Lurking from one website to another in search of the best projector for projection mapping but couldn’t find any. No need to look elsewhere, because fate has led you to the exact spot you should be at!
As it is pretty much evident that projection mapping is no job for a rookie, getting the right piece for your art, drama, visual, musical, or gaming projects is most certainly a thing that might leave you baffled.
Not only is there plenty of pre-planning needed to form together 3D projections on irregular or regular surfaces, but if you aren’t working with the right equipment, things might become messy beyond your expectations.
Speaking of “messy things” the internet is no different, and finding your best pick can happen to be a little nuisance for individuals that are either short on budget or simply don’t have the time to waste.
Keeping in mind the struggles of my beloved artists like you, I have taken it upon myself to cook a perfect recipe to get your job done by combining 7 different video projectors which are cherry-picked carefully from a massive variety of options.
So look no further and take a brief dive and choose any of the products in the list below, shall we?
Things to consider when buying the best projection mapping projector
Before we go into the list there are several essential things that must be considered when buying the best projector for mapping. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Brightness
Brightness is measured in lumens and is an essential consideration for projectors used for projection mapping. The brightness required will depend on the intended projection environment. Higher brightness is necessary for outdoor projections or brightly lit indoor spaces to ensure the detailed projection mapping is visible. For smaller indoor spaces, a lower brightness may be sufficient.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the image displayed by the projector. A higher resolution means more pixels are used to create the image, resulting in a sharper and more detailed projection. However, a higher resolution also comes with a higher cost. For projection mapping, using a projector with at least 1080p resolution is recommended.
Throw distance
The throw distance is between the projector and the projection surface. Choosing a projector with a throw distance that matches the intended projection area is essential. Short-throw projectors are ideal for small spaces, while long-throw projectors are better suited for larger spaces.
Keystone correction
Keystone correction is a feature that allows the projector to correct for image distortion caused by angled projection surfaces. It’s essential for projection mapping as the projection surface is often not flat. Keystone correction can be done manually or automatically by the projector. Automatic keystone correction is more convenient but may not be as accurate as manual correction.
Connectivity options
The projector’s connectivity options determine what devices can be connected and what files can be projected. HDMI, VGA, and USB ports are standard connectivity options for projectors. Choosing a projector with the appropriate connectivity options for your intended use is essential.
Lamp life
Projector lamps have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. The lamp life is an important consideration when choosing a projector, as the cost of replacing the lamp can be high. Choosing a high-quality projector, with a lamp life long enough to meet your needs is essential.
Price
Projectors can vary significantly, with entry-level models costing a few hundred dollars and high-end models costing thousands. Choosing a projector that fits your budget while still meeting your needs is essential. Consider what features are most important to you and prioritize them when choosing a projector.
7 Best Projectors For Projection Mapping
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | BenQ TK850i TrueOur Top Pick
| Check PriceRead our Review |
 | Optoma GT1090HDR
| Check PriceRead our Review |
 | Epson Home Cinema 2250
| Check PriceRead our Review |
 | ViewSonic PX701HD
| Check PriceRead our Review |
 | YABER Y30
| Check PriceRead our Review |
 | LG HU810PW
| Check PriceRead our Review |
 | Anker Nebula Solar
| Check PriceRead our Review |
1: BenQ TK850i True (Best 4k Projector for projection mapping)
Key Features
- True 4K resolution for stunning image quality
- HDR-PRO technology for enhanced contrast and color accuracy
- Smart connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Keystone correction and zoom function for easy setup and installation
- 3,000 lumens of brightness for clear and vivid images in any lighting condition
There is no better way to start the list without mentioning one of the best brands of projectors in the market, the BenQ TK850i is no doubt one of the most capable machines for projection mapping for various reasons.
Its 4k resolution is one of the main reasons which makes it highly ideal for anyone looking to paint bigger surfaces such as houses, stages, and stadiums with creative art and murals.
With the 8.3 million pixels combined, the 3840 x 2160 resolution embarks you in a dimension of mind-altering holograms you cannot produce on other competing brands.
Moreover, the projector has 98% Rec.709 3,000lm high brightness which enhances the imagery with special effects for both dark-lit areas and places with plenty of ambient light.
The automatic lens shift is a treat for artists that constantly adjusts their handiwork throughout their design to match the surface screen on which they are working.
