Which Nolan film was the first to be partially shot with IMAX cameras?

The Dark Knight was the first Nolan film to be partially shot with IMAX cameras. Nolan used the format for six major sequences, including the opening bank robbery and parts of the Batman–Joker action, creating about 28 minutes of IMAX footage.

The choice was technically difficult. IMAX cameras were much larger, heavier, noisier, and more expensive to operate than standard 35 mm cameras. The crew began testing the equipment months before filming, and the bank-heist sequence was scheduled early so it could be reshot in a conventional format if necessary.

The film combined IMAX photography with Panavision 35 mm footage rather than being shot entirely in IMAX. That is why the image sometimes expands vertically during major set pieces. The Dark Knight Rises later used substantially more IMAX footage, while Dunkirk made IMAX the primary shooting format.

A common mix-up is confusing the first partially IMAX-shot feature with Nolan’s later films. Interstellar and Inception were released afterward, and Batman Begins used conventional photography.