They don't make 'em like they used to.
Developed by Kodak as the heir to standard 8mm film, Super 8 is second only to 35mm as the most-used film format of all time.
History
Kodak first introduced Super 8 film in 1965, and it enjoyed a long run as the most popular format for home movies. It held that distinction until VHS camcorders rose to popularity in the 1980s and '90s.
Film Size
Whereas standard 8mm film is actually 16mm wide and runs through a camera twice, Super 8 film is 8mm wide and runs through once. This, in addition to smaller sprocket holes, allows Super 8 to capture a larger image than standard 8.
Convenience
Super 8 film comes in a cartridge format for easy camera loading and unloading.
Cost
As of January 2010, it costs about $35 to buy a 50-foot roll of Super 8 film and get it developed.
Sound
Although there were several Super 8 cameras designed to capture sound as well as images, Super 8 sound film is no longer manufactured, rendering the technology obsolete. Most people today record the sound on a DAT (digital audo tape recorder), an MP3 recorder, or a microphone mounted on a boom pole.
Tags: Super film, wide runs through, runs through, standard film, wide runs