Whether you’ve actually watched old film reels firsthand or not, you probably at least know it comes (more like came) in several different formats– 65mm, 75mm, 35mm, 16mm, and of course, 8mm, just to name a few.
However, even if you know about all the formats, do you really know how to identify them? If your grandpa dropped a box of home movies in front of you, could you easily point out which format was which? Chances are, probably not, and that’s okay. In fact, that’s why we’re here — to help you figure out whether your film is 8mm or 16mm, since those are the two most popular film formats around. There are also two types of film formats we can help you digitize!
How to Identify 16mm Film
The easiest way to identify any film format would be to simply measure the width of the film, but let’s say you don’t have a ruler handy. How else can you identify which film format you’ve got between the two? Well, for starters, if you’ve got a box with both formats, then the fatter film is obviously going to be 16mm, since it’s literally twice the width of 8mm.
Invented in 1923, 16mm film was marketed as a cheaper alternative to 35mm film, particularly for amateur filmmakers. While it was appreciated as a more affordable alternative to 35mm, 16mm is often referred to as sub-standard film by the industry because of its lower image resolution, reduced detail, and more noticeable grain, especially when projected onto larger screens. However, that didn’t stop two critically acclaimed movies from being filmed on the “sub-standard” format, as both the cult classic, This Is Spinal Tap, and the six-time Academy Award-winning The Hurt Locker were filmed using 16mm film.
It’s easy to identify 16mm film because, unlike its 8mm counterpart, it may have sprockets on both sides of the film. If it does, then it’s 16mm and it’s a silent reel. However, 16mm film can have sound, which is best noted by the rust-colored magnetic strip running along the edge of the reel. Unlike standard 8mm film, this sound strip is on the opposite side of the holes.
6mm film was produced by a variety of manufacturers back in the day, including Kodak, Agfa, Fuji, and several others. The format is still used today by some professional filmmakers for its raw and authentic appeal.
How to Identify 8mm Film
If you have a collection of film reels at home, or your grandparents do, chances are extremely high that the film is standard 8mm or Super 8mm, the latter iteration of standard 8mm film.
The CineKodak Eight was a camera released in 1932 by Eastman Kodak, and it was the first camera to use regular (standard) 8mm film. The best way to identify 8mm film is to take note that it only has sprocket holes on one side of the strip.
As for identifying Super 8mm film, the sprocket holes were made even narrower, which allowed the frame size of the film to be larger, increasing image quality and sharpness. If your 8mm film has sound, you’ll be able to tell by the brown magnetic stripe that runs the length of the film strip on one or both sides. And if that still doesn’t determine it for you, then check out the reels themselves. Super 8mm reels will have a significantly larger center hole in the reel than standard 8mm reels.
8mm vs. 16mm Film Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
8mm Film (Standard & Super 8) |
16mm Film |
|
Film Width |
8 millimeters |
16 millimeters |
|
Sprocket Holes |
Standard 8mm: Larger holes on one side only. Super 8mm: Smaller holes on one side only |
Silent: Holes on both sides. Sound: Holes on one side with a rust-colored magnetic strip on the opposite edge |
|
Sound Capability |
Magnetic stripe (brown/yellow) on one or both sides indicates sound |
Magnetic stripe (rust-colored) on the side opposite the sprocket holes indicates sound |
|
Frame Size |
Super 8mm has a larger frame area than Standard 8mm due to smaller sprocket holes, resulting in improved image quality |
Larger frame size compared to 8mm, offering better image clarity |
|
Reel Identification |
Super 8mm reels have a larger center hole compared to Standard 8mm reels |
Typically larger reels; size varies depending on the length of the film |
|
Usage History |
Introduced in 1932 (Standard 8mm) and 1965 (Super 8mm) by Kodak. Popular for home movies and amateur filmmaking |
Introduced in 1923 as a cost-effective alternative to 35mm. Used in educational, industrial, and professional filmmaking |
|
Notable Films |
Commonly used for home videos; not typically used for major motion pictures |
Used in films like This Is Spinal Tap and The Hurt Locker |
|
Current Use |
Still used by enthusiasts for its nostalgic aesthetic. Super 8mm film is still available for purchase |
Continues to be used by some professional filmmakers for its distinctive look and texture |
Digitize Your Film Today
Whether you’ve got 16mm or a version of 8mm film, the important thing to know is that your reels won’t last forever. Even with careful storage, film can start to decay over time — colors fade, images warp, and the material itself can become brittle or even break apart.
That’s why we’re here to help. Our trusted and professional digitizing service safely preserves your memories before time takes its toll, giving them a new life in a modern, digital format. It’s the only way to ensure that your memories stay with you for generations to come!
