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Michael Bay and Imax's 3D cinema camera (pictures)

Action-movie director Michael Bay used Imax's massive 3D, 4K videocamera to shoot "Transformers: Age of Extinction." Here's a look at the technology.

Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Stephen Shankland
The Imax 3D Digital Camera is a 38-pound custom-built tool for making 4K movies.
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Imax 3D Digital Camera

The Imax 3D Digital Camera is a 38-pound custom-built tool for making 4K movies.

For "Transformers: Age or Extinction," the 3D camera was lowered rapidly down the side of a skyscraper for a scene with dueling robots.
2 of 8 Imax

Imax 3D Digital Camera

For "Transformers: Age or Extinction," the 3D camera was lowered rapidly down the side of a skyscraper for a scene with dueling robots.

Director and executive producer Michael Bay (right) shooting "Transformers: Age of Extinction" in China.
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Imax 3D Digital Camera

Director and executive producer Michael Bay (right) shooting "Transformers: Age of Extinction" in China.

The Imax 3D Digital Camera can shoot 4K video at up to 100 frames per second.
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Imax 3D Digital Camera

The Imax 3D Digital Camera can shoot 4K video at up to 100 frames per second.

The 38-pound camera is still small enough to be mounted atop a Porsche Cayenne.
5 of 8 Imax

Imax 3D Digital Camera

The 38-pound camera is still small enough to be mounted atop a Porsche Cayenne.

Digital is gaining importance in cinema, but film still is widely used.
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Kodak movile film

Digital is gaining importance in cinema, but film still is widely used.

Imax's 3D Digital Camera mounted on a remote-control crane.
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Imax 3D Digital Camera

Imax's 3D Digital Camera mounted on a remote-control crane.

Michael Bay and Imax 3D Digital Camera
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Michael Bay and Imax 3D Digital Camera

Michael Bay touts the Imax 3D Digital Camera.

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