...especially for filmmakers who are just starting out. Film, film processing, and scanning can really add up. Super 16 has the draw back of having half the runtime of Super 8 per length of film. While the price per foot of film typically decreases as the length of film spool increases, Super 8 tends to only be shot on 50ft cartridges
That's where the Canon Zoom DS-8 comes in. Double Super 8 (DS8), is a lot like regular 8mm film. Both are about 16mm wide and loaded into cameras on daylight spools. The film is then shot, but only an 8mm width of the film is exposed. The spools are then flipped so the second half of the film is exposed. Because of this, 100ft of DS8 is equivalent to four standard Super 8 cartridges, 200ft of standard Super 8 film, and 400ft of Super 16. 100ft of DS8 will give you about 10 minutes of recording at 24fps.
DS8 often enjoys cheaper processing and scanning costs than regular Super 8, making it a more budget friendly way of shooting. The biggest limitations of DS8 are the limited number of cameras that can shoot DS8 and the limited types of DS8 film that are produced. Some DS8 cameras, like the Arriflex DS8 are nearly impossible to find or cost prohibitive when they do go up for sale (but rest assured, the next time one comes up for sale, IBX Films will be trying to get it to provided it for affordable rentals to filmmakers and auteurs like you). This leaves only two really options for anyone looking to shoot on DS8: Quarz DS8 cameras from the Soviet Union and the Canon Zoom DS8.
Quarz DS8 cameras only accept 33ft (or 25ft, depending on the source) spools of film. Given as most DS8 film is made on 100ft spools, 33ft spools take away many of the advantages associates with DS8. Cutting film to length, more frequent loading, and higher processing and scanning costs are all issues associated with 33ft spools. Additionally, the wind-up nature of Quarz cameras limits a shot's length to around 30 seconds or less.
Because of the drawbacks of Quarz DS8s, IBX Films only carries Canon Zoom DS8 cameras. The Canon Zoom DS8 has great picture quality, takes 100ft daylight spools, and is battery powered, allowing for longer shots. This means easier (and cheaper) shooting for your next production. Additionally, the Canon Zoom DS8 has a plethora of features that Quarz DS8s lack. For instance, the Canon Zoom DS8 is able to shoot at higher frame rates then Quarz DS8s, all the way up to 54fps. The Canon Zoom DS8, also has great features, such as the ability to rewind fim, allowing for double exposures and giving plenty of ways to experiment with special effects and transitions.
While there are many more features, we won't bore you with them here. However, if you are interested, more technical specifications on the Canon Zoom DS8 can be found here: https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/01412/01412.pdf.
So, are you interested in dipping your toes into film and beginning your journey as an auteur? Or do you want some retro, grainy shots for your music video or commercial? The Canon Zoom DS8 is a great way to accomplish this on a budget. Canon Zoom DS8s are available for rental or can be brought out and used by any IBX Films production crew upon request. Contact us to speak to a specialist today!
Update 06/29/2023- Do to the high interest we've had in the Canon DS-8, we've made another post talking about it more in depth here: