Axion Scanner is currently in the trial production stage. All content on this page reflects the current state of development and may not represent the final product quality. Our technology, design, features, and software are actively evolving, and materials may be updated as improvements are made. Pre-orders will open once production begins. Subscribe for the latest updates.
Axion Scanner
The most affordable
professional 8 to 16mm
film scanner on the market
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4K resolution with 12-bit High Dynamic Range
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Scanning speeds up to 60 fps
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Full-color RGB light source with analog dimming color correction
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Reel-driven sprocketless film transport with film cleaning
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Warped film gate option
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Edge to edge scan and optical soundtrack extraction
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Advanced magnetic soundtrack recording with SMDS™
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Wet module option for scratch control
Claim your free scan test
Engineered for Excellence
Priced for Accessibility
At CUImaging, we are committed to offering the best possible product at a fair and reasonable price, ensuring that the art of film-based cinematography remains alive and accessible, rather than being limited by high costs. The Axion Scanner offers all the features and capabilities you’d expect from a professional-grade film scanner, built with uncompromising engineering principles and meticulous attention to detail.
Advanced Film Transport System
We dedicated extensive engineering effort to developing the film transport system of the Axion Scanner. The result is a highly flexible, reel-driven, sprocketless design that uses continuous motion to maintain consistent film tension and ensure gentle film handling.
With software-adjustable speed, acceleration, and film tension, the Axion Scanner provides exceptional adaptability, especially for challenging or delicate films.
We dedicated extensive engineering effort to developing the film transport system of the Axion Scanner. The result is a highly flexible, reel-driven, sprocketless design that uses continuous motion to maintain consistent film tension and ensure gentle film handling. With software-adjustable speed, acceleration, and film tension, the Axion Scanner provides exceptional adaptability, especially for challenging or delicate films.
Our non-laser, scatter-light optical pin registration system offers mechanically configurable film orientation and software-selectable perforation edges, enabling reliable scanning in either winding direction—even with damaged or irregular perfs.
The modular film gate design allows for quick changes between film gauges and supports optional gate clamps for warped films.
Our scatter-light optical pin registration system features software-selectable detection edges, making it easier to scan films with damaged or irregular perforations. The modular film gate design allows for quick changes between film gauges and supports optional gate clamps for warped films.
Scan directly from reels with the Axion Scanner without the need to transfer the film onto a platter beforehand. Our frame processing software supports scanning in both forward and reverse directions. For films mounted on cores, optional platters are also available, along with custom-designed platter covers to prevent film from unraveling during operation.
Scan directly from reels with the Axion Scanner without the need to transfer the film onto a platter beforehand. Our frame processing software supports scanning in both forward and reverse directions. For films mounted on cores, optional platters are also available, along with custom-designed platter covers to prevent film from unraveling during operation.
For a better scanning result, the Axion Scanner includes replaceable silicone cleaning rollers that clean both sides of the film before it enters the film gate. An optional fluid pump module automates the application of cleaning or scanning agents using two independent peristaltic pumps. This system precisely delivers fluids to reduce dust and control emulsion scratches. A built-in drying fan can be used to dry the film before winding, preventing damage and preserving film integrity.
For a better scanning result, the Axion Scanner includes replaceable silicone cleaning rollers that clean both sides of the film before it enters the film gate. An optional fluid pump module automates the application of cleaning or scanning agents using two independent peristaltic pumps. This system precisely delivers fluids to reduce dust and control emulsion scratches. A built-in drying fan can be used to dry the film before winding, preventing damage and preserving film integrity.
Advanced Light Source
The Axion Scanner features an advanced, high-intensity RGB LED light source that delivers sharp, high-quality images from scanned film. The illumination system is designed to work with the film gates, and an ultra-sensitive camera module with high-quality optics, enabling scanning at speeds faster than real-time playback. The light source operates in extremely short pulses, minimizing heat exposure and reducing the risk of color fading.
The RGB LED grid array can be controlled using a built-in software color grading tool, making it easy to correct dye fading before the image is captured. Because this correction happens optically, it helps preserve more dynamic range for any additional adjustments for post-processing. Each color channel can be fine-tuned with up to 12-bit resolution true analog dimming for precise color control.
Soundtrack Reading
For a better scanning result, the Axion Scanner includes replaceable silicone cleaning rollers that clean both sides of the film before it enters the film gate. An optional fluid pump module automates the application of cleaning or scanning agents using two independent peristaltic pumps. This system precisely delivers fluids to reduce dust and control emulsion scratches. A built-in drying fan can be used to dry the film before winding, preventing damage and preserving film integrity.
Optical Soundtracks
We developed a next-generation optical sound extraction solution that works directly with edge-to-edge scanned frames, removing the need for a separate soundtrack scan. This solution is fully integrated into our frame processing software and allows for automatic audio extraction, stitching, and video synchronization. The result is a seamless and effortless audio-video generation process.
For a better scanning result, the Axion Scanner includes replaceable silicone cleaning rollers that clean both sides of the film before it enters the film gate. An optional fluid pump module automates the application of cleaning or scanning agents using two independent peristaltic pumps. This system precisely delivers fluids to reduce dust and control emulsion scratches. A built-in drying fan can be used to dry the film before winding, preventing damage and preserving film integrity.
