Best Projector for Projection Mapping

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Updated Jan 25, 2023

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You are probably wondering which projector is best for projection mapping? How can I start projection mapping?

In general, 3d video mapping can be done with any projector. However, it depends on the brightness as well as the money in your pocket. Projection mapping is all about using a projector to create the projections not onto the usual 2D screens but also 3D objects.

3D mapping allows you to experience where the projections come to life. It is used for various purposes, such as product launches and events in places where large space is required, such as wedding events.

One of the best ways to do great project mapping is to buy a projector because any projector allows mapping. Here is the description of some top-rated video projectors for our research. If you are looking to buy the best projector for projection mapping, read the complete article.

If you are a beginner, it is recommended to pick a short-throw projector. The reason is, a normal project is placed about two feet away from the projection surface of the display. On the other hand, a short-throw projector allows you to position a projector closer to the display surface.

Before you buy a projector make sure you check this detailed and ultra helpful guide to help you decide which is the best projector for you according to your personal needs: How to Choose the Right Projector for Different Room Sizes & Uses

No.

Model

Our Rating

Lumens

Price

1. Our Choice

2700

2. Best Premium

3200

3. Best Budget

9500

4.

Epson Home Cinema 1060 Full HD

3100

5.

WOWOTO M5 Mini Projector

4000

6.

BenQ MH535FDH 1080P

3300

7.

ViewSonic PG800HD

5000

8.

Christie Digital Systems HD14K-M/ 3-DLP

30000

9.

BenQ HT8050 4K

2200

10.

 ViewSonic 1080p

3500

Best Projectors for Projection Mapping – Buying Guide

Here are some essential factors to consider if you want the best video projectors for projection mapping for all budgets. These factors will help you a lot to get the device according to your needs and budget.

Price

Every individual has a different budget to purchase a projector for projection mapping. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the best budget and the amount for projection mapping fall into the mid-range. The expensive range is not always the best option and cheap projectors are not bright for projection mapping. It is suggested to get a projector that’s mid-ranged to fulfill all the major and minor requirements. The determining factor between led projectors and dlp projectors is the budget, with dlp projectors being more expensive than led projectors.

Contrast Ratio

The contrast ratio is the difference in brightness between the dark and light parts of the projection. It is essential to keep in mind that a high contrast ratio allows better and more vibrant colors. However, space itself must be dark. If the projection surface is not dark, the effect from the contrast ratio cannot show. The brighter the projector, the better the readability or image output.

Lifespan

Lifespan is one of the essential factors in the purchasing of the best projector for projection mapping. The reason is that projection mapping is not something we do at home. These projections are frequently used. However, it seems normal that the light of every projector’s bulb goes down after a certain period.

Replacement is needed for commercial use and heavily daily. For this purpose, there is a need to buy a projector with the highest lifespan. According to a rough estimation, a lamp life of 50,000 hours means that the brightness goes down to half after the lamp has been used for this time. However, the higher the lamp life means that the lamp can go longer.

Brightness

No doubt, projecting with a lot of light makes the projection fade and weak. In order to overcome these issues, there is a great need to buy a bright projector with many Lumens. The lumens ensure the projection comes out good and excellent. However, the brightness is often measured in Lumen, and 1 lumen is equal to the light produced by a lit candle.

Resolutions

It is fascinating to know that the best mapping projector comes with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, which should give a good output image in terms of clarity. Higher resolution projectors always give a clear image with a better projection quality. It is suggested to pick an HD projector or one that has a resolution of more than 800 x 600.

Throw distance

It denotes the distance between your projector and the screen required for optimal image production. Short-distance projectors along with premium mapping tools are the key to high-quality 3D mapping. Moreover, knowing the screen size and the distance from which it should be projected beforehand comes to great use when using it professionally to create projection mapping.

How Did We Choose The Best Projection Mapping Projectors?

We wanted to provide options for all budgets, this is why you will find all kinds of projectors in this list, ranging from high-end to entry-level. However, one thing common in all is their adaptability for video mapping.

To make an excellent projection mapping projector; it needs to mark certain checks. From the resolution and brightness to the throw ratio; it should have the perfect blend of all for premium projection technology.

