An aluminum-body prototype of the analog Super 8 mm film camera debuted at CES 2016 for an expected price of $2000, described as an analog camera with digital enhancements such as a touchscreen LCD viewfinder and HDMI out. What a difference seven years makes. The camera–the first new film camera in over a decade–will now price at $5,495 with a detachable wide-angle 6-mm 1:1.2 C-mount lens and a nice-looking set of bundled accessories including a foam-padded Pelican case, a detachable pistol grip with a trigger, and one cartridge of Kodak Tri-X black and white reversal film. You can reserve now.
The commercial version of the camera is reported to be broadly similar to the prototype. It records on traditional-style cartridges that each hold 50 ft (15 m) of celluloid analog film (about three minutes). Users can choose between multiple color negative and reversal film stocks, including the sentimental favorite EKTACHROME Color Reversal Film. The camera shoots at frame rates of 18, 24, 25 and 36 FPS. Audio is recorded separately on a user-supplied SD card, via a third-party hard-wired external microphone. Once the film footage has been processed and converted to digital video format, it can be synced with the audio in the editing process. Interestingly, the camera’s extended film gate allows for a frame that is 11% larger than those of old-school Super 8 cameras, opening up 16:9. The C-mount supports interchangeable lenses.
Here’s what Kodak is highlighting about the product:
4″ LCD Viewfinder
It swivels, allowing a wide range of shooting angles. Thanks to its expanded screen, navigating features like aspect ratio overlays, interactive menu selection, and camera settings is intuitive and straightforward.
Extended Gate
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. This 14:9 full frame gives\Super 8 film the flexibility to intercut with other modern media capture formats.
Interchangeable C-Mount Lens
The new Super 8 Camera comes equipped with a detachable wide-angle 6mm 1:1.2 C-mount lens, offering a range of creative choice for filmmakers of all levels. Use any other C-mount prime lens or adapters to mount the the chosen lense including vintage lenses.
Connectivity & Crystal Sync
Capture high-quality audio seamlessly with the onboard sound recorder and external microphone connectivity via 3.5mm input directly to the integrated SD card reader. Monitor audio levels with live meters on the built-in LCD. The first modern Super 8mm camera with crystal sync at 24 and 25 fps, plus over and under crank at 18 and 36 FPS. Enhance capture with any HDMI-enabled monitor via the micro HDMI output.
Versatile Handling
The camera appears to have a sleek top handle design with an integrated run button to start and stop shooting. Comfortable handling. Perfect in any setting, from studio set to hand-held action.
Pistol Grip
Switch easily from the top handle navigation to the detachable pistol grip with an additional run button for eye-level shots and a traditional Super 8 camera feel.
Today’s Latest Film Technology
Each KODAK Super 8 cartridge is loaded with 50 feet of motion picture professional film – 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.
What’s Inside the Box
- 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