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Supports both variable-density and variable-area soundtracks.
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Advanced stitching and background noise rejection algorithms.
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Delivers 16-bit / 48 kHz audio output when using a 4K scanner with Super 16mm film.
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Open-source and actively maintained optical sound extraction solution, continuously improved by the community.
We developed interchangeable magnetic audio modules to support both 8mm and 16mm film gauges. Through advanced analog signal processing, these modules deliver impressively low noise levels while maintaining excellent frequency response.
We designed the Axion Scanner to offer great audio quality without the high cost and complexity of capstan-based systems. That’s why we developed SMDS™—our patent-pending Speed-Matched Dynamic Sampling technology. It dynamically samples the audio signal to match the exact speed of the film, reducing wow and flutter for accurate playback. Paired with a special low-flutter drive mode, the Axion Scanner delivers clean, reliable audio every time.
Magnetic Soundtracks
We developed interchangeable magnetic audio modules to support both 8mm and 16mm film gauges. Through advanced analog signal processing, these modules deliver impressively low noise levels while maintaining excellent frequency response.
We designed the Axion Scanner to offer great audio quality without the high cost and complexity of capstan-based systems. That’s why we developed SMDS™—our patent-pending Speed-Matched Dynamic Sampling technology. It dynamically samples the audio signal to match the exact speed of the film, reducing wow and flutter for accurate playback. Paired with a special low-flutter drive mode, the Axion Scanner delivers clean, reliable audio every time.
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-55 dB unfiltered (20 Hz – 20 kHz) noise floor
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-75 dB filtered (20 Hz – 10 kHz) noise floor
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32-bit high fidelity give you more room on EQ and other post processing.
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Up 96 kHz output sample rate.
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SMDS™ enables lossless audio resampling and precise post-scan speed adjustment.
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Up to -55 dB unfiltered noise floor on Super 8
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Up to -60 dB unfiltered noise floor on 16mm
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Up to -75 dB filtered (10 kHz) noise floor
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Up to 32-bit high fidelity give you more room on EQ and other post processing.
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Up to 96 kHz output sample rate.
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SMDS™ enables lossless audio resampling and precise post-scan speed adjustment.
Full-Featured Scanning Software
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The AXION Scanning Software puts complete control at your fingertips. Designed for both everyday users and advanced professionals, it offers an intuitive yet powerful interface to manage every aspect of your film scanning process.
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You have full control over image sensor settings, including cropping, flipping, exposure, gain, gamma, saturation, and precise white balance adjustments. The software also gives you full control over the RGB light source, allowing real-time, pre-capture color correction.
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Easily switch between different scanning modes and speeds, and take control of key modules such as the wet gate pump and the magnetic audio system. The software also lets you play, wind, and position film with multiple speed options.
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AXION software tracks frame counts, elapsed time, and footage length, and allows you to define project folders with customizable starting frame numbers to fit your archival or restoration workflow. You can also set start and stop frames for automated scanning sessions. The file system is designed for reliability and high-volume performance, supporting nested project structures and seamless integration with external editing tools.
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Advanced color grading tools—including color wheels and curves—help you dial in the perfect look. A separate camera viewer window enables full-resolution monitoring on a second display. Additional utilities include a focus assistant, tension calibration tool, PIN registration alignment, and more.
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The AXION software also supports saving frames in CRA, our raw format designed for high-speed, lossless image storage. CRA files retain full image quality while using only one-third of the storage space compared to traditional uncompressed lossless formats—making them ideal for high-frame-rate scanning.
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We provide an free, open-source image viewer and processing tool that supports CRA files. This tool allows users to view, process, and convert CRA images into a wide range of standard formats, or directly export them as frame stabilized video files.
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On the audio side, the software offers automatic magnetic audio synchronization, SMDS™ (Speed-Matched Dynamic Sampling) correction, audio filters, and raw audio format saving. Whether you’re scanning at playback speed, or at slower or faster-than-real-time speeds, your audio stays precisely matched to each frame—no additional syncing or adjustment required. Helpful built-in resources such as tutorials, scanning tips, and setup guides are available directly within the app.
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For power users, the software supports extensive customization: you can modify scanner behavior, create or import custom scanning profiles, adjust motor speed curves, define file naming templates, and automate project-specific workflows—delivering a fully tailored, professional-grade experience.
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The AXION Scanning Software is more than just a controller—it’s the heart of your film scanning ecosystem, enabling you to achieve the highest quality results with speed, flexibility, and confidence.
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We designed the software to be accessible—most PCs with mid-range specs and a USB 3.1 (10 Gbps) port are fully capable of handling frame capture. You don’t need a workstation to get started. Our frame processing software is just as efficient, but better hardware can speed things up, depending on resolution, format, and other factors.
Lifetime Support
At CUImaging, we stand behind our products with lifetime support, no matter where you are or how long you’ve owned your equipment.
