Super 8, 8mm, 9.5mm and 16mm: how to identify your film
Super 8 and 8mm (Regular 8) are both 8 mm wide, but Super 8 (Kodak, 1965) comes in a cartridge and has a larger image; 16mm is twice as wide and 9.5mm (Pathé Baby) has a single central perforation between frames. All of them are digitized with frame-by-frame scanning; 35mm is quoted separately.
1. The four formats in a table
| Format | How to recognize it | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Regular 8 (8mm) | Open reel of 8 mm film; it was shot on half the width and flipped; larger perforations | Home movies from the 1930s |
| Super 8 | Plastic cartridge; smaller perforations and a larger image than 8mm | Home movies from 1965 |
| 9.5mm (Pathé Baby) | A single central perforation between frames | European home movies, 1920s to 1950s |
| 16mm | Twice as wide as 8mm; on a reel | Advanced amateur film, documentary, television and archives |
2. What changes from one to another
- •Image size: the wider the film, the more detail it holds. 16mm offers more resolution than Super 8, and Super 8 more than Regular 8.
- •Sound: some Super 8 and 16mm films have a magnetic or optical soundtrack. If yours has sound, please ask us before sending it.
- •Base: most old films have an acetate base, which can suffer from vinegar syndrome. Polyester films are more stable.
3. How to identify your film
- 1.Look at the packaging: a plastic cartridge means Super 8; a metal or plastic reel could be Regular 8, 9.5mm or 16mm.
- 2.Check the perforations: a single perforation in the centre between frames means 9.5mm.
- 3.Measure the width: about 8 mm is Super 8 or Regular 8; about 16 mm is 16mm.
- 4.Read the box or label: many show the manufacturer and the format.
- 5.If in doubt, send us a photo and we will confirm it.
4. How each format is digitized
At Videoconversion Digital Lab we digitize Super 8, 8mm, 9.5mm and 16mm with frame-by-frame scanning, up to true 4K depending on the format, and deliver MP4 for home viewing or ProRes or DPX for professional and archive use. 35mm is quoted separately.
Every film is checked before scanning. If it has broken splices, mould or vinegar syndrome, we assess the case before going ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Super 8 and 8mm?
Super 8 (Kodak, 1965) comes in a cartridge, has smaller perforations and a larger image than Regular 8 (8mm), which was loaded on an open reel.
What is 9.5mm Pathé Baby?
A European home-movie format with a single central perforation between frames. We digitize it with frame-by-frame scanning.
Do you digitize 16mm and 35mm?
Yes. 16mm is digitized with frame-by-frame scanning. 35mm is quoted separately; please ask us.
Does my film have sound?
If there is a magnetic or optical stripe next to the images, it probably does. Please ask us before sending it.
Do you have film reels you want to save?
Check the film rates or write to us on WhatsApp and we will advise you based on the format and condition of your films.