Best Video Projectors for 3D Video Mapping

Top Video Mapping projectors for video projection mapping

You have video mapping content ready, you spent countless hours creating. But you still need a video projector to project that content and create that spectacular projection mapping show. In this post, we bring to you the best video projectors for projection mapping.  As with every step of a projection mapping project, it all comes down to the size of the projected area. Whether you are planning to do a large scale building projection or a small product projection mapping we have you covered. Depending on the scale of your project, you may need several projectors. But in most cases, one will suffice.

Here are some factors you’ll want to consider when buying/renting a video projector:

Throw Ratio/Lens: This will determine how large your image will appear, depending on the distance from your projected object. For example, if the lens has a 1:1 ratio you will get a 1-foot wide image when the distance between the projector and object is 1 foot. A shorter throw ratio gives a wider image.

Resolution: Higher resolution projectors makes your image clearer. Projecting on bigger surfaces will require you to use Full HD (1920×1080), whereas on a smaller object you could use smaller resolutions. If you/your client has the budget go for a 4K video projector if you have the content. If you dont have 4K content you can take a lootk to our VJ Loops Shop  – We produced different video art content for video mapping  in wide range of resolutions. Full HD,  Ultra HD, Ultrawide, 4K or even 8K Visuals.

Various Video Projector Resolutions

SVGA = 800 x 600 (800 squares across and 600 squares down)
XGA = 1024 x 768
WXGA = 1280 x 800
WUXGA = 1920 x 1080

There are also two types of HDTV resolutions you will see:

720p = 1280 x 720
1080p = 1920 x 1080

Brightness: The brightness of a projector is referred to in Lumens. Needless to say, larger scale events will require high-brightness projectors like 14K+ Lumens, whereas for small objects event a 7K Lumens (ANSI) projector will work.  One lumen is approximately equal to the amount of light a lit candle will produce. A standardized procedure for testing projectors for brightness has been established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Video mapping projectors for projection mapping shows.

Christie
One of the leading manufacturers of projectors, Christie provides a wide range of projectors to choose from. For a large scale event, we recommend the Christie® 3DLP projectors, using light more efficiently to display image, data or video, with clarity and brilliance. You can choose between a 5000 Lumen up to 45,000 Lumen. The brighter the better.

Barco
Another leader in projection technology, Barco often goes head to head with Christie. Barco’s are reliable professional grade projectors which are perfect for large scale projection mapping.  Barco XDL-4K60 gives you an impressive 60,000 Lumens to play with 4K, 3-chip DLP RGB laser. You can’t go wrong with a Barco.

Benq
You could look at getting a BenQ projector for those medium size shows/club gigs. BenQ makes some good projectors with high brightness/contrast, which is what you want when looking for smaller projection mapping projectors. Again you can choose from a wide range of projectors, we recommend the BenQ PX9710 which gives you 7000lumens of brightness to play with.

Projectors you can use for a smaller video projection mapping setup.
These make a good choice for beginners who want to learn and experiment with projection mapping. Or use in projects that require smaller objects to be projected on.

Epson
Another leader in AV technology, Epson has been innovating and producing some great projection technology like the LightScene projector. However, for the purpose of projection mapping we could use any of their other projectors. Like the PowerLite 2142W WXGA 3LCD

BenQ
BenQ again as these have proven to be very realiable projectors, with good contrast/brightness and resolutions. Getting a clear image on output is important when projection mapping, therefore you could select from the BenQ W series or M series. We would recommend looking at the BenQ HT2050A with 2200 lumens and Full HD resolution 1920×1080 this can make a good projector for practice and experiments.

ViewSonic
ViiewSonic has been in the game for a long time, a reliable company who provide good quality products. You could look at ViewSonic 3600 Lumens WXGA projector, that gives you a 1280 x 800 output.

Don’t go for cheap LED Projectors! You get what you pay for.

Cheap LED projectors have flooded the market. The price looks great, but beware! If you are on a limited budget, it is better to buy a used, high-quality projector, than a cheap new one. If you see an LED projector, take the advertised lumens number, divide by 3 and that will give you the actual ANSI lumens. For example: an LED projector advertised at 3000 lumens is probably only 1000 ANSI lumens. You could use almost any projector for projections mapping, as long as you have good brightness and contrast on the projector. Remember to choose a throw ratio according to your object size and distance from the object.  You can find many more articles on VJing, Video Projection Mapping and all 4k vj loops. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to our LIME ART GROUP BLOG https://limeartgroup.com/blog/

Best wishes from Vienna,
Thanks for your attention, faithfully yours,
Alexander Kuiava – Founder & CEO LIME ART GROUP
https://alexanderkuiava.com/