Is this camera the gateway to cinematic movies? | Kodak Super 8 Camera
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- The highly anticipated Kodak Super 8 camera is finally here. Is this camera the gateway to filmmakers shooting on actual film?
After 25 years as a filmmaker and colorist, the release of Kodak’s new Super 8mm camera became the perfect opportunity to shoot film for the first time in my life!!!
And on a modern iteration of a motion picture film camera.
In this video you get to actually see the film look firsthand, learn how to shoot film, understand its pros and cons, and test all the modern features that this little camera brings to the old 8mm format.
But like many things you try for the first time.. everything didn’t turn out as I expected 👎🏼
Join me in my dream of chasing the elusive film look. See digital compared to film by shooting test charts and a sneak peek of Cinema Grade 2.
Credits and links:
Kodak Super 8 Camera
www.kodak.com/...
Pocket Light Meter
apps.apple.com...
Film processing and scanning
www.cinelab.com/
Denver Riddle
CGC Founder & Colorist
www.cinemagrad...
Instagram: / colorgrading
Let me just state up front that I don’t want the cost of this camera to distract from my experience on shooting film for the first time. Exploring that topic in-depth was not the purpose of this video. I think that there are good arguments both for and against the price. I would suggest doing your homework on crystal sync (accurate sound synchronization) a feature you won’t find on other Super 8 cameras. Whether that feature still justifies the price is not for me to say, I couldn’t readily find any comparables with the same set of features. I was however, very happy with the familiarity and modern approach to shooting on film which made it a great entry for me. Thank you for sharing your feedback and opinions, they do help the algorithm 😉 but please know the purpose and focus of this video was not its pricing, but the gateway for me into shooting on film and a tease of our future software development.
you should do your own research. this cam was marketed for consumers. set at a few hundred dollars. now they sell it for thouthands. No sound sync on super 8 cams? Weird, the ones that are nex to me have this feature and can even record sound. SO yes the price points is why no one should buy this cam. its just a cash crab for kodak because arschkriecher like you buy this shit.
big bummer to have the same film quality on a 5499$ cam compared to my 60€ cam
How did you even get your hand on this camer? The answer to that would reveal a lot about why you actually made this video. My guess is it’s not your “love of the film look”
@@jaredking232 its released by now. i also commented some critique and questions and my comment got deleted.
@@bullshitter905 can you link to those cameras? Didn't know magnetic sound was still offered as a feature on new Kodak film. I think price anchoring at the consumer level might have been a mistake with everything this camera has.
@@jaredking232 did you send me an email? The thread of our exchange seemed to have disappeared.
My job in feature films (shot on films) for many years was to focus pull, clean and check the gate. It’s one of the most important job in the camera department. That’s why a director on a film set when he his satisfied with a take and ready to move on always says: check the gate. 😉
🤦🏼♂️ thank you for sharing your experience and helping me understand the reference 😊
True, I was a Assistant Camera Operator for Years. The german word is: „Fussel-Check“ After every take … I loved working on film … long ago, now only digital. 😢
Sometimes you'll hear, let's do it again. Hair in the gate.
I recently learned a photography trick.
To a few pictures of a grey background with a film stock. And blend that in to the picture with photoshop to get the grain.
I know you can’t just use one picture for a film. Cause the grain then doesn’t move like in the movies.
But I think that would be a neat trick.
I've got a Braun 8mm which works. I didn't know they still made super 8 film. I might get some.
So they sold 1! nice! The build quality looks similar to a cheap chinese knock-off toy. The screen is from 2003 and the capabilities are not even close to a good 8mm camera from the past, but the price is equal to a second hand arri 16mm...
The build quality is actually pretty nice, and does that 16 mm have crystal sync and a video tap?
@@colorgradingcentral you can add these to your rig and might be still in budget. Even without them, it´s not even a question of what´s better... a real cinema camera or a plastic toy with a nokia n93 screen. Price of 16mm film is not that much more than 8mm and the quality is very very different.
@@zhivkovision present your argument with real actual links then to items to complete a kit that I can buy right now otherwise your statements are just conjecture
Hey no hate but as a film shooter myself, having shot 8mm and 16mm projects and went through the whole learning process. This camera sucks. The price is RIDICULOUS. I got my 16mm camera second hand for 800 bucks. With all the accessories. Sorry bruh but this camera is not it.
