IMAX 70mm is still the absolute benchmark for film quality, and has been so for decades. A really rough estimate is you'd need a 15-20k digital projector to approach the resolution of the film.
However, IMAX tried to go mass-market around 2008 and that's why you see so many supposedly-IMAX theaters now.
They typically use 2K DLP projectors. Yeah, basically the same res as a gaming PC from 2011.
My theater has the crummy 2k digital, and let em tell you, you can DEFINITELY see the pixels. I would call it passable but it's not really great at all. The only benefit of these IMAX locations is that normal digital cinema can be even worse!
There are newer 4k laser projectors that some theaters are retrofitting into their old huge IMAX locations, but these still aren't going to hold a candle. 4k still isn't even enough to really come close to 35mm.
However, IMAX tried to go mass-market around 2008 and that's why you see so many supposedly-IMAX theaters now. They typically use 2K DLP projectors. Yeah, basically the same res as a gaming PC from 2011.
My theater has the crummy 2k digital, and let em tell you, you can DEFINITELY see the pixels. I would call it passable but it's not really great at all. The only benefit of these IMAX locations is that normal digital cinema can be even worse!
There are newer 4k laser projectors that some theaters are retrofitting into their old huge IMAX locations, but these still aren't going to hold a candle. 4k still isn't even enough to really come close to 35mm.
The digital tech just isn't there yet.