Super-8mm film cameras may be a technology developed decades ago, but there are still many film hobbyists and even professional filmmakers who sometimes use this film format over the more easily accessible digital movie cameras. The novelty of Super-8mm filmmaking makes it an interesting format to try. Apart from being a highly portable and unique format, it produces high-resolution footage that can still compete with many of today's consumer and prosumer cameras. However, using it entails more expensive laboratory costs required by its use of Super-8mm film stocks.
Canon 1014 XL-S
The Canon 1014 XL-S is one of the final top-end film cameras Canon marketed before video technology was introduced in the early 1980s. This camera uses a digital timing circuit to make sure that the film inside it runs close to the indicated film speed during the shoot. Its viewfinder provides a split-image focusing feature similar to a vintage SLR still camera. This camera is ideal when shooting with live sound, as it can accommodate a film cartridge for sound recording. It also has a manual focus, macro shooting option for close-distance shooting of very small objects, a zooming ratio via its zoom ring and microphone input and output ports. It accommodates 72mm filters, and its viewfinder provides valuable information to aid the filmmaker while shooting.
Beaulieu 4008
The Beaulieu 4008 delivers professional film footage with its old-school design, primarily meant for filmmakers who know the basics of cinematography. Yet, apart from the single switch that can completely place the camera on a more professional manual mode, it also offers a convenient auto mode option and automatic presets for non-professional users. Its bright and big viewfinder allows easy focusing as well. The Beaulieu allows easy changing of lenses including third-party ones available in the market, which can easily be used via a suitable C-mount placed over the camera body. The camera offers a variable speed option which can be anywhere in between 2fps (frames per second), which makes the footage looking faster, to 70fps, which shows a slow-motion effect to the footage. The camera is also equipped with a built-in filter to enable the filmmaker to shoot in daylight even when using a film stock that is not daylight-balanced.
Nizo 6080
Ideally used for live-sound shoot, the Nizo 6080 is best known for its quiet operation. According to a number of sites, including Super-8mm.com, this is one of the quietest Super-8 film cameras ever made. It is considered a high-end camera and it provides very sharp images. Aside from its affordability and near-silent camera operation, the Nizo 6080 is a sturdy unit with a user-friendly interface. This camera offers both fixed and manual modes and it provides a split-image rangefinder and a reflex viewfinder. It offers variable film speeds and is ideal for shooting time lapses and slow-motion shots. Its power source comes from six AA penlight batteries and it allows shooting visual effects, including fades, lap dissolves, double exposures and exposure compensations.
Nikon R8
The Nikon R8 is best known for its sophisticated super zoom feature, among other filmmaker-friendly features like its fade-in and fade-out effects, in-camera dissolves, rewinding option and double- exposure capabilities. It also features an electric zoom, a transport motor and a professional Zoom-Nikkor lens that provides outstanding zoom capability for the camera. The camera's lens construction is one of its major strengths. Its coating is similar to Nikon 35mm optics. This camera has a manually adjustable shutter for better control of image exposure and sharpness. There is a dial that makes it possible to override the camera's exposure system for up to two stops over for indoor shots and heavily backlit subjects or one stop under to allow better image saturation. The Nikon R8 uses AA batteries placed in a special removable holder, which makes it a handy and easily accessible camera in terms of power needs as well.
Tags: This camera, film cameras, Nizo 6080, 1014 XL-S, allows easy
