The concept of projection mapping is interesting, but it also appears surreal at times. How do we perceive buildings shaped into colourful objects? Have you ever wondered when you saw it in a building or even in a small space?
Technology has proven to be so innovative and mind-blowing that even the Burj Khalifa’s facade can display anything. And for that, you should have the best projectors for projection mapping.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROJECTION MAPPING?
Projectors are devices that project images and video onto a flat screen or surface. They are used in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and schools. Projection mapping, on the other hand, is a completely different animal. Images are projected onto non-flat surfaces or objects. To put it another way, various objects are used to display images on them.
Given that technology knows no bounds in terms of what it can do, the purpose of projection mapping has been to make visuals more interesting through 3D. As you may be aware, projection mapping is used in a variety of settings, ranging from small buildings and skyscrapers to theatres and concerts.
How is projection mapping done?
With the help of video projectors and other software. However, there are a few requirements that must be met in order to find the right video projectors.
BEST PROJECTORS FOR PROJECTION MAPPING: BUYING GUIDE
- RESOLUTION: Whatever the purpose of the projector, the first thing to consider is the resolution. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality. In the case of projection mapping, a high-resolution projector is essential because it is the output that is important. The most popular resolutions are 1080p and 720p, but any resolution greater than 800×600 should work just fine.
- BRIGHTNESS: In terms of brightness, it is always necessary to purchase a projector with high lumen output and the ability to deliver bright picture quality without straining your eyes. The brightness is directly proportional to the location of the projection mapping.
- LAMP LIFE– Each projector has a different lamp life. However, because the purpose is different here, a projector with a long lamp life would be ideal. Every lamp is known to burn out after a certain amount of use. However, the longer the lamp life, the less likely the lamp will burn out quickly.
- CONTRAST RATIO: When it comes to contrast ratio, all you need to remember is that the projector’s contrast ratio should be high. A contrast ratio of 30000:1 produces better results than a contrast ratio of 3000:1.
In case you still have doubts on how to pick the right projector, head over here – How to choose the right projection mapping projector?
Now without further ado, let’s move on to some of the best projectors for projection mapping that we have curated just for you.
No. | Product | Rating | Price |
1. | BENQ HT3550i | ||
2. | QKK MINI PROJECTOR | ||
3. | VIEWSONIC PG800HD | ||
4. | BENQ MH535FDH | ||
5. | OPTOMA HD28HDR | ||
6. | BENQ MW612 | ||
7. | WOWOTO M5 MINI PROJECTOR | ||
8. | BENQ HT2050A | ||
9. | VIEWSONIC PA503W | ||
10. | AZEUS RD-822 |
1. BENQ HT3550i (OUR TOP PICK!)
RATING: 4.4/ 5
The BenQ HT3550i projector is a model that stands out. It has been named the best projector for projector mapping. It has a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 4K UHD, which makes your viewing experience more enjoyable.
The HDR Pro technology allows for more detailed images. Contrast and details are especially important in mapping. This feature allows you to watch 4K HDR Blue-Ray movies with a DCI-P3 colour gamut. The projector has a brightness of 2000 lumens, which is said to be sufficiently clear and bright.
The best feature is the projector’s lamp life, which is 4000 hours in normal mode, 10000 hours in eco mode, and 15000 hours in SmartEco mode. The contrast ratio is 30000:1, which is desirable.
The projector also has a number of connectivity options, including three HDMI ports and two USB ports that can be used to project content directly without the use of a cable. This projector is powered by Android TV, which allows you to watch movies, TV shows, live sports, play games, and more.
Also Read: Best Projector For Daylight Viewing [2021]
2. QKK MINI PROJECTOR (Amazon’s #1 Best Seller)
RATING: 4.5/ 5
The QKK 2021 Mini Projector has a native resolution of 720p (it was actually upgraded from 480p to 720p), and a supported resolution of 1080p. This projector is best suited for home entertainment.
