COMPARING AND CONTRASTING TWO TYPES OF VINTAGE VIDEO FILM

With similar purposes and names, it’s easy to get 8mm and Super 8mm film confused. But when comparing the two side by side, the similarities end pretty quickly. Besides vast differences in features, 8mm and Super 8 have differences in the way that the film itself looks. Each has its own pros and cons, and each had a hand in making the film industry what it is today.

So let’s delve into what makes their differences more than just “Super” and find out how to tell them apart with a glance!

WHAT IS 8MM FILM?

8mm, Standard 8mm, and Regular 8 all refer to the same type of film. Not-so-surprisingly, the name comes from the film measuring eight millimeters in width. This film was released by Eastman Kodak in 1932 as a more affordable option than its forerunner, 16mm film. It became popular during the 30s, 40s, and 50s thanks to its cost, the less cumbersome cameras that came with it, and its ability to capture longer memories.

WHAT IS SUPER 8MM FILM?

Super 8 film is also a type of video film that is 8 millimeters wide. It was introduced in 1965 and quickly became the film stock used by amateur filmmakers. Thanks to its features, Super 8mm film was the go-to during the 70s, 80s,... and even today. In 2017, Kodak announced that they would once again make Super 8 Ektachrome film. Meaning you can once again buy new Super 8 film for your old camera.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

• Film Frame Size: While the width of both types is the same, the Super 8 film frame is larger than the size of an 8mm film frame. A standard 8mm frame is 4.5mm compared to a Super 8 film frame that’s 5.79mm. So if you’re trying to figure out the difference between the two, just whip out a measuring tape!
• Perforations Shape and Location: Perhaps the quickest way to tell the difference is by looking at the shape and placement of the perforations (sprocket holes) in the reel of film. Super 8 perforations will be smaller and more square in shape whereas 8mm sprockets will be longer in shape, closer to rectangles than squares. You’ll also notice that the perforations of Super 8 film will be centered in the middle of each frame while the perforations of 8mm film are closer to the edges of each frame.
• Image Quality: Super 8 has the better film quality hands down. This is because its frame size is larger, which can accommodate more detail. Super 8mm is also much better at filming in low-light, has more vivid colors, and is recorded at a higher frames-per-second, giving it a smoother look.
• Sound Recording: While some types of 8mm film do record sound, the majority of them don’t. Super 8 film is much more likely to be capable of recording sound. As for sound quality, Super 8mm is superior here as well. For both film types, you can tell if it’s capable of recording sound if you see a brown strip down one edge.
• Projector Compatibility: Due to differences in frame size, frame rate, perforation shape, sound capabilities, etc., each film type requires its own dedicated projector. So a Super 8mm film projector is needed to view Super 8 film, while an 8mm projector is needed to play 8mm reels. There are dual projectors out there that can play both types, but there is no single projector that can handle both.
• Current Cost and Availability: As Super 8 film is once again available to buy new from Kodak, it tends to be cheaper and easier to find Super 8 film, projectors, and cameras. However, if you are wanting to get into vintage film and you’re needing a budget option, then black and white soundless 8mm film is the better way to go.

SUMMARY

Super 8 may win out in terms of features like image quality, sound capability, and modern availability…but both of these vintage film types helped people capture home videos and create amateur movies easier than ever before. If you still have film reels hidden up in your attic or down in your basement, you’re not alone! But now that you can figure out which film type it is, consider digging these old film reels out and investing in a film projector to relive those cherished memories from long ago today.

Thanks for reading! We hope you had fun traveling down memory lane with us. Have a great day!