@@MattMatheson I hear you and I’m not a Kodak fan boy I’m just saying I too have also shot on a cheaper 16 mm film camera but it does not have Crystal sync. It does not have video tap. If you can find an 8 mm or 16 mm camera that has all those features for cheaper. Please let me know what camera that is.
The thing that truly mystifies me is that people think that the crystal sync feature (synced sound recording) is trivial. But it’s not. 16 mm cameras that have all of these features in fact are more expensive. I’m happy to entertain any camera that you can produce with a link that has all of these same features namely crystal sync and a video tap.
You could probably have a well sorted 16mm camera with good vintage optics (canon FD) and some film processing for a change for 6000$ if shooting film is your thing
Super interesting breakdown. It would be interesting to see if this builds a gateway towards making a 16mm version.
That would be rad
Kudos to Kodak Super 8 Camera. I love every features it posses. The fact that it is film production compatible makes it exceptional.
For that price, i don't think the camera delivers that good quality. I understand that super nice to have the LCD, audio recordings and modern technology options, but the image actually surprised me and not in a good way. I'd def. go for an older camera for that price.
It’s Super 8, why are you expecting “good” image quality?
They shoulda made it a super 16
all super 8 cameras have this quality. but keep in mind that this is the only super 8 camera with audio sync
I just don't get WHAT exactly justifies the insane price for this thing? Especially considering how long it took for them to actually release it after teasing the prototypes for YEARS until they went complete radiosilent about it. A freaking LCD off-the-shelf component and digital video and audio recording internals cannot justify that either. If the price is mostly because of the lenses, then Kodak really is absolutely nuts for not making more pricy lenses at least OPTIONAL. I mean it doesn't even have a powerzoom.
@@MamerBaraka Have you seen how good Super 8 can look if you actually care? Check out the footage from the Logmar S8 camera. It looks like it could have been 16mm.
Good move from Kodak for sending you extra film !
Very informative video on the Kodak Super 8 camera and its great compatibility in regards to filmmaking. I recommend watching.
I shot my first cartridge of Super 8 film in 1970, my sophomore year in college. I'm afraid I have to disagree with your premise. It is not worth paying $5,500 (plus tax) for a camera to shoot Super 8 film. The cost of the camera, processing, transfer, etc., is too costly. The end product doesn't justify the expense. Having said that, I understand why you felt the need to try it. For that, I salute you! But I prophesy that this camera will not find a sustainable market.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and sharing your experience. Yeah, I mean it’s not for me to say what the price justification is or business model. Obviously when the pricing came out, it was controversial, especially in light of the initial price anchoring. I have to say that it’s unfortunate that the price has become a bone to pick and, it’s really not my dog in the fight. I really enjoy and appreciate the color response and look of celluloid. You are right the workflow is not cost-effective, which is why we are looking into developing an alternative post processing solution albeit not as pure. I can however, emphatically state it’s an objective fact that finding an 8 mm or 16 mm camera that has crystal sync and video tap, all of those features simply do not exist or if they do it’s for a more expensive kit or a custom modification you have to add.
Interesting, nice review video cant wait for more
True respectable efforts man
I can’t express how much i am speechless looking at how much time and effort went into this Journey 🙏🙏🙏
That is a very nice compliment. Thank you for recognizing the effort to try and make something educational.
Oh my God,
Big time man 🙏🙏🙏
Film-making is such a detail oriented field and equipment's are usually very pricey! Nice to know there are more affordable camera alternatives for us creatives to express our love for creating motion pictures.
Could you describe the audio set up you have? How the microphone is mounted to the camera. Thanks.
I think the perfect film is Super 16mm with the use of anamorphic lenses. I shot some Fuji stock and Kodachromes 16mm back in my youth and it rendered beautifully
All the extra digital luxuries of the new Kodak camera kind of run opposite to why I got into Super 8 to begin with. I'd really love a cheaper model that was functionally a camera from the 70s, just with the peace of mind of knowing that it's a new device that's not at risk of breaking down from its sheer age at any moment.
