Differences between the Reflecta Super 8 - Normal 8 Scanner and the Reflecta Super 8+ Scanner

We get frequently asked by our cutomers which differences there are between the Reflecta Super 8 - Normal 8 and the Reflecta Super 8+ Scanner. With this post we would like to put the two scanners side-by-side and compare them.

Reflecta Super 8 - Normal 8 Scanner

Reflecta Super 8 Scanner

Not only the results, but also the operation of the scanner and the technical details are important when selecting a scanner. For example, the quality of a film after digitizing on the Super 8 Normal 8 Scanner (left) compared to the Super 8+ Scanner (on the right) is shown on the bottom video.

Sensor and video format:
The Super 8+ scanner has a 9 megapixel sensor and produces movies in AVI video format while the small Super 8 - Normal 8 scanner has a 3.5 megapixel sensor and produces MP4-format movies. For the Super 8 Scanner, the resolution is 1920x1080p, but there will be black borders added on. In comparison to the Super 8 - Normal 8 scanner, the resolution is 1440 x 1080p and there will be no black borders added on. The resolution of the film is therefore the same for both scanners.

Frames per second:
Usually Super 8 movies were filmed earlier in 18 fps. With the large Super 8+ scanner you can set whether the film should be saved in 18 fps or 24 fps. Since we exchanged the old Super 8-Normal 8 scanners for the new, more precise models at the end of 2018, which now also automatically adjust the playback speed, the movie runs in 20 fps and thus at the right speed.

Scan time:
Probably the biggest differences between the two scanners is the time they take to digitize the films. While the Super 8+ scanner requires approximately 2.25 seconds per frame, the Super 8 Normal 8 Scanner is significantly faster at 0.5 seconds per frame. This means that the Super 8+ scanner needs about 45 minutes to digitize  one minute of film, while the Super 8 - Normal 8 scanner only takes about 10 minutes to do so.

Coil size / film material:
The Super 8+ scanner can process coils with a film length of up to 240 meters (= coil diameter 21.0 cm). So it can fit all the usual film spools on this device. However, only Super 8 movies and no Normal 8 movies can be edited. The smaller Super 8 Normal 8 Scanner can - as the name implies - scan both Super 8 and normal 8 films. This device only fits coils with up to 60 meters of film material (= coil diameter 12.7 cm).

Tip: If you have larger coils, but still want to use the smaller device, you can easily cut the film from a larger coil and put it onto several small coils. By rewinding to smaller spools you can save a lot of time, so that many of our customers take advantage of this opportunity. Alternatively, a coil (> 12.7cm) can also be hung externally next to the scanner, please have a look at our instructions.

Handling:
The Super 8+ scanner must be connected to a computer and is only controlled by the software, which can be downloaded (even in advance). First, the scanner creates frames of the footage and in a second step, you can combine them into a movie. Operation via the computer makes handling a bit more demanding than with the smaller Super 8 Normal 8 scanner, but it can also be done by a user with basic computer knowledge. The Super 8 Normal 8 scanner has the advantage that no computer is needed for the digitization. Everything is set directly on the device and stored on the supplied SD card. There are no frames saved here. You will receive a finished video file immediately after the scan process is complete. Through our instruction video, you manage the operation of the Super 8 Normal 8 scanner straight away. You will find the link and the password for the explanatory video in the letter, which we will send you together with the scanner.

Conclusion:
The operation of the Super 8 - Normal 8 scanner is easier because you do not need a PC or software. The resolution is full HD on both scanners. Scanning is much faster on the Super 8 - Normal 8 scanner than on the Super 8+ scanner. We therefore recommend to rent the Super 8 - Normal 8 Scanner, especially for small coils up to 12.7 cm in diameter, but also for larger coils, if you can hang or cut them externally according to our instructions.