Why are IMAX cameras so notoriously loud?

The noise is one of the reasons why IMAX movies aren't the dominant format in movie theaters. Most modern cinematic releases are filmed digitally, and those that aren't are probably using cameras that are less bulky and expensive.

For instance, "Filmed for IMAX" movies like Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning don't use film at all, but they're still shown in IMAX movie theatres. They use IMAX-certified digital cameras and feature scenes that use the expanded 1.90:1 aspect ratio, but because those cameras are entirely digital, the noise issue is avoided.

Even without a digital IMAX camera, there are still a few ways to offset the noise pollution, although it doesn't remove it completely. While IMAX cameras don't lend themselves to small, intimate sets or quiet moments of dialog, they're perfect for big action scenes with lots of noise. We've seen this used in No Time to Die, with its IMAX cameras used mainly for action and stunt sequences with minimal dialog. Any dialog spoiled by the IMAX camera can be rerecorded later using automated dialog replacement, or ADR, in post production.

There are even some physical ways to offset the issue. A "barney," a kind of soft-padded cover, can help reduce some of the mechanical sounds in IMAX setups. A "blimp," meanwhile, helps to create a rigid soundproof enclosure to isolate some of the noise. The problem with this is the weight. An older IMAX camera in a blimp can weigh as much as 275 pounds: this isn't the ideal camera for a single operator to move around a movie set.

Some effort is being made to improve the technology, though. IMAX has already developed a smaller, quieter camera called the Keighley, used to film Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. It uses an all-new blimp design that allows the production to record synchronized dialog, helping to capture usable sound while shooting to offset the problem. It's reported that the entire system weighed over 300 pounds.

Whether or not the new Keighley camera is enough to encourage more IMAX filmmaking remains to be seen. IMAX movies are premium experiences, but they're difficult to film, and few filmmakers have so far shown a desire to make them. Loud IMAX cameras are just one of the reasons, and making the camera quieter doesn't make things any cheaper or easier to handle.