Good call
You can get that from Pro8mm
@@VietinghoffAlex no, those are refurbished vintage cameras. Definitely more trustworthy than some random ebay listing but not the same as a new camera with manufacturer support.
Sadly, there’s nothing in between this camera and a Pro8mm refurb. Apart from Logmar’s camera (of which this is a distant relative) there’s no movement towards new Super 8 cams. And there probably never will be, unless Kodak follows through on their promise to make more affordable cameras (also unlikely).
Any recommendations for someone starting out on a budget and cant adored this magical camera?
Very cool! I was hoping you'd go over your setup for using different lenses from the one it came with, and how those shots turned out!
Idc about cameras but wow this video got me hooked get job
Awesome camera review!! Can't wait for the 16mm !!!
You and me both!
I feel like the best way to get actually good 8mm footage is using a Beaulieu 4008 modified by the guys at pro8mm to shot widescreen, theres some test people have done with it and its looks amazing, theres also the Logmar S8 which is even higher quality, it was a recently modern 8mm camera with a lot of new stuff but unfortunately they made very few of then and now its really hard to find, and expensive, but the quality is crazy good
Nice! I have a Bolex H16 and really enjoy the rare occasions that I get to use it. It's a totally different experience.
Your comment about the Kodak Super 8 camera only having 1/48 shutter is technically incorrect. When shutter speed is expressed in angle it is relative whereas when it's expressed as a fraction it is absolute. With a fixed shutter angle of 180° if you shoot 24fps then your shutter speed will be equivalent to 1/48. However if you shoot 18fps then the shutter speed will be 1/36 and if you shoot 36fps then the shutter speed will be 1/72.
Cinematic movies? You do realize that's a pleonasm. Cinematic means movie-like. Movies are by definition cinematic. Otherwise it's a video.
Do you by any chance have information on when Cinema Grade 2 is set to be released :)
For the price this Vaporware Camera goes.... you might as well just shoot 16mm..... Or grab literally ANY already existing Super 8 camera that costs only a fraction of this thing. If you really pay 6 grand for this thing, you deserve to be robbed..... Remember, This camera originally was meant to cost below 1000.... And even THAT would have been steep. I'd rather buy a Logmar S8 Camera that even lets you run the Film through a filmgate, for an stable image that looks like 16mm. Kodak should just finally get the whole Film develping and Scanning infrastructure done instead and offering a great "all in one" pack for cinefilm starters. THAT would make a lot more sense.
"Check the gate... moving on" 😂
A duh
Good info -- thanks!
That's why they'd call out "Check the gate!" after the final take. To make sure they didn't need to reshoot, due to hanging crud. :)
amazing video and study into this camera and shooting on film. many people wouldn't do due to the prohibitive cost of the camera and the very costly workflow too. I think this would be a great toy or luxury buy for millionaire with a photography hobby, or someone nostalgic for their childhood cameras but...for the regular plebs we'll have to live vicariously thorugh videos like. Again, thank you for making this and your footage looked amazing. I loved the philosophy of choosing moments to record wisely since there is so little film- it is an ethos lost in the digital age which has added a lot of bloat and pointlessness to home videos.
Thank you for watching and for leaving a very thoughtful comment. I’m glad that you picked up on and highlighted the importance of the moment and how precious time is.
Yes 16mm please.
You got it!
It’s been such a long time since footage captured my heart. I mean truly made me feel deeply. The reveal, of the shots, did that! Whoa is me, this digital era, with 4K tvs and footage too crisp to feel…
Best comment! I’m glad that you picked up on the magic and emotion and feeling that I had participating in this project as opposed to getting hung up on the camera particulars and its cost. It truly is a miracle of science that we can create a physical record of something through physics and chemistry.
You managed to get one! I was on the list when this finally went on sale and it seems to have sold out immediately because my link was dead just 20 minutes after.
I signed up on B&H notification list and got email 12/28/23 and ordered right away. It came the next day 12/29. I have no idea on their inventory but have seen a few others out in the wild.
Make a video talking about that awesome camera rig
What a lovely video!
Thank you so much!
I see you have the mic mounted on the camera. How loud is the camera and can you use the mic mounted on it with picking up minimal camera noise? None of your footage looks like in includes any audio you captured. Thanks.
