It’s nearing the end of 2023, and we are announcing a new Super 8 camera release. Kodak’s new Super 8 camera is exciting and looks retro too. It has an industrial design, lens options, and a complete system. The camera was first shown at CES 2016 and had a projected price of around $2000. Fast forward to today, The KODAK Super 8 Camera has a retail price of $5,495 USD.
Remember the Digital Bolex D16 C Mount Cinema Camera? When it was originally announced, there was a lot of excitement for the camera, but not enough to keep production going. While that camera was not film, it tried hard to bridge digital and Super 16 film.
I think the Kodak Super 8 camera will do well, as Kodak has stated it’s a limited edition camera, and it’s a Kodak. Obviously, if it sells well, I think we will see a large availability. Maybe having a projected production is a good call instead of a long-term product.
At CES, Photo Gear News had some up close and personal time with the prototype. Kodak mentions a full-service experience for developing the film, including digital scanning and a web portal to share the film. I’m unsure if something similar is still in the works, but getting a digital version would be great.
Inputs
This isn’t your grandpa’s Super 8 camera. It features an SD Card Slot for audio recordings and firmware updates and a Micro USB for charging. Want to use an external monitor? no problem, as it has an HDMI out.
With the on-board sound recorder and external microphone connectivity via 3.5mm input directly to the integrated SD card reader, you can seamlessly capture high-quality audio, as well as monitor audio levels with live meters on the built-in LCD.
4″ LCD Viewfinder
The LCD viewfinder swivels, allowing a wide range of shooting angles, plus for navigating features like aspect ratio overlays, interactive menu selection, and camera settings. The resolution and brightness have not been stated.
Extended Gate
16:9 (widescreen) shooting and increased visual resolution. The Super 8 Camera’s extended gate optimizes more capture area of the film strip – allowing for an 11% larger image than traditional S8 cameras.
The camera features a 14:9 full frame, allowing the Super 8 film to intercut with other modern media capture formats. The 1.5:1 aspect ratio is slightly wider and slightly taller than traditional Super 8mm, and this means that it is better suited for wider screen standard aspect ratios.
Power
Power is via a 7.200 mAh internal battery charged via micro USB. Kodak says this should be good for around 12 cartridges of film before it needs recharging. Recharging to full from empty takes about 3.5 hours.
C-Mount
The KODAK Super 8 Camera has a C-mount and comes with a wide-angle 6mm 1:1.2 C-mount lens, The camera can use any C-mount prime lens or adapters to mount the lens of your choice. This opens up a lot of creative choices with vintage glass too.
What’s Included
- Pelican Case
- KODAK Super 8 Camera
- Wide Angle 6 mm Lens 1:1.2
- C-Mount Cap, Lens Cap and Lens Hood
- Pistol Grip with trigger
- KODAK Super 8 Camera Battery
- Micro USB Charging Cable(s)
- KODAK Super 8 Camera USB Power Adapter
- Cleaning Cloth
- KODAK TRI-X Black & White Reversal Film 7266
- Getting Started Guide
The camera includes a KODAK Super 8 cartridge and is loaded with 50 feet of motion picture professional film. You can choose from 3 different KODAK VISION3 Color Negative Film stocks or reversal stocks, including TRI-X Black & White Reversal Film and EKTACHROME Color Reversal Film. More KODAK film is available too.
If you want one for Christmas, it might not happen, as KODAK is building a waiting list now. You can sign up, get information, and get in line on the Kodak Super 8 website. The KODAK Super 8 Camera retails for $5,495 USD. The camera will initially launch in the US and later become available in other countries.