Moreover, the device also has a 1.3x zoom factor which lets you zoom in on the original size of the video and image, so you can adjust your image size without physically moving your device all across the area.
The zoom factor also has both manual and autofocus features, which so you can tinker with your projects freely, giving you liberty in customization.
Since you would be working in different terrain, you can also use the automatic keystone which lets you auto-adjust all 4 points of the image by aligning both vertical and horizontal points to give you the best possible output without any sort of downscaling on display.
You can also use other utilities such as HDR10 and HLG technologies which lets you digitally enhance your 3D designs by automatically toning the color gradient, saving you precious time.
Furthermore, this projector also has a special mode known as an immersive sound mode which gives you true-to-life sound.
And in terms of connectivity, you can also connect through various platforms such as Chromecast and Miracast to enjoy your favorite streaming sites such as Netflix, HULU, and Disney Plus.
My Ratings
Pros
- Eye-popping colors
- Has an immersive sound mode
- Decent price tag
Cons
- Significant input lag
2: Optoma GT1090HDR (Best Gaming Projector for Projection Mapping)
Key Features
- Short throw design for flexible placement options
- 4,200 lumens of brightness for clear and bright images in any environment
- The high contrast ratio for deep blacks and vivid colors
- Low input lag for smooth and responsive gaming
- Multiple HDMI inputs for easy connection
The second contender in the list is a 1080p projector that has a minimalistic design with an amazing contrast ratio and Lumen Intensity.
Mount it on a table or install it against your ceiling, this machine can perform way beyond your expectations with its laser lamp to deliver a breathtaking experience you never had before.
Moreover, it is an excellent choice for artists that want to work in small rooms that have a tight compartment due to its short-throw projection which ranges up to 4 feet and produces an image that can be stretched up to 120 inches.
Personally, I feel the 1080p results are extremely stunning with images being super crisp and life-like, thanks to the super high 4200 Lumens which makes working easier even in brightly lit rooms.
Nonetheless, the 300, 000: 1 contrast ratio is superb and you wouldn’t see any haziness or pixelation even at 4k resolution the picture quality is full of clarity without any annoying rainbow effect popping in.
Although the keystone is pretty helpful, I would have loved it if the projector also had automatic calibration in all 4 directions, but that’s all the goodies money can buy so I have no complaints.
All in all, I feel like this projector is totally worth every cent since it can push the refresh rate counter up to 144 Hz with a delay input of 16ms which is extremely tiny, compared to other products in the market.
And when it comes to connectivity, shockingly enough this bad boy can connect to almost any media device as long as they have a connectivity interface such as HDMI or VGA connection, which makes this projector highly versatile.
My Ratings
Pros
- Solid build with a minimalistic finish
- Minimal delay times
- Lovely 4k Crisp output
Cons
- The price range is a little high
3: Epson Home Cinema 2250 (Best Streaming Projector for Mapping)
Key Features
- Full HD resolution for sharp and clear images
- 2,700 lumens of brightness for vivid visuals in any setting
- Built-in speaker and Bluetooth connectivity for easy audio streaming
- Keystone correction and lens shift for easy installation and adjustment
- Compatible with streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV
Do you want an intense Contrast ratio, top-tier built-in speakers, and a lovely 1080p HD display? Well, look no further because Epson Home Cinema has got you covered on all four sides.
This professional-grade home theater can provide stellar 1080p and 4k display in projection mapping which will leave you mesmerized forever.
The 3LCD technology produces no doubt mind-numbing results through its 100% SRGB colors which look super gorgeous with no annoying rainbow effects which often pop up in cheap projectors. Producing image sizes ranging up to 200 inches.
The brightness of 2700 lumens might not be as high as other products listed above, but the contrast ratio of 70000:1 does a considerable amount of fair justice, leaving no room for objection to the quality that this multimedia device produces.
Moreover, the best part about this projector is that it has a vertical shift which means you don’t even have to move the projector physically all over the place to get the right mapping for your 3D designs.
And as icing on the cake, the 10W speakers provide a stereo output that has decent bass and is loud enough to fill a spacious room with ease.