It’s pretty loud, ideally you’d use off camera audio recording.
@@colorgradingcentral Thanks for the reply. That is a bummer given crystal sinc.
I am interested more about this. Thanks for sharing.
NO WAY FINALLY
you should have gotten a russian 16mm camera. i think it would have been cheaper too.
I have one and you see it at the end of the video 😉
Ahhh yup I want a super 16 camera. I have an old Kodak 16mm camera but I haven't used it. That one takes single perf film and the lens doesnt look to be that great. But STILL
You should do it. 16mm you buy is single perf anyway.
super 8 would be great for my brothers podcast he has a really different style
I wish they’d make a 16 or 35
Go 16mm. It is only slightly more expensive than Super 8 and the difference is like night and day and compated to Super 8 ist a bang for the buck. It just takes some research until you find a good deal.
Hey great video! If you're ever in New Bedford again for processing, let's connect!
Oh that’s awesome, for sure!
It’s quite heavy, I was surprised.
I envy you because trying to film a bit of real film is a dream😊maybe some day. How is your tool going to be different from Dehancer plugin?
Our goal isn’t to emulate a certain film stock, but rather give you the ability to replicate the same characteristics and film response through our foundation of point in click grading directly in the viewer. Will have examples of this in future videos.
It should’ve been a 16mm for that price
Cool experiment and I remember learning how to shoot/edit 16mm on an old Soviet camera and Steenbeck editor….but with the advancements of technology, I just don’t see the need, especially when you can add it LUTs, grain and color correct to give you the film look. Especially with regards to the money spent on this experiment.
Well it was to help inform me on software development for a product we are working on now. I think shooting on film is crucial to understanding the look of film.
Interesting , now many movies seek so much the color perfection that forget of the filmic aesthetic color that a film gives and the nice casts, today even are remastering movies and destroying that characteristics colors and contrast that film had
I love everything about the camera, the design, features and changeable C Mount lenses, but, just because of the cost, I couldn't buy it.
+$5,000 for a camera based on “inflation” isn’t an excuse, it’s greed and attempting to seem “fair” just because the competition does it. I doubt they profit enough to justify massive production.
This reminds me of the overpriced $5,000 Mac Pro that Apple originally tried to justify its price by comparing it to a similar priced RTX based Dell workstation that drastically outperformed it in every benchmark test.
That’s an interesting argument. I don’t know how much inflation or supply chain issues factors into it. I have heard rumors that it is manufactured/assembled in North America. Also whether trying to recoup R&D has played a role we don’t know. It is a mechanical device requiring precision parts. Since there’s no other comparable we don’t have anything to compare it to. Certainly like you suggest I would think that costs would come down if lot of those manufacturing processes have been improved and reduced, but it’s a first run product so 🤷♂️
The higher price would make sense if it’s using proprietary parts because it would require specific custom services from third-parties but even then it shouldn’t be that high. Regardless, inflation is an excuse.
The head of Arizona Green Tea made a statement towards soda companies hiking prices based on “inflation”. He couldn’t have summed it up better. Many companies use inflation as a scheme to overcharge.
I think you should do a deep dive on the history and development of the Logmar Super 8 from which Kodak has licensed the design from. Here’s even a link to that camera, I think that what has been done is not as trivial as many of us all think. www.ebay.com/itm/285957143628?itmmeta=01J2NZ598HHYAR1BN0MG8JJ3R6&hash=item42945fbc4c:g:kKQAAOSw1spmTLD9&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4GqUp2iqRg0Mlzv7BskkU1EWC4h173XD9WaItUiP2TrJAf43tYVMhTr8ZbvjYt7ULVAR%2F2PIPOxtBSvZnY%2FxWRiS8JdVbl4InI6nHStRn1savm%2FwB3YjhpDZZFvbVu6bmzZN%2BNGHXzQcP2cUKlqAWNs0cwk6HOqvTIyuQLqI5ve1OJf0VtnbIAVwx1u%2B8RcAdJqBJ67kNNkY0JrLwNczv%2FsZgwcYE%2B1YoKr%2BtHwvSx3uYqXiCmOMGPDTLR%2Bmi3q9sP83ysyakwRBZNEhNlfNS%2FVBdpg0kuDTbZ3yGSE%2Bn5Ze%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6qUlb-VZA
@@colorgradingcentral , “The Logmar S-8 was manufactured in a limited one-off production”. This means it was likely a hybrid of older technology because it simply too risky for a third party companies to produce parts for a product that’s meant to “test the waters”.
