Ah, Super 8 movie cameras … they were limited to 3-minute cassettes that had to be sent off for processing, which cost about $20 each. So hey, why not make a video camera inspired by those Super 8’s? That’s what the Aura6 is, and it does actually have an interesting selling point.
Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Aura6 is being developed by a Portuguese startup of the same name. It looks very much like a 1980s Super 8 movie camera, but instead of recording on celluloid film cassettes, it records 4K footage on an included 8GB SD card.
In classic Super 8 fashion, that footage is shot at a frame rate of 18 fps and a 4:3 aspect ratio, plus the lens and image processing software help give the video a retro warmth, softness and graininess. What’s more, the footage is recorded without audio, although you can shoot with sound if you shell out for an optional shotgun mic that mounts on top of the camera and connects via a 3.5-mm jack.
Aura6
Furthering the Super 8 experience, users can select a mode in which they’re limited to recording shots lasting no longer than six seconds each. While this wasn’t the case with the original Super 8 cameras, users did generally try to keep their shots short, because of the cost of film.
The designers suggest this mode is good for encouraging users to “capture intentional moments rather than filming everything continuously.”
Regardless of whether or not the six-second mode is used, all of the clips are assembled in the order they were recorded, to form three-minute digital rolls. Pressing the New Roll button saves one roll, and allows the user to start recording another one. Saved rolls can then be uploaded to the user’s smartphone.
Aura6
And while shots can be lined up through an optical viewfinder, there’s no screen for previewing/reviewing shots.
So … no screen, no sound, grainy video, and having to start a new project for every three minutes of footage. What’s the advantage over just shooting videos on your phone?
“Old home videos have a feeling that’s hard to recreate. Those imperfect, spontaneous moments that somehow feel more real than perfectly shot smartphone footage,” Aura6 says on its Kickstarter page. “A camera designed to capture memories as they happen, without overthinking, editing, or chasing perfection.”
Aura6
Apparently it’s not the only company that thinks so, either. Previous attempts at digital Super 8 cameras have included the Fragment 8, CS-8 and Bee. There was also the Lumenati CS1 videography case, which allowed users to shoot on their iPhone as if it were a Super 8 movie camera.
Assuming the Aura6 reaches production, a Kickstarter pledge of US$189 will get you one. The planned retail price is $249.
Aura6: The Super 8-Inspired Digital Video Camera
Sources: Kickstarter, Aura6
