Super 8 is a variation of 8mm film stock developed by Kodak as means to make filming less technical for the average non-technical consumer. For this reason, it was a very popular choice before the introduction of relatively inexpensive video recorders. Several features were introduced by Super 8 to make it easier to work with than the standard 8mm film.
Threading
The standard 8mm is in fact a 16mm film that is split in the middle for double exposure, thus allowing consumers twice the footage for the same length film. Just like the 16mm film, the reel does come loose and requires threading into the camera. This can be a lengthy and time consuming process, more especially when you need to flip the reel and thread it in a different direction so as to take advantage of both sides. A notable feature of the Super 8 is that it is sold in cartridges that can be easily loaded into Super 8 cameras, without the need to thread. With that being this said, this feature does come with its fair share of disadvantages for seasoned users, and that’s not allowing for certain exposure tricks and other special effects obtainable using an open reel.
A super 8 cartridge does allow for small amounts of rewinding on a projector, but not a lot of the film can be rewound before piling in the cartridge. There’s another format invented by Fuji and called Single 8. The format is very popular in Japan and uses an identical cartridge system, but it threads the film in such a manner that allows continuous rewinding.
Sprocket Holes
Sprocket holes are small holes located at the edges of the film strip. The quickest to determine whether you are looking at a Super 8 or regular 8mm is to examine the sprocket holes located at the edges of the film strips. Because regular 8mm comes from 16mm, the sprocket holes are much larger and located at bottom and top edges of each frame. Super 8 holes are much smaller and are positioned in the middle of the frame.
Image Area
Smaller sprocket holes indicate that the Super 8 film has more room for the image area than the standard 8mm film. This then means that the film has the ability to capture a lot within its frame. Super 8 frames come 5.46mm wide, and the standard 8mm only 4.5mm image dedicated area. The whole idea of maximizing the size of a picture on film stock came from Pathe, a certain French company that revolutionized the notion of minimizing frame edges, where sprocket holes in Europe use a 9.5mm system.
Stability
The small sprocket holes did play a huge part in giving Super 8 its reputation as being one of the most stable films, since there’s less room for wiggle in the sprocket, meaning less lower chances of moving about during filming.