When it comes to mapping; you need a projector that can display a minimum of a 300-inch picture without compromising on the quality. Since mapping is usually done for an audience on a large scale; you cannot afford a dull projected image.

A native resolution of 1080p, 3000-lumen brightness, and 10,000:1 contrast ratio is a pretty good start for your projector hunt. Rest assured, all the projectors in this list not only fulfill this basic criterion but also feature some other amazing perks elaborated further down.

Top 13 Best Projector for Projection Mapping

1. Epson Home Cinema 2200– Editor’s Choice

Brightness: 2,700 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 4,500 hours – 7,500 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 35,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

Pros:

  • Voice search capabilities
  • 3 LCD technology  
  • Android TV interface

Cons:

  • No 4K
  • No HDR compatibility

Epson much like Optoma, is also one of the household names for equipment related to image production. The Epson Home Cinema 2200 maintains the reputation Epson has built for itself by giving some of the best display and features available in mapping projectors. The Epson Home Cinema 2200 has a lower brightness ceiling than the previously mentioned but it can go for a longer lamp life in the economic mode.

It also has 10-Watt built in speakers and this is an Android system-based projector. This means that you can work it almost like how you would an Android TV. You can access many of the most popular content apps and display the content through the projector. You can also use the Android system to access Google Assistant and use voice commands and controls.

It employs 3 chip LCD display technology so you get the best image quality possible while also making sure no rainbow particles reduce the viewing pleasure. The 3 LCD chips also make sure the RGB color combinations are displayed perfectly integrated for every frame. It also supports a Full HD 3D display and 30″ to 300″ projected size.

Comparing the Epson 2200 to the older brother Epson Home Cinema 2250, you’ll notice an almost identical spec sheet. The Epson 2250 does have a higher 70,000:1 contrast ratio and 1.6x zoom but at a considerably higher price.

Considering you can get most of the same Epson 2250 features at the Epson 2200’s price tag speaks volumes about its value-to-performance ratio. The Epson 2200 beats out the Epson 2250 for its essential projection mapping features at a great price.

A higher zoom and contrast ratio isn’t enough to justify the 2250’s price tag, especially for projection mapping purposes.

A major downside of the Epson 2200 is its rather limited connectivity options. While you do have Wi-Fi, voice search function and streaming app availability, you are quite limited when it comes to wired connections. It has only one HDMI slot and has no HDR compatibility. Also it does not have any 4K capabilities either like some of its competitors in the same price range.

2.  Optoma HD26 – Best Premium

Brightness: 3,200 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 6,500 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 25,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

Pros:

  • HD 3D display
  • Adjustable image modes   
  • Low input lag

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Unwanted rainbow effects

Optoma is widely known for their large display products such as projectors. It comes as no surprise that they would have one of the best mapping projectors. The Optoma HD26 is a projector that has some of the most user friendly and user experience wise important features in the market. As far as the specifications go, the HD26 is not able to match the Jifar H6 as its brightness level is much lower and the lamp life is also lower than the latter. 

The Optoma HD26 has full HD 3D display quality and a 41.6″ to 305″ image size. The brightness level might be lower than the Jifar H6 but it does not hinder the image quality. Optoma’s HD26 is able to product clean and crisp images with almost no input lag so it can even be used for gaming purposes. There was only one real flaw with the images the HD26 was able to product and that was some rainbow effects or particles when the screen was in black and white picture mode.

Optoma’s previous product, the HD25 did not have easily adjustable image modes. You had to go through the user mode to try to adjust the modes to your liking. Optoma have made the upgrade in the HD26 of allowing user’s easily accessible adjusting of image modes. This is a rather sought-after feature for enthusiasts who want the image to be exactly as they want it and it is not as freely available in the low budget projectors.

For reference, the HD26 has almost the same features as the newer Optoma HD27E except for a slightly brighter 3400L lamp and longer 12,0000 hour lamp life.

If you disregard these slight upgrades though, the HD26 is excellent value especially since it comes with almost all the same features as the newer HD27E.

The HD26 is still plenty capable during projection mapping usage thanks to the already admirable brightness and contrast ratio. A slightly brighter lamp and longer lamp life don’t equate to the higher price tag, making the HD26 our best Premium option with everything it has to offer.

