Way back at CES 2016, Kodak announced that it was returning to Super8 not only with film stock, but also with a new camera. Designed by Yves Behar, it would be available for $400-$750, then eventually cheaper. The company is finally back with footage from the new camera, and a final price: four times the originally announced cost, now $2500.

The original announcement brought with it a lot of excitement from many corners of the industry, including studio level directors and the masses of us who just love film and shoot it when we can. However, the jump from $750 to $2500 is a major one. 

A $400 camera would potentially be bought by a lot of people for occasional use—experimenting, travel, and pushing themselves. While $2500 isn't crazy, it's pricey enough that it really only makes sense for a tool you plan on using constantly, which, frankly, will get pretty expensive here once stock, processing and transfer/scanning are included. However, the camera has some key features, including a digital screen, an 11% wider gate than traditional film, and onboard audio, that may justify the price.

Super8 still has a lot of uses. Aside from it's "look," (which some say they can create digitally, while others say there is no matching), it's still got a beautiful archival quality. Even projects lost for decades can survive and get fired up in a projector and returned to their owner, which is of course hard with VHS-C or even sometimes Mini-DV tapes from more recent years. We're sincerely excited for the return of Super8mm, but $2500 feels awfully high, especially when you can still get the amazing Canon 814 for around $200.

For more check out the Kodak site.

Tech Specs

  • Film Gauge: Super 8 (Extended Max-8 Gauge)
  • Film Load: Kodak Cartridges with 50ft (15m)
  • Variable Speed (9, 12, 18, 24, 25 fps) all with Crystal Sync
  • Mount: C-Mount
  • Fixed Ricoh 6mm 1.2, Optional 8-48mm Zoom Lens
  • Manual Focus and Iris
  • Viewfinder: 3.5" Display with Standard Definition Input & Swivels +/- 45 Degrees
  • Exposure Control: Built-in Light Meter for Supported Speeds of All Kodak Film Types, Manual Speed/Iris Settings
  • Integrated Battery and Charger via Standard USB Wall Adapter
  • Integrated Microphone
  • Control Panel: Via 3.5" TFT LCD
kodaksuper8
Cinematography & Cameras