capture, on the other hand, offers its service both through its website and major retail centers such as Walmart. However, it’s worth mentioning that during our assessment, we found it slightly challenging to navigate and understand the ordering process on Capture’s website. There appeared to be a lack of clear guidance and comprehensive information, which may cause confusion and frustration for potential customers. This aspect of the user experience could be improved to provide more clarity and ease of use.
Overall, iMemories excels in terms of user experience, providing a well-optimized website that guides customers effortlessly through the ordering process. On the other hand, Capture’s website could benefit from enhanced guidance and clearer information to ensure a smoother user experience.
Placing the Order
iMemories
To initiate the order process with iMemories, follow these steps:
- Visit the official iMemories website and select the media type(s) you wish to transfer.
- Choose whether you prefer to ship your media in your own box or opt for the iMemories SafeShip kit.
- Fill out the order form with the necessary details and proceed to checkout to complete your order.
We highly recommend selecting the iMemories SafeShip kit, which offers a sturdy, crush-proof box designed to protect your media during shipping. The kit includes user guidance, protective bags, shipping cushions, and pre-paid shipping labels. By using this kit, your media will be physically protected and can be tracked to avoid any potential loss.
- If you opt for the SafeShip kit, you will receive it at your doorstep.
- Once you receive the kit, carefully pack your media using the provided protective materials.
- Attach the pre-paid shipping label to the outside of the box.
- Drop off your sealed kit at the nearest FedEx location.
- Upon receiving your media, both services will conduct an inspection and provide you with a free, no-obligation form. Once you accept the form, the transfer process can start.
When your memories arrive at the iMemories facility, you will be notified, and from that moment, you will receive all additional updates via email or by their order page where are process steps are displayed.
Capture
To place an order with Capture, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Capture website and select the media type(s) you wish to transfer.
- Fill out the order form with the required information and proceed to checkout.
- If necessary, sign in to your Capture Home Movie and Photo Transfer account.
- Provide your Shipping and Billing information, and click “Place My Order.”
- After placing your order, you will need to print the Shipping Documents provided.
- Pack your media according to the instructions provided in the Shipping Documents.
- Once your order is securely packed, drop off your shipment at the shipper of your choice. If you have chosen the option for a pre-paid UPS shipping label, you can visit your local UPS drop-off location to complete the shipment.
Capture did not provide explicit instructions on how to pack your media. We strongly advise using a crush-proof box and a postal carrier with tracking capabilities to ensure the safe delivery of your media. This precaution will help prevent any unfortunate incidents of media loss during transit.
Transfer Process
iMemories boasts a team of over 200 professional technicians who specialize in the digitization process. Each day, they handle the conversion of thousands of cherished memories. During the transfer process, iMemories not only convert your media into a digital format but also for specific media, employs enhancement techniques to restore the quality of your memories, making them look even better than before. If you have broken videotapes or films, iMemories offers professional repair services, ensuring that no footage is lost during the repair process. Additionally, it is important to highlight that all of these benefits are provided at no extra cost.
Furthermore, iMemories provides a user-friendly experience for managing your digitized media. Once your memories are converted, you can easily search, edit, and organize them using a simple drag-and-drop interface on their website. This feature enables seamless access and customization of your digitized content.
Capture offers a range of additional services during the transfer process. They provide minor repairs and enhancements to ensure the best possible quality for your converted media. This includes fixing broken cassettes, repairing ribbon damage, cleaning mold off videotapes and original audio, cleaning, splicing, enhancing colors, and reducing scratches for film conversions. Their expertise also extends to album scanning, with a first touchless approach that eliminates the risk of any harm to your precious memories.
By providing these repair and enhancement options, Capture ensures that your digitized media retains its optimal quality and visual appeal.
