Always interested in keeping a dialogue going. For your future single frame
animation capabilities, you will need a frame buffer to display Hi Res, true
color images (i.e. a Targa or Matrox), a single frame animation controller (HW
versions include: Diaquest, BCD, Lyon Lamb..SW versions also exist like
SoftVTR), and last you will need a video deck for recording single frame images
( or a recordable laser disk or the like). Of course for the ultimate in
recording you could set yourself up with a film recorder and cine back to go
out to 16mm or 35mm film instead of video. Now your playing with the big
boys…
Your idea of starting out with a cheap scan converter is a good one. Please
make sure you have a good relationship with whoever sells you the hardware,
though, there are some very good boards out there, and also some very bad ones.
It's worth spending more to insure yourself of a good piece of equipment and a
knowledgable dealer.