You can choose in-house service with the option of a loaner unit, or perform the repair yourself with our full support. U.S. customers can receive most replacement components as quickly as the next business day. Our service inventory is maintained indefinitely.
For software support, we strive to respond to all requests within 24 hours, with help available by email, phone, remote access, or in person if needed.
Technical Specifications
Scanner Features & Specifications:
Film Stocks
Print, Negative, Interpositive, Internegative
Mono and Color
Film Gauges
16mm, Super 16mm
8mm, Super 8mm
9.5mm
Capacity
16 inch reel or 2000 ft
Native Resolution
4200 x 2160
Exposure Time
11 - 500 microseconds
Pixel Format
BayerGR8, BayerGR12
Effective Resolutions
approx. 3130 x 1853- Super 16
approx. 2565 x 1873 - Standard 16
approx. 1448 x 1002 - Super 8
approx. 1125 x 825 - Standard 8
approx. 2125 x 1625 - 9.5mm
Imagery Optics
Adjustable Focus
Adjustable Aperture F/2.8-32
Film transport system
Continuous motion sprocketless reel-to-reel drive
Interchangable film gates with or without clamp for warped film
Non-laser fiber scatter optical pin registration
Software-controlled adjustable film tension
Run speed: 1 - 60 fps
Wind speed: Up to 150 fps
Acceleration: Up to 30 fps/s
Film Shrinkage Tolerance: Up to 10%
Light source
Low-heat Full-color RGB LEDs
12-bit analog dimming each channel
Dirt and Scratch Reduction
Cleaning rollers. Wet Module.
Optical Soundtrack
Reading Method: extraction from scanned image
Effective Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 12 kHz
Magnetic Soundtrack
Reading Method: tape head
Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Unfiltered Noise Floor: up to -55 dB (Super 8)
Unfiltered Noise Floor: up to -55 dB (16mm)
10 kHz Filtered Noise Floor: up to -75 dB
Image output file formats
CRA (CUImaging RAW Imagery format)
JPEG
JPEG 2000
BMP
TIFF
PNG
Megantic Audio output file formats
CRA (CUImaging RAW SMDS™ Audio format)
WAV
Video output file formats (using our frame processing software)
H.264 (libx264): 8-bit; YUV 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4
H.265 / HEVC (libx265): 8-bit, 12-bit; YUV 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4
FFV1: 8-bit, 12-bit; YUV 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4, RGB
AV1 (libaom-av1, SVT-AV1): 8-bit, 12-bit; YUV 4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4
Data Rates:
Imagery Scanning Data Rate
730 GB per hour footage (BayerGR8) with no cropping (16mm edge-to-edge) using lossless raw CRA format
approx. 200 GB per hour footage (BayerGR8) with no cropping (16mm edge-to-edge) using JPEG format with "Maximum" quality setting
approx. 80 GB per hour footage (BayerGR8) with no cropping (16mm edge-to-edge) using JPEG format with "Medium" quality setting
Magnetic Audio Scanning Data Rate
5 GB per hour using lossless raw CRB format
330 MB per hour using WAV format @ 16-bit, 48kHz
Maximum Combined Data Rate
5.5 Gbps (687.5 MB/s)
PC Requirements:
Operating System
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
Processor
Minimum: Intel Core i5 (10th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 for frame capture and standard processing
Recommended: Intel Core i7 / i9 (12th Gen+) or AMD Ryzen 7 / 9 for faster frame processing
Production Workflow: Intel Xeon Scalable (2nd Gen or newer) or AMD EPYC/Threadripper (Zen 3 or newer) for production frame processing
Memory
Minimum: 8 GB DDR4 for frame capture and standard processing
Recommended: 16 GB DDR4 for faster frame processing
Production Workflow: 32 GB DDR4 for production frame processing
Graphics
Minimum: Integrated Intel UHD or AMD Vega
Storage
Minimum: 250GB SATA SSD or NVMe SSD for OS and application
Minimum: Additional SATA SSD storage, 400MB/s sequential read and write for frame capture
Minimum: SATA HDD storage, 100MB/s sequential read and write for standard frame processing
Recommended: NVMe SSD for faster frame capture and data transfer
Recommended: SATA SSD for for faster frame processing and data transfer
Display
Full HD (1920x1080)
Computer Interface
USB 3.1 and up (10 Gbps) and above (USB-C) for frame capture
Main Accessories:
Axion Scanner 16mm Film Gate
Axion Scanner 8mm Film Gate
Axion Scanner 9.5mm Film Gate
Axion Scanner 9.5mm Film Transport Kit
Axion Scanner Wet Module Kit
Axion Scanner 16mm Magnetic Audio Module
Axion Scanner 8mm Magnetic Audio Module
Power Requirements:
Voltage Range: 100 - 240V AC
Power: 120W Max
Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F)
Relative Humidity: Maximum 65% non-condensing
Physical Specifications:
Physical Dimensions (without reels or platters)
70.9 cm W x 52.3 cm H x 20.6 cm D (27.9" W x 20.6" H x 8.1" D)
Weight
28 kg (62 lbs)
Warranty:
1 Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
Lift-time Support