Digital projectors

Andrewz

Hi all,
Needs some help, looking of a good digital projector.

I'm in a photo club and I'm sick of my pictures looking like crap when projected! What research I've done has showen me a lot of projectors that are really great at showing movies. I just want something that is bright and will render great colors. Any suggestions?

Ironheart

You also need a good screen. A "white" wall will destroy your photos. A proper screen has the right amount of reflectence as well as proper color balance (you should calibrate the projector if possible). How much do you want to spend?

Msmoto

Oh, yes, mine look the same way....and as Ironheart has pointed out, the screen is very important.

In the photo-clubs I attend the images for everyone look over exposed. So, when I prepare the images for these venues, I make one which is darker than it should appear and the end result is fairly good. The problem with all these different locations and projectors is that often the projector is too bright or too dim for the particular room.

Andrewz

Looking for brand, make and model suggestions. Anybody? Epson 8500UB has anyone had experience with this one?

DenverShooter

I have used the Canon REALiS WUX10 Mark II and it was spectacular.

Huge cubic bucks at $6K list..

Denver Shooter

tektrader

Biggest single issue you will have with budget projectors is high black levels which reduce the contrast of your photos. At the moment the 1920x1080 LCOS projectors have the best black levels.

After quite a few years as a technician working on these sorts of new technology digital projectors. I exited the industry about 2 years ago. I dont think technology has changed much since then.

I suggest you look at the Sony or JVC projectors that use SRXD or LCOS technologies in their panel.

Have a look here for an idea of the latest tech for this equipment.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/lcos-projectors.php

Msmoto

I think DenverShooter and tektrader have it correct...like in car racing it is cubic dollars that wins......and LCOS requires cubic dollars...

But, with the optimal set up and good screen, proper exposure, the inexpensive ones can be quite nice in small rooms. I use these all the time and actually have found a flat white wall is sometimes much better than I would have expected. All amateur level of course. At a professional level I would follow the suggestions above and go with the $5,000 and up LCOS units.

Andrewz

I should have probably said in the 1-2K range. This is a photo club run on a very tight budget.

Anyone have any experience with the Epson 8350? For just over 1.2K they rated pretty good.

Trek trader, thanks for the link. Lots of good info.

DenverShooter

I used an Epson 7900 projector for 3 years on the road and it made really good images and wasn't a silly amount of money. If you can't swing the Canon the Epson will do a nice job.

Denver Shooter