What You Get Back – Storage Options
After your memories have been digitized, the next step involves choosing the storage options for your digital files. Here are the differences between iMemories and Capture:
| Service | Storage Option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| iMemories | iMemories App/Cloud | $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year |
| Digital Download | Free | |
| Flash Drive | Starting at $39.99 per USB (8GB) | |
| DVD or Blu-ray | $19.99 per disc | |
| Portable Hard Drive | 500GB for $99, 1TB for $199.99 | |
| Capture | Flash Drive | $14.99 per drive |
| DVD | $6.99 per disc |
Furthermore, regardless of your storage option, Capture provides a 60-day MemoryCloud account with your order. This account allows you to view, download, and share your digitized memories directly from your account on any device. Additionally, Capture offers the option to enable auto-save to Google Photos for added convenience and backup.
Turnaround Time
Currently, iMemories turnaround time is 3-4 weeks for completing orders. This means that within this timeframe, you will have access to your digitized memories through their app, allowing you to easily share and enjoy them with your loved ones. It’s important to note that the actual turnaround time may vary depending on factors such as the size and type of media in your order. Additionally, when there is typically an influx of orders, there may be slight delays during the holiday season.
Capture has also made advancements in its speed and claims to complete orders in less than 30 days. This indicates that they aim to provide a fast and efficient service for their customers. Similar to iMemories, the actual turnaround time may vary based on the specifics of your order, including the volume and type of media being processed.
Overall, both iMemories and Capture offer relatively fast service compared to other providers in the industry. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the stated turnaround times are estimates and can be influenced by factors such as order size, media type, and peak holiday periods.
Will They Return Your Original Media Back
Rest assured, both iMemories and Capture will return your original media once the order is completed. However, there is an exception for Capture regarding old films. In the case of old films, Capture will splice them onto new 7-inch plastic reels, and your original reels will be returned empty. It’s important to note that additional shipping fees may apply when returning your original media.
Overall, both iMemories and Capture prioritize the return of your original media, ensuring that you have both the digitized versions and the physical originals in your possession.
iMemories vs. Capture Service Pricing
| Service | Videotape Pricing | Film Pricing | Photo, Slide, and Negative Pricing | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMemories | $29.99 per tape ($14.99 with discount) | $29.99 per 50ft. ($14.99 with discount) | $0.99 per item ($0.49 with discount) | iMemories App/Cloud: $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year Digital Download: Free Flash Drive: Starting at $39.99 per USB (8GB) DVD or Blu-ray: $19.99 per disc Portable Hard Drive: 500GB for $99, 1TB for $199.99 |
| Capture | $29.99 for the first two hours of each tape ($29.99 for each additional 2 hours) | $29.99 for the first 100 feet of each film reel ($0.25 for each additional foot) | $29.99 for the first 50 prints, slides, or negatives ($0.50 for each additional image) | Flash Drive: $14.99 per drive DVD: $6.99 per disc MemoryCloud: 60-day account included Auto-save to Google Photos: Available |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Examining customer reviews and ratings is an important step when considering any service. In our evaluation, we found that iMemories has gathered a larger number of customer reviews and generally positive ratings compared to Capture. It is worth noting that Capture was previously known as YesVideo, which may explain the difference in the number of reviews under each name.
Based on our findings, here are the ratings and number of reviews we discovered on different platforms:
iMemories:
- Trustpilot: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 298 reviews.
- Sitejabber: 4.7 out of 5 stars with 12,836 reviews.
- Yelp: 4.0 out of 5 stars with 61 reviews.
- Facebook: 4.4 out of 5 stars (exact number of reviews not specified).
Capture (formerly YesVideo):
- Yelp: 2 out of 5 stars with 155 verified reviews.
- Sitejabber: 5 out of 5 stars with 1 review.
- Trustpilot: 3.5 out of 5 stars with 0 displayed reviews (no reviews visible).
Based on customer reviews and ratings alone, iMemories appears to have a more favorable reputation among customers, with generally positive feedback across multiple platforms. However, it’s important to consider individual experiences and factors that may contribute to varying opinions.
Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.