What Is Super 8 Film and Why Are Couples Obsessed With It?
Even in the era of AI and flashy social media content, some forms of classic media still haven’t gone out of style. This is probably why so many couples are loving Super 8 film for their wedding videos—the timeless, unique film style can capture your special day like no other. The light leaks and raw vibe offer something different from the bright and airy styles that have become popular today. While a crisp, modern video is perfectly fitting for many couples, Super 8 wedding videos really create a moment where you feel like time stands still. Your love will live on far beyond just this one day, so why shouldn’t your video memories feel the same way?
What is a Super 8 film?
Ironically enough, a Super 8 wedding video doesn’t just look like it comes from an older era in time—it literally represents a real milestone in film history. The Super 8 was the first motion picture camera created for everyday use outside of the cameras created for movies. Prior to its release, the majority of people didn’t have any way to record videos of themselves or their loved ones, so this gadget became a big deal for the average consumer.
Released by Kodak in the 1960s, the Super 8 camera uses 8mm film, wound up into a 50 ft roll that, once recorded, gets sent off to be professionally developed. This makes it both a laborious—and rather pricey—way to shoot wedding videos. Still, it’s difficult to truly replicate the soft grain and nostalgic framing that this film style provides, especially for an event as significant as a wedding day.
Why should I choose a Super 8 wedding videographer?
Just like no two wedding days overall, no two wedding films will ever be the same. Every couple deserves to dictate how they want their special day documented, from the color grading to the specific moments included. If you’re curious about the difference between a super 8 wedding video and a more common digital one, though, there are a few key elements you’ll want to consider.
If you’re celebrating your nuptials in a modern country club venue, you may benefit from complementing that vibe with the sharp and clear film capabilities of a digital camera. Thanks to more developed technology and editing customizations, a digital wedding video offers you the chance to get an impressive and cinematic view of your day. From bright and crisp to muted and moody, filming your wedding video with a modern camera just offers much more room for getting exactly the style you want. That, and you’ll actually be able to hear the video, too.
With Super 8 wedding films, on the other hand, there are more restrictions and limitations to the older tech. You won’t be able to capture sound, slow-motion, or have the benefit of certain tools like auto-tracking and different lens options. It’s also good to keep in mind that one 50 ft roll of Super 8 film can only record around three minutes and 20 seconds of footage, so you’d want to get very specific about which moments you want on film and how you want them to be shot.
The ultimate benefit of going with Super 8 on your wedding day is simple: you’re capturing a moment in time that will soon be in the past—in exactly the way people of the past did. Super 8 film creates a nod to the past through its vintage look and feel, and there’s nothing warmer or more human than bringing pieces of history with us into the future. When you watch your Super 8 wedding footage back, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time; back to the dip right before your first kiss as a married couple, or the moment your dad shed a first tear during the first dance. This video style can help you remember and revisit your wedding day with an entirely unique perspective.
Super 8 film vs digital wedding videos
While we could offer an entire laundry list of reasons why you should choose either style, both digital wedding videos and Super 8 offer a totally different and multifaceted method to documenting your special day. Rather than guiding you toward one over the other, why not include both? We’re Super 8 wedding videographers in North Florida, and we love shooting on 8mm film just as much as we appreciate a stunning, modern wedding video. Whether you’re on the market for a Super 8 film add-on to your wedding package or want to give analog a shot of its own (pun intended), we’re happy to help make your vision come to life. Reach out to us on our contact page for a custom quote!
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