It’s my understanding they stopped producing because they licensed to Kodak
Looks like a camera that can pull about the best out of Super8 film (with good scanning as well) -- but yikes -- expensive! Thank you for doing all of those tests and comparisons. Did you have a chance to use the sound and see how to sync it up?
Thanks for the cool video! Yes. There is not much time on a Super 8 cartridge. When shooting film you are really forced to deal with what the pictures should look like, which is a very good thing. I used Fuji Single 8 when I was a teenager in the late 70's. The Fujichrome 25 stock had a finer grain and was sharper due to the thinner film base than Kodak's super 8 film. I would love to use it again, the Fujichrome color was amazing. Still have the Canon 518 single 8 camera and a few reels of films. I look forward to your 16mm odyssey!
Thank you for sharing that experience, I have looked into seeing if there are any Fuji motion picture film stocks around and it appears they don’t exist anymore 😢 I would love to see the color sign of different film stocks.
The camera you put for 35mm is a 65 or 70mm camera
Your website is down
You bought it!!? The price is absurd for 8mm.
Typical 8 mm, yes, but if you actually factor in the features and truly do research, you’ll find that the cost is on par with kits that have all the same features I.e crystal sync with video tap.
Just wanted to let you know that this video seems to be rendered at lower bitrate than it should be, or something similar going on at least. 1080p quality here looks closer to what 720p should look like.
Thanks for the feedback
why 1080p? btw film should be scanned in 4K
There are diminishing returns on how much fidelity you can get from an 8 mm scan, 3K is about the best you can get anything above that you’re just wasting money because it is overkill.
@@colorgradingcentral I could scan your films to prove my point, but I'm in Spain.
@@martinten5236Why would you do a high -res scan of something that's intentionally low-res?
@@flickeringgreenflame8493 clearly you have no experience scanning film, come back when do so
Kodak should've included some sort of portable film developer along with this camera. Then maybe the hefty price tag is worth it.
That would be way cool! I have looked into a solution from a German company called Filmomat. They have an automatic developer or at least a machine that automates aspects of the development procedure.
You also have to consider scanning, which is also a very challenging aspect to get right.
@@colorgradingcentral true
Great video! With film you need great filters, give us a message if you would like the industries best!
I am sorry but I really really dont understand. The film footage doesent look great, it looks so bad. The cost of film and slow processing even makes this whole thing worse. I would rather spend my money on BMCC 6K and gear. I kind of understand if you are wealthy hobbyist and want to fiddle around with film footage, but please don’t try to sell this as cinematic. The good thing about digital is that you can shoot basically as much as you need, edit it look just about like this, but you can have high quality original version too - with cheaper price.
I would have preferred a single 8 system to be made just for the sake of a stable film plane that almost eliminates all the super 8 jitter thats is annoying as hell..
I’m extremely disappointed that people bought these. I guess it proves Kodak right, they can charge whatever they want and it will still sell out.
This camera should have been 500$ at the very most. They would do amazing at film schools.
Did you buy that or rent that den?
Bought it
😮😮😮😮
That's a very expensive way to learn filmmaking!
As compared to what? Film school?
@@colorgradingcentral shooting on film instead of digital.
I see, obviously my background is in digital, though I will say I feel like there are principles I’ve learned and challenges I’ve had to overcome that I never got to experience on digital. I had gotten so used to composing, lighting and making creative decisions based on an LCD viewfinder that film has sort of forced me to try and do those things more with my eyes, etc..
@@colorgradingcentral I get what you're saying. I come from a film background and love that digital is so instant and affordable. Although I do think we rely on the technology too much these days, where with analogue we need more skill and knowledge to get good results.
Preach, some practical skills and appreciation has been lost. However, digital is more pragmatic. it’s just the fascination with the chemistry and the subtractive color science in the film emulsions that really makes me excited about film.
Crazy
Who develops the film?
