Even if you’re not a filmophile, you’ve probably heard about 8mm film. You might even have heard about Super 8 film. If those two terms leave you scratching your head, we’re here to teach you the difference.
8MM vs. SUPER 8 Comparison
What is 8mm Film?
8mm (or Standard 8mm film or Regular 8) is a type of film that’s used in film cameras. It gets its name from its width--8 millimeters. The 8mm film format has existed since the 1930s, and it’s been one of the most popular sizes of film ever since. Made popular during the Great Depression, it was more affordable than its predecessor, 16mm film.
What is Super 8mm Film?
Super 8 film is similar to 8mm, but it’s also different in a few ways. Super 8 is 8 millimeters wide, and it’s also a type of video film. That’s where the similarities end.
SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
One major difference between Super8 and 8mm film is the way that it’s packaged. With 8mm film, the cameraman (or woman) has to spool the film and roll it up manually. It involves a bit of work to make sure that it’s taut and feeding into the camera properly. It’s much more precise to use, and it requires more knowledge and experience to perfect. This is what led Eastman Kodak to develop an easier alternative for movie-making.
Super 8 film comes in a convenient cartridge that pops right into compatible cameras. It’s much faster to load, and it’s less of a hassle to get developed and transported. It’s also easier to play back on a projector, since you don’t have to worry about winding or loading. Overall, you can think of Super 8 as an everyday man’s type of film, whereas 8mm is more for the aficionado or professional.
HOW TO USE YOUR EYES TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Besides usability differences, Super 8 and 8mm have differences in the way that the film itself looks and works.
What Does 8mm Look Like?
8mm film has larger sprocket holes--the square holes that help feed the film through projectors and cameras--and they’re placed closer to the edges of each frame.
What Does Super 8 Look Like?
The Super 8 film has smaller sprocket holes. These perforations are pretty much smack dab in the middle of each frame. Here’s a handy photo that shows you what we’re talking about:
That’s about it! Both 8mm and Super 8 film are eight millimeters wide, and they’re both used to make videos. Each one has its pros and cons, and each made making home movies easier than it had been before.
Still have 8mm or Super 8 film?
8mm reels and Super 8 film lack quality. VHS tapes gained popularity in the 1980s thanks to the improved picture quality. Digital video increased frames per second (fps) even more to become the widely used format for home filmmakers and professional motion pictures.
It can be hard to find an 8mm projector for your old home movie films, so a better alternative is film transfer. This is the process of digitizing them. The new digital format of the 8mm or Super 8 video makes storage and playback much easier.
That’s about it! Both 8mm and Super 8 film are eight millimeters wide, and they’re both used to make videos. Each one has its pros and cons, and each made making home videos easier than it had been before. Next time Alex Trebek tries to hit you with the ole, “This type of film was invented in the 1970s as an alternative to its similarly sized 8mm counterpart,” you can respond with a confident, “What is Super 8, Alex?” Take the money and run.