The Optoma HD26 has 10-Watt internal speakers which are pretty powerful for a projector. The issue with Optoma HD26 is its less than lucrative pricing. In this high price range, the Optoma HD26 gets a lot of close competition from other products. Nevertheless, the competition can not reduce the effectiveness and quality of the HD26 for projector mapping.

3.  Jifar H6 – Best Budget

Brightness: 9,500 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 100,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p 

Pros:

  • Various connectivity options          
  • High speed Wi-Fi
  • Extremely budget friendly
  • Comparatively higher brightness level

Cons:

  • Lacking in zoom ability

In mapping projectors, one of the most important features is the brightness level and the color contrast that the projector has to offer. A higher brightness generally means a clearer and easier to view and understand image formation.

This is one of the key features why the Jifar H6 projector is at the top of our list. The H6 has a brightness level of 9,500 Lumens. The image quality and excellent color contrast compliments the high brightness admirably. The H6 can also project images up to a massive 450″, has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and supports resolutions up to 4K.

Projector mapping is an outdoor activity and you need a variety of connectivity options since you will not always have power sources freely available. This is where the H6’s wide array of connectivity options comes in. The H6 can be connected wirelessly via 5G Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB, while also having the ability to connect with Android and iOS mobile phones wirelessly. Moreover, if you wish to connect it via HDMI or VGA cable, these wired connections are also supported by the H6.

Tipneth has a projector that’s similarly priced and comes with a lot of the same features like 4K support, 5G Wi-Fi, and 100,000 hours lamp life. But it falls short when it comes to the 7000:1 contrast ratio and only a 300″ projected image size.

The H6 comes with a massive 450″ image size and 10,000:1 contrast ratio which is useful, especially for people who need to project huge projection mapping designs on a budget. If you’re looking for the biggest projected image size possible, stick with the Jifar H6.

The Jifar H6 also comes with 5-Watt in-built speakers and a very high lamp life of around 100,000 hours. Another major plus point of the Jifar H6 is its extremely low price. While other good mapping projectors easily go above the $500 mark, the H6 stays well under it. You can enjoy all of the must have and some luxury features, all in a much lower price. The only drawback that we have so far found with the Jifar H6 is its limited zoom capability.

4. Epson Home Cinema 1060 Full HD

Brightness: 3,100 Lumens | LCD: 3-LCD Tech | Lamp Life: 100,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p 

Pros

  • Perfect brightness
  • Great lamp life
  • Amazing resolution
  • 3D Upgradable

Cons

  • Not portable

Epson Home Cinema 1060 is an ideal mapping projector. The projector produces 3,100 Lumens, and it’s bright enough for projection during the day and night. One of the best things about this projector is that it offers 300-inches life-size images covering big walls with the projection. The projector is lightweight and portable. The Epson Home Cinema 1060 is suitable for both inside and outside set-ups.

It is fascinating to know that the project is responsible for delivering bright and colorful projection during the day and night. If you want something special and more bright for video mapping, you cannot go wrong with Epson Home Cinema 1060. It acts as one of the best 3D mapping projectors.

Let’s compare the Epson 1060 to the new and improved Epson Home Cinema 880 which launched at the same price tag. Their spec sheets are almost identical except for the brightness, contrast ratio, and max image size.

The Epson 880 has a slightly brighter 3,300L lamp, 16,000:1 contrast ratio, and can project up to 380″ images. But these slight upgrades aren’t worth the slightly higher price tag especially when the Epson 1060 can do all the same things.

Not to mention Epson 1060 also features a plentiful port selection, while the 880 only has an HDMI, USB-A, and USB-B ports. This essential versatility and the cheaper price is a better deal than a slightly brighter and bigger projection.

The projector is best for video mapping because of the high resolution and 300-inches image size. If you are looking for the best choice for a large wall projection within a normal budget this model will certainly satisfy you.