This was Cinelab out of Boston, link is in the description
4:30 -- 8 = 5.6 = 4, this is some funky math. You should have used double-sided arrow for "corresponds to" or double-arrow for "implies". 5:32 -- you cannot equate frame rate with time. Again, use "corresponds" or some other symbol to denote correspondence, not equality.
Touché
Tsk tsk, didn't check the gate!
Mistakes you learn as a rookie lol
I wish this
Why you did not buy a Bolex H16 SB Reflex Beaulieu R16 serviced and in16mm?
You would have spent much more less and at least gotten 16mm film resolution!
Wow, someone actually spent the $5k and bought this. Disappointing to see your comments to others are antagonistic and dismissive. I was on the list to purchase, but after I saw the build quality and design, it was a hard pass. As much as I want to see Kodak succeed, this seems like a cash grab trading on the Kodak name.
I hear what you’re saying, I’m not intending to come off that way. I’m just truly baffled by the lack of research and understanding of Crystal sync and what this camera actually possesses. Unless you’ve actually handled the camera, I think it is unfair to judge the build quality. I mean I have to say it’s a decent build quality, so I can speak to firsthand experience about that. My only true hangup with shooting on the camera is the lack of fidelity. I want something bigger with better quality and so that’s why the next step in my journey is going up to 16 mm.
One off usage....if you actually bought this...
This is not sponsored, I paid for it with my own money.
@@colorgradingcentral 🤣
@colorgradingcentral That's worse, man. I really wished you got sponsored tbh.
@@octap79 thank you, I appreciate that. Honestly, it has been a lifelong dream of mine to shoot motion picture film, and I have been eyeballing the camera since about 2017 or whenever it was announced. It just felt like something too good to pass up after being so emotionally invested in it lol.
Plastic camera for over three grand. Nice video but hard pass.
$5500? I thought you were kidding at first.
It’s the gateway to being broke lol.
16mm or bust
Thank you for your eagerness for 16mm
Is kodak still including the cost of the development in the cost of the cartridge?
Not to my knowledge.
They are not. They stopped doing that decades ago. You’re more or less paying for everything.
No, just get a Super 16mm camera in mint condition for less money and shoot on that.
Too bad that they no longer make the 200' mag of Super 8.
Amen, that’d be so nice 👍🏼
Enjoyed this video, my company specialize in film 8mm, super and 16mm transferring to digital , we moved away from using flim scanners to using projectors to convert film, what we found we get a more realist look and feel, capture on Fuji-film Xh2 which gives us probably the most accurate result.
Interesting I have been wondering about frame by frame scan versus more of a telecine transfer. Do you have a link to some side-by-side comparisons?
What you have found out was you get watchable result in three minutes, and even if it is blurry or ghostly, people would still ohhh and ahhh because it is true film, not some clinical digital garbage.
@@colorgradingcentral i am waiting for some footage to convert for a ad agency to contvert will upload to my channel will let you know
The +1 stop film concept is so misinformed or is it just me? Whatever happened to exposing to what you need.
I know for a while there for Sony cameras, and this is digital, people suggested “ exposing to the right” (meaning over exposing), but I think that philosophy has changed since Sony improved the color science of their cameras. That being said for film, it still remains pushing one stop over to get more rich colors, etc.. there’s even an option during film processing where the developers can push or pull a stop, etc., for different effects.
Dafuq? This is a 5k camera for 8mm ?!?!
nope
Mkay
It's just my opinion and you're a brilliant filmmaker but this 5k 8mm footage looks like crap for the price :) no offense :)
I think that you will see that 16mm offers a lot more
@@colorgradingcentral I agree 100%
To be honest, with Leica Leicina Special, Nikon R10, Beaulieu or even Braun Nizo you get better result. Picture on the film looks like junky 10$ camera. Scratches can be produced by bad polished film gate.
I agree. I was hoping that this camera would provide a decent lens. It's hard to tell if the scan is the issue. I would like to see Beaulieu footage compared to this one - Not only film stock. Also stability test. Finally, since it is a C-mount, they are ways to get excellent lenses for that. I like that you can have right off the bat a digital copy with the camera. Anyway, thanks for this channel, I had some answers from this camera.
Dune looks straight out of the plastic garbage gaming world.