This was Canon's first 8mm movie projector. It was developed to be used with the CINE 8-T, an 8mm movie camera (launched in 1956).

The concept of the P-8 was: 1. Full specifications but compact body; 2. Easy operation; 3. Does not damage film; 4. Low power consumption but sufficient brightness; 5. Projection possible even when voltage falls; 6. Can be connected to a tape recorder. While satisfying the above specifications, a design portraying feelings of mechanical precision, solidity and beautiful configuration was realized.

A 100V, 500W projection lamp was used as the light source. Together with a newly developed 25mm f/1.5 lens consisting of four lens elements and a condenser lens consisting of 2 elements, it achieved the brightness equivalent to 750W.