5. Mini Projector 4000 Lumens 3D Portable DLP

Brightness: 4,000 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 120,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 |

Pros

  • Perfect brightness
  • Astounding lamp life
  • Lens shift
  • Great resolution

Cons

  • Bulky

Although it’s a mini projector and smart multimedia projector, the WOWOTO M5 is loaded with almost all the advanced features. This projector comes with 4000 Lumens. The lumens are perfect for both day and night use. Moreover, the Contrast of 3000:1, HDR 10 features also guarantees a detailed and clear picture.

The M5 is qualified as one of the most efficient projectors for video mapping. It’s surprising to know that multimedia supports 3D TNB, 3D SBS, Blu-Ray. The users can easily enjoy 3D experience or gaming using the 3D source to watch it directly with 3D glasses. Additionally, you can also use the vertical lens shift to adjust the screen accordingly.

One of the best purposes of Mini Projector Lumen 3D Portable DLP is for gaming due to 3D glasses. It is fascinating to know built-in stereo speakers allow the users to get louder sounds while projecting. This mini projector is specifically designed with an advanced fan cooling system. Here’s good news for the users; the projector can work for an extended period without any heat damage.

ONOAYO is another great mini projector similarly priced to the WOWOTO M5. The biggest difference is the ONOAYO has a brighter 9500L, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 120,000 hours lamp life.

The M5, while lacking in some regards does come with HDR 10 support and can run on a built-in battery. This is the only projector on the list that’s capable of doing so, which is a game-changer for versatility and portability.

If you need a projection mapping projector to bring on the go, the WOWOTO M5 is unrivaled in this price segment.

Mini Projector 4000 Lumen 3D Portable DLP is designed with 2.4G/5.0G double-band Wi-Fi. You can easily use this projector to surf the internet by running streaming and media applications such as YouTube. Furthermore, the projector also comes with digital zoom for more variant options and the vertical/horizontal keystone.

You can also check: Best Projector Under 1000

6. BenQ MH535FDH 1080P Projector

Brightness: 3,300 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 15,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p 

Pros

  • Bright Clear visibility
  • Sharp image
  • High Contrast

Cons

  • Speaker has low volume.

The BenQ MH535FHD comes with an attractive and elegant look. BenQ is considered one of the top-rated projector manufacturers that allows you to get clean and reasonable projectors. It is fascinating to know that this BenQ projector comes with 3300 lumens. These lumens are more than enough for projection mapping.

When compared to the MH535’s predecessor, the BenQ MH530FHD, you can really appreciate the MH535’s spec sheet. They’re identical from the 1080p resolution, 15,000:1 contrast ratio and 300″ projected image size.

But the newer MH535 comes with a brighter 3,600L lamp, 10-Bit color processing, and a longer 15,000 hour lamp life to the MH530’s 10,000 hours. The MH535 improves on the lacking aspects of its predecessor by increasing its efficiency while retaining a similar price point.

If you are looking for a large-scale projector, the BenQ MH535FHD allows you to get a good amount of Contrast. As it’s clear that wide contrast range is the priority in projection mapping, this device is highly recommended. Furthermore, it is also reasonable. The contrasts of this mapping projector also allow standout for the dark parts of the projection.

7. ViewSonic PG800HD Projector

Brightness: 5,000 Lumens | Lamp Life: 2,500 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p 

Pros

  • Short throw projector Bright

Cons

  • Loud fan noise Not portable

The ViewSonic PG800HD is the best large venue projector. It is not only best for projection mapping but also for your home theater and gaming as well, given it ranks among the best short-throw projectors.

However, ViewSonic PG800HD is tough and bulky. It looks like machinery. On the other hand, it comes with a 1080p resolution and 5000 lumens of brightness. The brightness is enough to get a clear image that is required for great projection mapping. It is fascinating to know that the projector comes with many other surprising features and punch packed into it.

The Optoma GT1090HDR is a similarly priced short throw projector for projection mapping. Taking a look at the spec sheet and we’ll see that the PG800HD wins overall.

The GT1090HDR has a lower 4,200 Lumens brightness, a smaller 3.3″ throw distance, and no zoom lens.

The GT1090HDR does have Lens Shift and longer 20,000-hour lamp life, beating out the PG800HD’s 2500-hour lamp life. But overall, the ViewSonic is a better projection mapping projector because of the super bright 5000L lamp and high contrast ratio which are crucial specs.

