What is the difference between 8mm and Hi8 camcorders and film? Can Hi8 camcorder use 8 mm film cassette?

Answer 1

Hi8 camcorders have a better definition. So the tape is special for them.
You can use 8mm in a Hi8 camcorder, but the definition will be normal.
You cannot use Hi8 in a 8 camcorder.

Answer 2

8 mm motion picture film was used for home movies many years ago. companies trying to replace this system with videotape use the 8mm in product names so you will know it is intended for home use.

8 mm motion picture film is actually 16mm film in the camera. you first shoot to the end of the reel and then flip over and reload to shoot the other side, much like the old audio tape reel to reel recorders. the photo lab slits the film down the center after processing and splices into one long quarter inch size reel.

Super 8 mm is motion picture film but comes in handly cassette which is easier to load in the camera. because it is not slit by the lab, it has a slightly larger frame size than the older 8 mm.

These are both optical film and do not work in a camcorder.

video8 and its upgrade cousins Hi8 and Digital8 are videotape. the tape is somewhat interchangeable. putting video 8 into a Hi8 camcorder will cause the recording to be made at the regular video 8 resolution. Hi8 cassettes can also be substituted for Digital8, the recording mode will be set by the camcorder not the tape.

Answer 3

If I understand you correctly, then no. 8mm (wide) film is for OPTICAL movie cameras that was the most typically used size film back in the 1960's and 70's. My dad used a Bell & Howell 8mm movie camera to take videos, got the film developed, and then played them back on a B&H 8mm movie projector. Hi8 on the other hand, is a ferrous (iron) based metal tape for DIGITAL recording, more like a metal (CrO2) cassette tape. The two are totally different media forms. Got it?

Answer 4

Hi8 Film

Answer 5

That's right

Answer 6

Interesting, I was wondering the same thing myself