My Ratings
Pros
- Massive contrast ratio
- Crisp 1080p display
- Amazing built-in speaker quality
Cons
- No VGA interface
4: ViewSonic PX701HD (Best short throw projector for projection mapping)
Key Features
- Full HD resolution for sharp and detailed visuals
- 3,500 lumens of brightness for clear and vivid images in any lighting
- SuperColor technology for a wide color gamut and accurate color reproduction
- Vertical keystone correction and 1.1x zoom for easy installation and setup
- Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI
Just like the Optoma home theater, this one also rocks a 6-color wheel that produces an enormously large broad spectrum of colors that looks extremely to the eyes.
With only 16 millisecond delay, 1920 x 1080p produces outstanding results while giving you a cinematographic experience while countering any amount of ambient light with no hindrance at all.
Furthermore, to cater to its consumer, ViewSonic also added 5 modes like Standard, Brightest, movie, gaming, and Sports which enhances the quality of video with a click of a button, isn’t it marvelous?
Moreover, the contrast stands tall at a 12000:1 ratio which performs quite well with a brightness intensity of 3500 ANSI Lumens, making this projector one of the best products in terms of price-to-value ratio.
The screen size ranges up to 300 inches which is impressive and eye-popping covering large walls and creating 3D and 2D mapping instantly becomes fun.
Having said that, I wouldn’t complain about the 1.1 zoom factor either because it’s so useful and easy to use that lets me zoom in on my pictures without any loss in quality.
The Eco mode also does colossal favor to the lamp life, extending it up to 20000 hours which is nonetheless monumental!
My Ratings
Pros
- Premium quality build
- Color wheel produces amazing display results
- Power conservation is top-notch
Cons
- Lacks horizontal keystone
5: YABER Y30 Native (Best Affordable Projector for projection mapping)
Key Features
- Native 1080P resolution for sharp and clear images
- 6,500 lumens of brightness for bright and vivid visuals in any environment
- Hi-Fi stereo sound system for an immersive audio experience
- Keystone correction and zoom function for easy setup and installation
- Compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones and gaming consoles
Yaber Y30 is by far the most potent projector because of its immense brightness intensity that will blind you right away if you look directly at it, in other words, you can whip it almost everywhere without fearing ambient light.
The 8500 lumens boosts the 4k Ultra HD projection onto any surface as bright as the sun itself, which is phenomenal, however, you might want to enable the economy mode to conserve energy and keep the heat to a minimum.
But don’t worry, there is a special cooling system that instantly removes any unnecessary heat that might inevitably damage your hardware and your precious lens.
Furthermore. The projector supports an aspect ratio of 16:9 and produces images that can stretch from 45 inches to 200 inches giving you marvelous and colorful images from its LED light source, however, I felt the combination of the 3W stereo speakers isn’t as loud as it should be.
But as a silver lining, unlike other projectors at such a price range, this one has a 4D keystone that supports calibration from all 4 points, giving you brief convenience while removing any errors in the alignment of the pictures.
Keep in mind this keystone correction feature is highly necessary for projection mapping, especially projecting any artwork on irregular surfaces, so if you are an artist, this might be your best fit for your demand.
In terms of connectivity, you can use the HDMI interface to connect any sort of television such as Apple Tv, Chromecast, Laptop, and gaming console to stream from your favorite applications such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
My Ratings
Pros
- 4D keystone feature
- High brightness output
- Plenty of compatibility with devices
Cons
- Low sound issues
6: LG HU810PW 4K (Best Smart Laser Projector for Projection Mapping)
Key Features
- 4K UHD resolution for stunning image quality
- 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness for clear and vivid images
- TruMotion technology for smooth and fluid motion
- Built-in smart TV platform for easy access to streaming services
- AI-based optimization for automatic image adjustment
This one might be a little expensive for your financial statement but let me tell you that it is well worth the money because it has all the mouth-watering features you can desire, trust me!
Boasting a 4k Ultra high definition resolution, the LG HU810 confidently displays sheer perfection, which other projectors fail to do so, especially when it comes to the mapping of 3D abstract design.
The Cinebeam 4k projector has a special iris mode that tweaks its imagery in both bright and dark ambient situations to portray the best possible output serviceable enough to the eyes of the viewers.
Moreover, the 2700 ANSI lumens give you jaw-dropping brightness which is combined with a whooping eye-popping contrast ratio of 2000000: 1, which in my neutral opinion deserves a round of applause.
That being said, the 300-inch screen is no doubt of impeccable quality, with a massive color gamut that has 97% DCI-P3 output. “Talk about beauty and the beast!