It is essential to keep in mind that the ViewSonic PX800HD video projector is an excellent short-throw projector for the big picture at a short distance. All you need in these types of projects are available on this device. In short, we can also say that this gadget is perfect in order to get a clear, bright, and perfect image.

Despite being the best short-throw projector, it comes at an extremely reasonable price making it a steal deal.

8. Christie Digital Systems HD14K-M/ 3-DLP

Brightness: 30,000 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:10 | Lamp Life: 20,000 hours | Internal Speakers: No | Contrast Ratio: 3,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

Pros

  • Dedicated Professional Projection Mapping
  • Perfect brightness options
  • Amazing resolution
  • 3D Upgradable

Cons

  • Not portable
  • Very Expensive

Check Christie Digital Systems Site

Christie Digital Systems projectors are often regarded as the best projectors for projection mapping, especially for large scales venues and events. But it can also function well on smaller scales for even sharper details. Christie Digital Systems is a leader in the industry, especially with their 3DLP RGB range which is exceptional laser projector tech, especially for professional projection mapping.

The Christie M 4K25 RGB is one of their latest in the M series and brings professional projection mapping in a petite 91lb package. For professional standards, that’s very portable. The projector can project up to a staggering 700″ or over with the 118-100116-03 ILS1 Zoom Lens.

Do note that lenses are sold separately, but this is a good indicator of the M 4K25 RGB’s capabilities. The brightness of the projector is also perfect, measuring in at 30,000L is fantastic for working in ambient light or at night. For the type of projector, the M 4K25 RGB is, the 1920 x 1080 resolution is more than sufficient.

These kinds of projectors typically have great warranty and support because they’re huge investments. For reference, the earlier M model from Christie, the HD14K-M, was already a powerful, top-of-the-line projector for projection mapping.

But the M 4K25 RGB expands on that by introducing a staggering 22,500L brightness, double the original’s 12,500L max brightness, a massive 25,000-hour lamp life, and Edge Blending which are quintessential for professional projection mapping.

Overall, if you had the money to invest in a big purchase, the Christie Digital Systems M 4K25 is a great option. It’s not something everyone can afford, but if you can, the world of projection mapping is your oyster.

Check Christie Digital Systems Site

9. BenQ HT8050 4K projector

Brightness: 2,200 Lumens | Zoom: 5:1 zoom capability | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1 | Native Resolution: 4k (3840 x 2160 with XPR technology)

Pros

  • Highest resolution.
  • Very high contrast ratio.
  • Cinema-level quality.

Cons

  • Expensive.

Another projector we are featuring today in our list of the best projectors for projection mapping is the BenQ HT8050 4k. The most distinguishing feature of this projector is the contrast ratio. It has a great contrast ratio of 50,000:1! With this contrast ratio, you are guaranteed to get image quality and colors of the blacks and whites up to cinema level.

With a great contrast ratio, it has the best resolution offered in a projector. It features 4k resolution, and the combination of both resolution and contrast ratio makes it one of the highest quality projectors for projection mapping.

If you compare it with a regular 1080p home theatre projector, you will notice the difference in quality.

The Sony VPL-VW325ES is a pricier home theater projector that features a 4K resolution, Dynamic HDR Enhancer, and a bigger 300″ projection size.

Whereas the HT8050 comes with the amazing 50,000:1 contrast ratio, a smaller 200″ projection size, but a much brighter 2,200L to the Sony’s 1,500L.

Both projectors have their value but the HT8050 notches a spot on the list for being brighter and having an incredible contrast ratio. You won’t find such deep blacks often, and they’re especially useful for projection mapping.

Being a high-quality best budget 4k projector though, it is quite expensive. But if you do some research, you will find that this projector has a very competitive price for the specs it comes with.

10. ViewSonic 1080p Projector

Brightness: 3,500 Lumens | New Tech: SuperEco Energy | Lamp Life: 15,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

Pros

  • It has a dedicated sports mode.
  • Lasts very long.
  • Full HD display.
  • Very low input lag.

Cons

  • You cannot adjust 3D depth and presence.

Another honorable mention in our today’s buying guide is a projector by ViewSonic. This is the PX700HD projector and is an extremely heavy-duty projector.

