Projector Opinions

[WarrenG]

So with the move from old studio to the new, I now have the space for a sales / projector room. In looking at projectors I find they are as varied as the stuff we shoot with.

As with anything, I am looking for the most bang for my somewhat underfunded budget.

Here is what I have narrowed down to:

Epson EX51 epson EX51

NEC NP215 NEC | NP215 DLP XGA 2500 Lumens Projector | NP215 | B&H Photo

Optoma Pro250x optoma technology pro250x

Vivitek 825mx vivitek 825mx

So, does anyone have (or) used one of the above? Opinions in general? Any brand or model recommendations? I have already looked at doing a TV, but like the option of being able to have portable projection.

Thanks in advance...

W

[Noe]

I have not used the specific models that you listed. However, I have an Optama and have been using it for about 2.5 years. So far no problems with it. It is light and easy to carry. I have not changed the lamp since I bought it.
I have also used Epson projectors and what I notice with them is that after a few months, you have to change the filter and you get a pretty big warning on the screen. I have never had to replace the bulb on the epson eiither.

From the ones you have listed. I would choose the one with the highest lumens and contrast ratio. The higher the lumens the brighter it is. Mine is 2000 lumens and if there is too much light in the room I don't get a good picture. I need it pretty dark in the room to see it bright and sharp.

Hope this helps.

[WarrenG]

Thanks Noe,

I actually got to play around with the Optoma and the Epson today at Fry's. I thought the Optoma had a better picture quality, but then I think those are pretty jacked up because everyone tinkers with them. To me the pro's of the Epson were the HDMI connectivity (which is what my laptop has) and the USB / Flash option.... but then your input suggests that it may be a little more labor intensive.

Thanks for the feedback!

w

[WarrenG]

Wow! Is this thing on <tapping on keyboard> or did I stumble upon the closest kept secret in photography?

[bondarnes]

I recommend the projector people. They work with a lot of photographers and their website has one section just for pro photographers.

Projector People : LCD and DLP Projectors for Digital Imaging Photography Professionals

[WarrenG]

Thanks Don... I did get a chance to read that when I did the search and saw one of your previous threads. In the end I wound up going with the Optoma so we will see how it works out.

Cheers,

W

[Noe]

There is HDMI to DVI adapter that you can buy at Fry's, Target, or Walmart. I currently use one for my Optoma/

[Nikonfan]

Hi Warren,

Not sure if you have already made your purchase, but I would deffinately go with the Optoma Pro250x. I have had three projectors over the last 6 years and use it as my living room t.v. Well, it's a full home theater system in my living room, but it makes a great t.v. too. My current projector is 2,500 lumens and I still wish it were brighter. Don't get me wrong, that's extremely bright for a projector but in my experience, the more lumens the better! Not to mention the Optomo has a great contrast ratio which improves your "darks." Also, Optomo is well known for quality projectors. It looks like they all have a native XGA resolution which means they all have high def capability if you choose to use it for video. Finally, you may want to find out what the native aspect ratio is. This can sometimes be hard information to find. Native 4:3 is good for displaying photo's or computer images. However, 16:9 will be better for movies in the widescreen format. It is the equivilant of matching an FX lens to and FX camera.

[Daniel W.]

All in here is right, and just like Mr. Barnes mentioned about the Projector People, I have called them and given them the dimensions, descriptions of window, screen location, and audience size and they were able to knock out a recommendation of both projector and lens.

Now, as a former A/V specialist, I prefer rear projection on a good screen. You can DIY with some vinyls and whatnot, but the frame, tension, and material can outweigh a kit or pro install when you want to avoid hotspots and whatnot. Rear projection can be manipulated through mirrors (just mirrors, no smoke) if space requires, but make sure you use a highly reflective one. Mylar, is my choice. Your standard decorative mirror isn't that transmissive, and will degrade the image (but then again, not all people notice these things).

If I have to go with a front-projection setup, I prefer a rear-of room with a long throw lens. Ceiling mounted, please. This keeps the unit away from the guests, and for all conveniences, wire the inputs into a panel on the wall. Keystone correction is all well and fine, but nothing is better than elevating the projector closer to parallel of the screen. We spend hours tweaking pixels to perfection, no need to alter them further with built-in digital tinkerings of a projector. Now, I don't necessary lambast (or, lambaste) the front projection system, but rear projection systems typically lose less light, thus a better image. However, I'm rarely happy with front-end systems. Unless it's 2-3 Barcos in array, but that's a completely different realm.