Furthermore, there is also a wireless connectivity option that lets you wirelessly connect to any WIFI network available in the surrounding area, if a wired connection isn’t your cup of tea!
My Ratings
Pros
- Mind-numbing contrast ratio
- Lovely and sharp 4k Display
- Wireless connectivity option
Cons
- Hefty price tag
7: Anker Nebula Solar Portable 1080p Projector, (Best Smart Projector for Mapping)
Key Features
- Portable design for on-the-go projection mapping or entertainment
- 1080P resolution for clear and detailed images
- 400 ANSI lumens of brightness for clear images in dark environments
- Built-in speaker and battery for cord-free convenience
- Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and
I like to save the best for the last, the Anker Nebula is small yet at the same time quite capable of performing and producing satisfactory results.
Bask into the next level cinematic experience through the 120 inches screen that spikes its native resolution up to 1080p. It is super crisp and clear, giving you a pleasant feel like viewing a physical television.
The device also comes with the traditional HDR10 feature which lets you tone down any oversaturation you might have due to any image imperfection you may have.
Don’t underestimate the size of this mini projector because some aces up its sleeve might surprise you such as a built-in stand that lets you easily set up and take on your project in a matter of minutes.
My only complaint about this small and tiny multimedia device is that it has minuscule ANSI Lumens of 400 units and struggles to perform at ideal levels even while the blinds are turned which makes the image feel a little washed off, especially at the corners.
But to counter that caveat, this cute home theater has a built-in battery that lets you experience 3 hours of runtime which is amazing since you can take the projector almost everywhere and enjoy your favorite movies and series with your loved ones.
Speaking of movies and entertainment you can connect this media theater to your favorite streaming applications such as NetFlix, HULU, and HBO Max where you can watch any movie you like in a matter of split seconds.
Moreover, you wouldn’t be needing external speakers since it has a built-in stereo audio sensation which is optimized by the experts at Dolby Digital Plus to deliver you a fine experience of joy and pleasure without any hindrance.
My Ratings
Pros
- Highly portable
- Has rechargeable battery
- Decent speaker quality
Cons
- Low Lumen Ratio
Final verdict
Projection-Mapping is a fine field of art that is definitely a feat that can’t be achieved by anyone that doesn’t have ample skills in designing abstract and 3D designs. That being said, having the right tools does make the job a little bit easier, which is why I have formed this list of the best projector for projection mapping so you don’t have to scrub through the internet all by yourself.
I hope this article has been a beneficial read, feel free to comment your thoughts in the comment section below!
FAQs
Now that you have your desired projector, we will now look at some of the most frequently asked questions about projection mapping.
Q: What is projection mapping?
A: Projection mapping is a projection technology used to turn objects, often irregularly shaped, into a display surface for video projection. These objects may be complex industrial landscapes, buildings, or small indoor objects.
Q: What are the benefits of using a projector for projection mapping?
A: There are many benefits of using a projector for projection mapping. One main benefit is that it allows you to create a three-dimensional (3D) image on a two-dimensional (2D) surface. This can add depth and dimension to your project that would not be possible with a traditional flat-screen display. Additionally, projectors can be used to create moving images, which can add a dynamic element to your project.
Q: What are some factors to consider when purchasing a projector for projection mapping?
A: When purchasing a projector for projection mapping, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, consider the resolution of the projector. The higher the resolution, the more detailed your projection will be. Additionally, you will want to consider the throw ratio of the projector. The throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the projected image. A lower throw ratio will result in a smaller image, while a higher throw ratio will result in a larger image.
Q: How do you use a projector for projection mapping?
A: There are a few different ways you can use a projector for projection mapping. One common way is to mount the projector onto a tripod or stand and position it so that the image is projected onto the surface you want to map. Another way is to use a laser projector, which can be used to create images on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors.
Q: What are some common mistakes people make when using a projector for projection mapping?
A: One common mistake people make when using a projector for projection mapping is not accounting for the keystone effect. The keystone effect is when the image is projected onto the surface at an angle, which can distort the shape of the image. To avoid this, make sure the projection mapping projector is positioned so that it is perpendicular to the surface you are mapping. Additionally, be sure to take into account the throw ratio of the projector when positioning it, as a wrong placement can result in a distorted image.