It is a very bright projector for projection mapping providing a max of 3500 Lumens of brightness, which is bright enough to be visible in a dimly lit room. So even if you are enabled to block all the light coming into your room, this projector will still have no problem showing a clear non-faded image.

It has the SuperEco feature which helps in saving a vast amount of energy and power which also helps in increasing its lamp life up to 15,000 hours. This means that this projector is going to last you very long so it’s a very good long term investment.

It supports a full HD 1080p true resolution and is highly accurate, so you can do projection mapping accurately.

When comparing the PX700HD to competitors like the Optoma HD146X, you’ll see a strikingly similar spec sheet. The biggest difference is the higher 25,000:1 contrast ratio to the PX700HD’s 12,000:1.

Otherwise, the PX700HD matches the HD146x spec-for-spec and also comes with a full port selection. The HD146x mainly features an HDMI and USB-A port which isn’t versatile enough for users who need to do projection mapping.

Check More: Best Projector Under 500

11. BenQ HT3550 Projector

Brightness: 2,000 Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, USB | Accessories: Spare Lamp Kit (5J.JKC05.001) 3D Glasses | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1 | Native Resolution: 4k

Pros

  • 4K resolution Adjustable

Cons

BenQ has produced many great projectors in the past. HT3550 is another excellent as their best projector for projection mapping. It has a 4K resolution giving stunning picture quality that works wonders with projection mapping.

It works great for amateurs as well as experts in the field. With this one, BenQ introduced their factory-calibrated color spectrum with DCI-p3 color space. It works way better than Rec. 709, giving you outstanding results.

The contrast ratio is fantastic, which combines with its resolution to give outstanding, professional graphics. It also has a unique lens, which controls the amount the light penetrating and coming out. This ensures the best quality, details, and sharpness. The elegant, sleek design is appealing to the eyes.

BenQ HT3550 comes with an additional DLP technology used by theatres worldwide. You get crisp and sharp picture quality helping you with your professional work.

The BenQ TK700STi is another similarly priced short-throw projector that matches spec sheets with the HT3550. The TK700STi’s main advantage is a better 3,000L brightness and 300″ max projected image.

On the other hand, the HT3550 has a much better contrast ratio of 30,000:1 compared to the TK700STi’s lackluster 10,000:1.

This is a big difference that fills a particular niche in projection mapping, especially when working with a lot of contrasting colors. Depending on your needs, color accuracy features might be more important than a bigger projected size or better brightness.

The HT 3550 also has an auto color mapping and tone mapping feature producing HDR10 content. You can use it in both dark and light settings and still get brighter images compared to some other models. This adds to the productivity of this device and makes the mapping process easier.

12. ViewSonic PA503W Projector

Brightness: 3,800 Lumens | 3D Blu-Ray Ready HDMI Input | Lamp Life: 15,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 22,000:1 | Native Resolution: WXGA+

Pros

  • Stunning picture quality Bright results

Cons

  • Relatively louder fan

Another excellent option for the best projector for projection mapping is ViewSonic PA503W. The advanced, professional features and specs let you use it for professional, personal, and educational purposes.

It has a 3800-lumen brightness that ensures you get the best quality graphics. When you are projection mapping, this brightness serves great. You can get a massive 120 inches projection just from a distance of fifteen feet, ten inches.

This is a straightforward and simple device; thus, you can set it up easily within no time. The lamp life of 15,000 hours means you can use it for the next couple of years without any worries.

It has a variety of input options ranging from HDMI, VGA, and many more. HDMI compatibility means that you can connect your projector with laptops, PCs, Macs, and any other device. This increases the connectivity of this projector.

It also comes with built-in speakers of 2 watts. Therefore, the speaker quality is average, and you might have to attach a speaker of your own.

There’s another version of the ViewSonic PA series, the ViewSonic PA503X that’s available for the exact same price. The PA503W makes it on our list because of the resolution.

The PA503W has a 1280 x 800 HD resolution while the PA503X comes with a 1024 x 768 resolution.

This means that you can project only a 4:3 aspect ratio on the PA503X which is not ideal for anything to do with entertainment or projection mapping. You should have a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio and HD resolution minimum for projection mapping.

