What is the best projector for projection mapping? It is a question that pops up often when it comes to finding a suitable projector for projection mapping. In practical terms, any projector can work fine for projection mapping. However, choosing your projector largely depends on your budget and how bright you desire the image quality.
Why would you want to put the work into your perfect projection show, and not having the best projector for Projection Mapping?
Well, that’s why we are here!
If you believe that creating a spectacular display for a group of audiences but thought it is too expensive, with projection mapping, you can dazzle the audience with animation, video, 3-dimensional displays, and now at affordable prices.
Why is this our top pick?
- 3,100 Lumens bright, perfect for any outdoor setup, and could even work in daylight due to its bright bulb.
- Lightweight, the last thing you need when your setting up your projection mapping display is to lug around a heavy projector, this is perfect due to its sleek design and lightweight body.
- The 300 inch image size is perfect for large screens, and large wall displays.
This is an amazing projector for video mapping, with its bright bulb and optimal high-resolution projections projection mapping with this projector works great! It has lots of connectivity so you can connect it to your laptop, or whatever device you are using for your projection software.
5 Best Projectors for Projection mapping
1. BenQ HT35500i UHD
BenQ is an industry leader in all things projectors, and they are making a big impact in the projection mapping industry!
This projector is the goliath of projection mapping and will be a great addition to your mapping tools whether you are just getting into mapping with projectors or are an expert in the field.
This BenQ can offer a wide range of variety and flexibility when it comes to mapping. To start with it has a wide range of vibrant colors to ensure razor-sharp performance which is what you expect from this type of projector.
When using this for projection mapping it will be able to perform unlike others with the 3840×2160 UHD resolution each and every detail will be visible which gives life to your projections.
Compatibility is one of the most important aspects for mapping projectors as you need to be able to connect your projection software properly to your projector. You will have no problem with his with the wifi, HDMI, and connectivity.
Quick Facts
This wireless 4k UHD projector with 95 percent DCI-P3 you can rest assured this will be a great projector and will handle just about anything you throw at it!
Pros
- Easy set-up out of the box
- Voice control with. google assistant on the included remote.
- Minimum throw distance of 1.13 feet.
Cons
- It is a bit pricer than the others, but the functionality makes it worth it.
2. Epson Home Cinema
With its 3,100 Lumens, the Epson Home Cinema 1060 Full HD is bright enough for projection during the day and even works well at night.
This innovation is a great mapping projector that can offer about 300-inches life-size images that can cover big walls with your projection. Due to its lightweight and portability, the Epson Home Cinema 1060 can be suitable for outside set-ups and other events where the projection is needed.
The 3,100 Lumens makes it deliver bright and colorful projection during the day time and at night time. This device qualifies as the best projector for video mapping because of its high resolution and about 300-inches image size; this, therefore, makes it suitable for large wall projection.
Quick Facts
The widescreen projector allows for your projection shows to be large and impressive. With 3100 lumens you will be sure to be able to see your projection in bright areas.
Pros
- The small size makes it portable for different events.
- The affordability allows for a low cost of entry
- Connectivity with all of the modern plugs.
Cons
- Since the price is quite affordable the quality is only 1080p and not 4k.
3. ViewSonic PX700HD
The ViewSonic 1080p projector is a heavy-duty and heavy projector. With its 3500 Lumens, it provides full 1080p resolutions. This is arguably the best projector for mapping though it’s not the best portable projector in the marketplace.
The SuperEco feature helps save energy and power consumption, thereby extending the lamp life by p to 15,000 hours. Also, the Full HD 1080p resolution makes it possible for it to provide sharp colors, beautiful images, and stunning details.
Therefore, the ViewSonic PX700HD has extensive connectivity options like USB power and dual inputs, making it a versatile choice for users. This projector is an excellent short-throw projector suitable for projection mapping, so users are sure of getting big pictures at a short distance.
Quick Facts
It has a resolution of 3500 lumens and can project on a screen of about 300 inches to give you the full projection experience.
Pros
- Flexible connectivity with HDMI and USB.
- Lamp lasts for up to 15,000 hours.
- VIbrant cinematic colors with SuperColor technology.
Cons
- The design is outdated and not as portable as some others.
4. InFocus IN112XA
The InFocus IN112XA Projector, with its 3,800 Lumens, delivers better images on any surface and in any light. Also, DLP technology helps the projector to produce clear and sharp pictures in any setting.
The 26,000:1 contrast ratio makes this device great for mapping. It gives bright and colorful pictures, even when the lights are on. Also, the contrast ratio offers a fully immersive experience. This projector supports multiple forms of 3D (3D broadcasting, Blu-Ray, PC, and video games. It has a resolution of 800 × 600 SVGA which, when partnered with Blu-Ray, offers an incredible 3D visual quality.
If you are considering buying a budget-friendly projector, then the InFocus IN112XA projector would provide all the features to give a great viewing experience.
Quick Facts
This affordable projector is 3d ready, and even comes with speakers so you don’t need to out and get some others.
Pros
- Two HDMI slots for easy connectivity.
- 3800 Lumens for bright events.
- Viewing size of 28″ to 300″
Cons
- It doesn’t have the best quality with only 800 x 600 resolution.