It has a brightness of 6500 lumens, which has been improved by 50%. The lamp has a 50000-hour life expectancy, which is a plus. The contrast ratio is 2000:1, which is lower than that of most projectors. But still, QKK assures a good picture quality. In addition, the projector has a large screen display range of 1.5-5m.
The projector has an LED light source, which is said to protect your eyes from strain. Connectivity options include AV/USB/SD/HDMI/VGA/Headphone plug, allowing you to play most media players such as PCs, Macs, video games such as PS3/Xbox, blue-ray DVD player, TV stick, Roku stick, and mobile devices on it.
3. VIEWSONIC PG800HD (AMAZON’S CHOICE)
RATING: 4.2/5
The ViewSonic PG800HD projector is one of the best projectors for projector mapping available. For starters, it is suitable for large venues such as auditoriums and clubs as well as professional installations. It has a Full HD 1080p resolution, which provides sharp image quality.
The brightness is 5000 lumens, providing bright images even in large spaces. The projector also has an excellent contrast ratio of 50000:1. This projector also has 1.3x optical zoom, a centred lens, vertical lens shift, and vertical keystone. The SuperColour technology includes a 6-segment colour wheel that is said to sharpen images and improve colour accuracy. The projector has a lamp life of only 2000 hours.
In terms of connectivity, the projector is compatible with the majority of media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, with input options including HDMI, USB, and others.
4. BENQ MH535FDH
RATING: 4.5/ 5
The BenQ MH535FHD projector can be used both indoors and outdoors. With 1080 3D resolution, which produces clear and sharp image quality when compared to other projectors. It has a brightness of 3600 lumens, which is said to be bright enough for any situation.
Also the sharp native contrast ratio of 15000:1, which is said to be superior to those with dynamic contrast ratios. In SmartEco mode, the projector has a lamp life of 15000 hours. It also has features like vertical keystone correction and 1.2x zoom, making it simple to install.
Two HDMI inputs allow you to watch HD and other streaming content.
Also Read: Best 4K Projector Under $2000 in [2021]
5. OPTOMA HD28HDR
RATING: 4.5/ 5
The Optoma HD28HDR projector is suitable for any environment, including conference rooms, your home, or a classroom. It can also project onto any surface. This projector’s resolution is 1080p with 4K UHD plus HDR input, which provides stunning and clear images. The brightness is 3600 lumens, which is suitable for any environment. It also features a 6 segment colour wheel, which produces accurate images with the Rec.709 colour profile.
It has a 50000:1 contrast ratio, which allows for crispness and depth. The Dynamic Black technology provides more depth by smoothing the lamp output. In this projector, bright scenes are clear and dark scenes are detailed.
It also has a 15000-hour lamp life. An integrated speaker delivers powerful sound, and two HDMI inputs allow you to connect to a variety of devices such as set-top boxes, game consoles, and HDMI dongles.
6. BENQ MW612
RATING: 4.5/ 5
The BenQ MW612 Projector is best suited for business projection mapping. It has a resolution of 1280 x 800 WXGA, which results in the clearest images. It also has a large screen that can be up to 120″ in size. The projector has a brightness of 4000 lumens, which is quite bright. The contrast ratio is 20000:1, which reduces strain on the eyes.
The projector has high-quality glass lenses that provide crisp images and minimal aberrations for long-term use. The exclusive infographic mode generates more detailed text and graphics. The vertical keystone feature enables quick and simple image alignment. This projector’s lamp life is 15000 hours, and the SmartEco technology saves up to 70% of lamp power.
There are two HDMI inputs, a 5V/1.5A USB power supply, and MHL connectivity options. Optional wireless dongles, QCast or QCast Mirror HDMI Wireless Dongle, are also available to deliver wireless presentations.
7. WOWOTO M5 MINI PROJECTOR
RATING: 3.8/ 5
The WOWOTO mini projector has a screen size of up to 200″ inches. This is ideal for home entertainment, business, and even outdoor use. This projector has a resolution of 854 x 480p, which is lower than that of the majority of projection mapping projectors on the market. It does, however, support resolutions such as 1080P and 4K.
Particularly this also has advanced DLP technology, which results in vibrant images. The projector is 3D SBS and BluRay 3D compatible.