ViewSonic PA503W also exhibits super color technology. This six-color technology provides sharp details and a professional finish. The input lag is close to zero, giving you smooth, lag-free usage.

13. BenQ MW612 Projector

Brightness: 4,000 Lumens | Connectivity: Wireless, HDMI x2, 5V/1.5A USB power supply, and MHL | Lamp Life: 15,000 hours | Internal Speakers: Yes | Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1 | Native Resolution: WXGA (1280×800)

Pros

  • Affordable Compact and lightweight
  • Works excellent in bright light

Cons

  • Average speakers
  • No Bluetooth connectivity

Another fantastic mapping projector that works well even in bright rooms is BenQ MW612. The 4000-lumen brightness and 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio display exceptional graphical results.

Whether you want to display images, videos, or documents, it gives razor-sharp results for all of them. You can see a 120 inches display screen from a mere distance of thirteen feet. The HDMI compatibility increases the flexibility of use.

It has easy installation, which means that you do not have to skim through manuals after manuals to set it up. You also have wireless connectivity options through wireless dongles.

It minimizes eye strain and provides long, comfortable viewing hours. You can use it in a compact room and even in bright, well-lit ones. Unlike other projectors that make projection faded and dull in bright rooms, this one does not.

For shorter distances, the BenQ MW632ST is a short-throw version of the MW612. Most specs are the same but the MW632ST has a dimmer 3,200L brightness and lower 13,000:1 contrast ratio.

The MW612 also gets you a longer throw distance measuring at 10.”, a further distance from the MW632ST’s 4.6″. This makes the MW612 a better choice if your projection mapping project is further away.

Otherwise, the two are very similar but the MW612 notches a spot on this list for its added versatility at a lower price tag.

It is not only specified for projection mapping essentials, but you can essentially use it for all other uses. The affordable price point is appealing too. You can get this at half the cost of other high-end projectors and still enjoy all the benefits provided by them.

This projector gives excellent quality mapping projections with a spectacular display, which can be used for professional work, this should be your best buy.

The Right Projection Mapping Projector Final verdict

Projection mapping requires projectors that can work in all kinds of environments. However, they do need to specialize in some areas making them best-suited to particular users.

The right projection mapping projector needs to have a large display size as well as high contrast ratio and resolution for ideal mapping. If you are looking for a projector with a massive 300-inch display; and probably the best projector for house mapping look no further than the Epson Home Cinema projector.

Projection mapping skills are important, but you also need a high-quality projector with premium features to keep up. A wide contrast ratio and short-throw distance are a few to name. In this regard, BenQ HT8050 4K projector with its 50,000:1 contrast ratio and ViewSonic PA503W 1080P with its brilliant color accuracy and image quality are just the right fit.

If convenience is your first priority, you might want to look into the Mini Projector. Not only is it easy to carry around, but it also comes equipped with some great features. This video projector is an all-rounder with high color contrast, resolution, and lamp life. Even with a compact design, this projector can project images as large as 200-inches making it a great deal.

Lastly, if you’re looking for professional usage and money isn’t of much concern, the best projector for projection mapping will be the Christie Digital Systems M 4K25 RGB.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs

How is projection mapping different from regular projection?

Projection mapping is different from regular projection mainly due to the projection surface. While regular or 2D mapping is done on a smooth, flat surface; projection mapping is done on 3D objects like buildings, cars, and other objects. Of course, such exquisite displays require specialized projectors as well with a high resolution, throw ratio, and contrast.

What projection mapping software is used?

The most popular projection mapping software used are Lightform, Millumin, Dataton, Watchout, MadMapper, Arkaos GrandVJ XT, Resolume, and HeavyM

What is the best color to project onto?

A white-colored surface is better suited to project onto in the dark, given its ability to reflect light. However, when there is ambient light, one should use gray screens since they absorb all the unnecessary light that strikes them, resulting in brighter and sharper image production.

How Can I Get a Better Image Quality From My Projector?

To increase the image quality of your projector you should, clean the lens, adjust the projector’s focus, use the proper resolution, make the projected screen size smaller and always use the sweet spot of the lens.