5. BenQ MW612
The BenQ MW612 projector is the ideal mapping projector, especially for light-on presentations in bright event centers. The 400 Lumens helps to deliver the excellent image quality and sharp colors. Also, it is designed to have crisp text readability for documents and files.
The high contrast and pixel factor make BenQ MW612 produce the real black and improves the readability of all characters, graphs, and charts. Also, the fill factor improves clarity for white and black or color images, thereby reducing eye straining for presenters and audiences.
Therefore, you can refer to BenQ MW612 as the best projector for mapping. Its fantastic quality features made it the toast of many people.
Quick Facts
With a contrast ratio of 20,000 to one, you will be able to see in bright rooms and the projection will be seen on dark surfaces.
Pros
- High contrast ratio.
- WXGA 4000 Lumens.
- Wireless compatibility.
Cons
- It can only be mounted on ceilings.
6. Mini Projector
The Mini Projector can be regarded as a smart multimedia projector because of its advanced features. The 4000 Lumens ensures that it can be used for both day and night purposes while the contrast of 3000:1 and HDR 10 features guarantees a detailed and clearer picture.
This device qualifies to be called one of the most efficient projectors for video mapping because it supports 3D SBS, 3D TNB, Blu-Ray. Besides, users can enjoy 3D movies or gaming using the 3D source and watch it directly with 3D glasses.
Also, the built-in stereo speakers make it possible for users to get louder sounds when projecting the content from your device. The Mini Projector is designed with an advanced fan cooling system; this means the projector can work for an extended period without being damaged by heat.
It is also designed with 2.4G/5.0G double-band Wi-Fi that can be used to surf the internet, run streaming, and media apps like YouTube. The digital zoom, coupled with the vertical/horizontal keystone, delivers a complete picture.
This is a great choice for on the go projecting and also for smaller projector rooms, we like this one a lot for its smaller size, while still being a great option for your projection needs.
Quick Facts
This portable mini projector will be great for taking around to show your projections with others. It is wireless and you can even connect to it with your phone.
Pros
- Easy portability.
- 4k HDMI connectivity.
- Large speakers for an immersive experience.
Cons
- It has a small projection area making mapping difficult.
Projection mapping is a highly complicated and sophisticated area that not many people know about. The most basic way to start Projection mapping is to make a design with a software called heavym.net this software allows you to make designs for your surface. Heavym allows users to map the surface they want to make their projection onto. Then you create your projection of what you want where, so you can see where each element is going to be projected to ensure your design is stunning! You can also import your own photos and videos into Heavym which will automatically adapt it to be used on your projection mapping surfaces.
Finding the Projector for your needs
Brightness
Projecting in an environment with a lot of light would make the projection faded and weak, so it is essential to choose bright projectors with a lot of Lumens to ensure that the projection comes out good and excellent. The brightness is often measured in Lumen; however, 1 Lumen is approximately equal to the light produced by a lit candle.
It is advisable to settle for between 1000 – 1500 Lumens if needed in a dim environment and buy a projector of about 3000 Lumens if you would be using it in space that is well lit. This would ensure that the screen is seen. So, the brighter the projector, the better the readability and image output.
Resolution
The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the image the projector would produce. If you are projecting colors and animations, it would be recommended to settle for a projector that is higher than 800 × 600.
So, the higher the resolution, the better it is for the projector to produce an amazing viewing experience.
Throw Ratio
The Throw ratio is the projected image size based on how far the projector is from the stand. Several projectors are designed to have a certain foot that can g
et up to 15 feet. Also, some larger projectors can even get up to 30 feet.
Therefore, a short-throw projector does not need a lot of space or length between the projector and the wall. It can simply be placed closer to the object that you would be projecting to. However, if you have a lot of space between the projector and the screen, a long throw projector is recommended.
However, it would be good to note that short-throw projectors are usually more expensive and are not easy to come by.
Contrast
This is the difference between light and dark. The greater the difference, the greater the contrast. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a projector that comes with a wide contrast range; this would make it possible for users to adjust the image until the preferred image is gotten easily.
Screen Size
This is not the screen size on the projector but the size of the surface upon which the projector would be projected.
It is crucial to be sure of the size of the surface you intend to project on and the mounting distance between the projector and the surface. It is recommended that the measurement aligns with your projector.
Life Expectancy
Projectors come in two varieties; LED projectors and laser projection systems. LED projectors are usually weak because of their contrast ratio and the luminosity, but they boost a longer lifespan (about 20,000 hours) than the traditional projectors.
Projection mapping is not the same as a regular projection. Unlike the regular projection where you project on a white screen or background, projection mapping involves you projecting on a colored surface having a background that that is not very smooth. So, users must settle for bright projectors that would make your projection stand out.
Final Words
Projection mapping has been around for some time now but it is just starting to take off. The new possibilities that protection mapping allows are amazing! For instance being able to project images and videos onto 3d objects such as buildings is crazy and would not have been possible without this new technology.
It can help in the advertising world, and even for architects and it helps see how everything will look later. This technology is very exciting and the new possibilities are just starting to show themselves. Hoping on the new wave of projection technology can be one way to ensure your ahead of you competition and unlike some companies, you don’t get left behind in the new age of technology.
James has been a tech fanatic for years, from taking apart old electronics and putting them back together to now learning what more technology has to offer. He constantly is learning more regarding the tech industry. As the creator of Internet Bankroll, his mission is to provide unbiased tech information to everyone!