The brightness is 4000 lumens, which provides adequate brightness in both light and dark conditions. The HDR 10 and 3000:1 contrast ratio provide detailed images on the screen. This projector’s lamp life is 30000 hours, and it is claimed that you can watch a movie for 4 hours straight.
The projector is compatible with HDMI 1.2&2.0, SD, USB, 1+16G storage, and a wealth of resources. With its 2. 4G/5G dual-band Wi-Fi, you can enjoy a more stable signal and faster network speed. Music, photos, and videos can be streamed to your projector via Ushare or Airplay mirroring from your phone, tablet, or PC.
8. BENQ HT2050A
RATING: 4.7/ 5
The BenQ HT2050A is an award-winning projector that is best suited for use in large rooms. This can project large screens of up to 300″ in any location. Also, It has a Full HD 1080P resolution and uses DLP technology. Particularly It also has a Rec.709 accuracy of more than 96 per cent for cinematic colours.
With 2200 lumen brightness and a high contrast ratio of 15000:1. It also employs CinematicColor technology for image colour precision.
The lamp life of the projector is 3500 hours in normal mode, 5000 hours in Eco mode, and 7000 hours in SmartEco mode. It’s primarily used for home entertainment, gaming, music, and sports. Most media players, gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices are supported by the projector, which has input options such as HDMI, USB, and more.
9. VIEWSONIC PA503W
RATING: 4.6/ 5
In terms of quality and colour accuracy, the ViewSonic PA503W projector stands out. It supports resolutions ranging from VGA to Full HD and has a native resolution of 1280 x 800 WXGA (1920×1080). The projector has a brightness of 3800 lumens, making it suitable for any environment. Bright images are guaranteed in all environments.
It has a contrast ratio of 22000:1 when used in SuperEco mode. The projector’s SuperColor technology produces colours that are viable, accurate, and realistic. 3D content from HDMI-enabled devices and 3D Blu-ray players can also be displayed. It also supports vertical keystone correction.
The lamp life of the projector is 5000 hours in Normal mode and 15000 hours in SuperEco mode. The projector is compatible with media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, and has input options such as HDMI, VGA, and others.
10. AZEUS RD-822
RATING: 4.5/ 5 (AMAZON’S CHOICE)
Because it is best suited for Ultra wide screen projections, the Azeus RD-822 projector is one of the best projectors for projection mapping. You can also get a theatre-like viewing experience with this. The projectors have a native resolution of 1280×720 and a supporting resolution of 1920×1080. The 6000 lumens brightness is said to be 80 per cent higher than that of other projectors.
The contrast ratio is 3000:1, which appears to be a reasonable value. The LCD display technology ensures a lamp life of up to 50000 hours. This projector also has a heat dissipation and noise reduction system. It is appropriate for a wide range of applications, including home entertainment, business settings, and all types of spaces. The AZEUS RD-822 mini projector has two HDMI ports, two USB ports, as well as VGA, AV, and audio outputs. It is also simple to connect with your phone and Ipad.
CONCLUSION
Projection mapping is unlike any other type of projection and necessitates a custom-made projector that includes all of the necessary features. All of the projectors listed above are the best projection mapping projectors on the market. You can buy the right projector for your needs and get the most out of it!
FAQs
Do you need a special projector for projection mapping?
Yes, in most cases, because the projector you select is determined by the location of your projection mapping. Because projection mapping differs from a typical projection on a flat screen, greater quality and precision are required. This is why a good projector with good brightness, resolution, throw ratio, and so on is required.
What is the best projection mapping software?
Some of the best projection mapping software includes Visution Mapio (ideal for 3D mapping), Madmapper, Isadora, HeavyM, Resolume Arena, TouchDesigner, and others.
Is projection mapping expensive?
Because video development takes time, projection mapping considers several factors such as the cost of projectors, media servers, and hard drives. In the United States, a projection mapping service is said to cost around $10,000 for one minute of 3D video content. However, keep in mind that projection mapping can be done on any budget.