A standard video transfer is insufficient. An requires machinery that treats the celluloid not as a picture, but as a data artifact.
The scanner uses a linear CCD array (not a digital camera sensor). The film physically moves past a stationary "line" of sensors. For 8K IMAX, the scanner must capture 8,000 pixels of red, green, and blue data for every millimeter of film movement. imax film scan
: While digital cameras often peak at 4K or 8K, a 15-perforation 70mm IMAX frame has a theoretical resolution of up to 18K . However, practical scans for editing and restoration typically range between 6K and 11K to maintain fidelity without creating unmanageable file sizes. A standard video transfer is insufficient
Here is what happens during a scan:
No pixels. Just picture. 📷