Super 8 vs Digital: What Modern Couples Need to Know About Wedding Film
Written by Melissa Woods
Films and Image Still by Becky Kinross Films About Love
In a world where everything is increasingly sharp, instant and digital, it’s no surprise that many modern couples are craving something softer, slower and more emotive when it comes to documenting their wedding day.
Enter Super 8.
That grainy, nostalgic film format you might associate with home movies from the 70s is having a very intentional resurgence in weddings — particularly among couples planning non-traditional celebrations with meaning, atmosphere, and feeling.
If you’re thinking of booking a videographer, this article will help demystify Super 8 and explain how it differs from digital wedding videography.
Jersey and Oxfordshire-based wedding filmmaker, Becky Kinross, is the creative force behind Films About Love. Becky works with couples across the UK and beyond, blending analogue and modern techniques to tell wedding stories in a way that feels deeply personal.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Super 8 is right for your wedding, pop the kettle on — this one’s for you.
Super 8 vs Digital: what’s the real difference?
“Super 8 is different to digital because it’s a physical film format. You’re capturing light onto actual film stock rather than a digital sensor, which gives it a very organic, imperfect quality.
Super 8 brings a nostalgic texture to a film whereas digital is quite clean and realistic.”
Why is Super 8 having such a moment right now?
“I think couples are craving something that feels real and timeless in a very digital-heavy world. We’re so used to ultra-sharp digital footage on our phones that Super 8 feels refreshingly different.
There’s also a wider cultural shift towards nostalgic, analogue formats, and slowing things down. I think this is in response to the online world we live in. Super 8 is very ‘offline’ in a sense.
Super 8 taps into that desire for something tangible and imperfect, which suits weddings beautifully.”
What does Super 8 capture best?
“I wouldn’t say one format captures something better than the other. However, Super 8 is great at capturing the feeling of a moment and giving that important space between you as the couple and your day, so you are able to watch it back with emotion at the forefront.”
What should couples consider before choosing Super 8?
“Couples should make sure they understand what genuine Super 8 is and watch example footage. Couples should love the imperfect aesthetic that Super 8 brings.
Super 8 is not for filming entire speeches or ceremonies, it’s for capturing beautiful moments and scenes that happen throughout your day.”
Can Super 8 and digital work together?
“Absolutely!
I have a ‘Pure Super 8’ package which is for capturing your day just on Super 8. That’s with 3 reels of Super 8 which equates to 9 minutes of footage. As a deliverable, a couple receives a 3 minute highlight film of their day alongside the uncut 9 minute film.
I also have the option of Super 8 as an add-on to any other package. Using one reel throughout your day, I use the footage alongside the digital footage in both feature and highlight films. Plus you receive the uncut Super 8 footage and the physical reel in the final package.
When used together, Super 8 and digital have an incredible ability to tell the story of your day with a beautiful depth and texture which is a delight to watch.”
As a wedding filmmaker, do you have a personal preference?
“I have always had a passion for Super 8, and there is nothing quite like the feeling of using a camera which was built in the 70s to film a modern day wedding. It is a pure delight.
I also adore the flexibility and quality of a digital camera and greatly enjoy using ‘old’ and ‘new’ alongside each other.”
When wouldn’t you recommend Super 8?
“Very low-light wedding venues with extremely dark interiors can be challenging for Super 8.”
What about timelines and cost?
“Generally a ‘Pure Super 8’ film will be quick to edit, simply because of the amount of footage captured on the day is considerably less. However, processing the film can take up to 6 weeks.”
And when it comes to budget?
“The cost of a ‘Pure Super 8’ film can be about the same as a digital. However, the deliverables are very different in regard to length of film and also elements such as sound recorded on the day.”
Is Super 8 Right for Your Wedding?
Super 8 wedding videography isn’t about replacing digital film — it’s about adding feeling, texture and atmosphere. If digital wedding videography is about showing what happened, Super 8 is about feeling it.
You might love Super 8 if:
You’re drawn to nostalgic, analogue aesthetics
You care more about emotion than perfection
You want your wedding film to feel timeless rather than trend-led
You’re planning a relaxed, non-traditional wedding
Super 8 may not be for you if:
You want full speeches or long ceremony audio
Your venue is extremely low-light
You prefer ultra-clean, polished visuals
Many couples choose to combine Super 8 with digital coverage for a layered, cinematic story of their day. Whether used on its own or woven into digital coverage, it creates space for nostalgia, texture and memory in a way few formats can.
Book Of Love Directory Member Spotlight: Films About Love
Founded by Becky Kinross, Films About Love, offers couples Super 8 wedding films, alongside digital videography.
Becky splits her time between Jersey and Oxfordshire, also travelling across the UK and beyond. She blends analogue nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, creating wedding films that prioritise emotion, atmosphere and memory.
From Pure Super 8 packages to hybrid film coverage, her work is ideal for couples planning relaxed, non-traditional weddings with heart.
→ Discover Films About Love in the Book Of Love