More progress came in 1965, when the Super 8mm format was introduced. The film came in a plastic cartridge, didn’t have to be reloaded or threaded – meaning that all 50 feet could be shot at once - and the camera didn’t have to be wound. Taking home movies became easier. But you still needed a projector and a screen – or sheet or blank wall. And all home movies were silent films – it wasn’t until 1973 that sound could be recorded along with the film.
Then came VHS cameras (in 1977) – decent picture quality, sound, color, and it could be played on your television. Home movies became easier but VHS cameras were still very expensive and bulky. It took preparation to take a movie – and some dollars!
Today, almost everyone has a smart phone that can take video. The quality is better and the process of taking home movies is easy, quick, and convenient. We’ve come a long way, baby!
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