Top Ten 8mm Video Apps for iPhone and Android Smartphone

One of the biggest changes that we have seen from the revolution in mobile technology is the huge increase in the number of videos both recorded and consumed, with ever more sophisticated recording technology along with an insatiable market for viewing them through the various social media platforms, video is not only here to stay, its taking over. With all this video, it follows that people want ways to make theirs stand out, and with Instagram and so on making the retro look for images very much in fashion, it is no surprise to see the trend travel across to the video platform as well, with all sorts of apps to give the retro, 8mm cine camera look to your clips, here we will have a look at the best for both IOS and Android.

1. Vintage 8mm Video Camera (For Android)

The first app for Android is a great app that turns you mobile device’s camera into an 8mm cine camera. Or at least that is what everyone who sees your videos will think!

The app includes 5 decade themed presets that not only give you that nice old school look when recorded, it works in real time, and shows a preview of what the video will look like as you are recording. As well as those presets, you can adjust the effects within the app to create new looks that match precisely what you want. In addition this app will put the same effects onto still images you take as well. Couldn’t ask for more really.

An effective, easy to use app that does everything you would expect.

2. iSupr8 Vintage Video Camera (For Android)

Another good rendition of the 8mm look, this one can add effects to the videos you shoot within the app and you can also import previously shot video and add the retro look to those too, it even works on 1080p resolution footage. The 8mm preset comes as standard along with a host of user adjustable effects like film scratches and vignette type add-ons, however, extra presets are in app purchases, so it is worth remembering that before installing.

This one can also apply its filters to stills as well, and the effect is indeed very convincing, the app uses color grading rather than filters to give a precise rendition of the super 8 medium.

Easy to use, very good effects, but extra presets cost more.

3. VivaVideo: Free Video Editor (For Android)

Vivavideo provides fully fledged editor, including the ability to split and join clips, real-time camera effects for films shot within the apps camera controls, and the ability to put those same filters on video you import into the app.

In addition to the 8mm effects there are dozens more to experiment with as well, so if you don’t want every shoot to look like a vintage film, you don’t need a new app.

Full featured app that provides many effects, the 8mm isn’t as convincing as some here, but there is more choice than any other.

4. S_Video Editor (For Android)

This one is a little different, in that it is an editor, it only works on video you import into it and has no method of recording using the device camera at all. It includes a dozen effects, masks and filters, including a very nice 8mm effect that you can combine with others to get some really outstanding looks for your videos. It can handle all resolutions up to 1080p, but it is worth noting that at those resolutions you need a fast multicore processor for it to work at a reasonable speed.

5. Retrica (For Android)

Another take on 8mm effects, this one is only for still images. However, whilst that is an obvious restriction, there are many upsides to compensate. It is simply the best effect you can find for the 8mm style look. Taking stills with these filters on creates wonderfully characterful images that could have been lifted straight from a 1960’s home movie.

As well as that vintage look, there are 50 more presets that give you a massive choice to work from.

Yes, it is only for still images, but it does it very well indeed.

6. 8mm (For iPhone)

Possibly the best rendition of the 8mm look in any app anywhere, 8mm is a fantastic app, easy to use, plenty of choice and even lays claim to being used by an Oscar winning film maker. The interface, often neglected in these kinds of apps, carries a retro camera simulation and looks fantastic adding a whole level of satisfaction to the operation. Effects are applied in real time so you can see exactly what you are getting. In addition to the 8mm effect you can use several other vintage looks to your footage to vary your output and allow for plenty of creative choice.

An almost faultless app that produces stunning results.

7. Vintagio (For iPhone)

A nice little app that carries a range of effects in addition to the 8mm one, including a nice silent movie effect that is very effective. Easy to use and including editing tools to allow you to add music, split and join clips and even flip video 180 degrees, it contains a wealth of usability and pleasing effects to enjoy.

A little restricted on resolution and not as stunning as 8mm in terms of the final effect, nevertheless it is a comprehensive and easy to use app.

8. iSupr8 (For iPhone)

This is the IOS version of the app that appeared in our Android list, here it presents the same, in app purchase based additional presets, with a slightly better looking 8mm effect that is included with the app. Again, it can be applied to stills as well and there are numerous other user configurable filters that can be added onto the video or stills such as scratches and spots.

A great interface, and some nice effects, the only caveat is that you accept the extra cost required to add additional effects.

9. Super 8 (For iPhone)

A really high quality app here, again, it includes many effects in addition to the super 8 look, but this one goes a step or two further, adding in the ability to emulate camera shake as well as scratch and dirt damage to create some fantastic effects.

With a choice of lenses including a fisheye and an eye catching interface this one is simply a pleasure to use.

A very professional app that looks and feels special to use, and produces some great looking video to go with it.

10. Lens+ (For iPhone)

This is another fine app, a great rendition of Super 8 that can be applied to both video and still images, along with a selection of over 20 others, it provides a great way to get the retro look that is so popular today.

Not quite as convincing as 8mm or Super 8 in its effect, but nonetheless a great rendition that is sure to increase your creative options whether you are taking stills or video.

Another nice, attractive app for the iPhone that produces great results.