Projector Buyer's Guide for Photographers

Photographers are a growing segment of projector buyers. They know that a crisp, big image can not only help display photographs, it can also help sell them! We have put together this buyer's guide specifically for artists who want their projected images to match their creative vision.

Photography and Projectors



What a Photographer Should Know Before Buying a Projector

Projector Basics for Photographers

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Brightness, contrast and resolution, oh my! Basic projector specifications aren't complicated. You should know a little about each before you start projector shopping. Here are some tips.

Projector Brightness

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. Simply put, more lumens equal more brightness. The amount of brightness you need depends on a couple of factors.

Size of your audience.
  • Larger audiences require larger images, which in turn require brighter projectors. It's hard to go wrong with more lumens, especially now that high-lumen projectors are cheaper than ever.
Amount of ambient light in the room you are projecting in.
  • If you travel with your projector to client meetings, you should assume that there will always be tons of ambient light and buy a brighter projector. If your projector will stay put in a controlled environment, just about any brightness will do.

Projector Brightness Chart for Photographers

Ambient Light Audience Size Lumens Suggested
Low 2 - 10 people 2,000 - 3,500 lumens
Some 10 - 100 people 3,500 - 5,000 lumens
High 101 - 500 people 5,000 or more lumens

Contrast Ratio in Projectors

The contrast ratio refers to the difference between the blackest black and the whitest white in an image. A projector with a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 isn't necessarily five times better than one with a 2,000:1 ratio. The contrast ratio does not account for how the projector displays all the shades of grey in between the blackest black and whitest white. If the projector can't display those shades of gray, portions of the image will "blow-out" and appear pixilated when displayed on the big screen.

So how can you tell which projectors handle those mid ranges the best? Look for projectors with more color control settings. Multi-color processing technology like BrilliantColor and sRGB modes will allow you to really tweak the projector's display to your liking. Also, our Projector Experts have seen most of our projectors in action. You can always call them for an honest opinion.

Quick Tip: In reality it's not likely you would notice a significant difference between a 1,000,000:1 and a 500,000:1 contrast ratio projector unless you were comparing them in a cave at the center of the earth (or some other spot where no ambient light reached). In real life situations with ambient light, even the difference between a 2,000:1 and 10,000:1 contrast can be inconsequential.

Realistically, a projector used to display professional photographs should have a contrast ratio of at least 3,000:1.

The Right Resolution

Resolution is essentially the number of pixels that make up the image. The more pixels, the more detail in your projected image. With most digital SLR cameras hitting the 12 MP mark, we highly suggest investing in an HD projector. Good news - these projectors have seen a huge drop in price in recent years.

Most popular HD projector resolutions
Wide XGA 1280 x 800 1,024,000 total pixels
HD 1920 x 1080 2,073,600 total pixels

On the Road - Traveling with a Projector

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"Portable" used to be a status reserved for only a few projectors. Now, nearly all manufacturers make smaller models that fit nicely in your carry-on, with room to spare!

For your back's sake, we recommend a sub-seven-pound model. There have been vast improvements in the brightness and features of these smaller projectors. To find one that fits your needs, please check out our projector finder »


Keys to Projector Color, LCD vs DLP

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In years past, the hands down favorite for accurate color representation has been LCD. However, DLP technology has improved significantly over the past five years, especially with the breakthrough of BrilliantColor technology, which includes an expanded color wheel featuring CMY colors along with RGB.

Still, LCD technology is generally considered to display the most accurate colors. DLP projectors will create slightly softer images, with richer color and deeper blacks. LCD color will appear more true to life, with natural skin tones and more correct greens, blues, and particularly yellows.

DLP offers better contrast ratios and less space between pixels (nicknamed the screen door effect). A few individuals report seeing "rainbows" with DLP projectors. To some, these prisms can be very distracting. Most people do not notice this color artifacting.

DLP vs. LCD Projectors Compared

Technology DLP LCD Advantage?
Color accuracy Some issues producing accurate yellow (shows green), red, and skin tones. Colors are more dramatic. Known for accurate color and flexibility in color correction. LCD technology offers more true to life color than DLP color, particularly in flesh tones, pastels and yellow and green segments. However, most new DLP home theater projectors include BrilliantColor technology for a significant improvement to color accuracy. Some home theater buyers prefer the richness of DLP to the true color of LCD.
Contrast ratio Higher contrast ratios than LCD typically. Deeper blacks, richer and more vibrant looking colors. Very popular in home theater applications because of the richness of the blacks. Good contrast ratios, but blacks are not as black as DLP typically. Colors are more lifelike. Good at showing details in black and grey spaces. Both LCD and DLP projectors offer adequate contrast ratios, but DLP projectors produce deeper black segments and will spec higher contrast ratios.
Image Artifacts Some experience what is called the "rainbow effect" which is visible rainbows in moving scenes or when turning away from the screen quickly. The "screen door effect" refers to the visible space between pixels on the projected image. This typically happens when a large image is viewed from a short distance. If you are projecting smaller images, and sitting a foot or two from the screen, this will most likely be unnoticeable. Also, many LCD projectors include a filter that minimizes this effect. Some artifacts may be visible during motion video on some projectors, particularly on projectors not designed for home theater use. If you don't see the rainbow effect (and most people don't) then DLP projectors will have fewer visible artifacts than LCD, however, there have been numerous improvements to minimize the screen door effect. At the recommended distance from the screen, both LCD and DLP projectors produce great looking images.

Making the Connection

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Are projectors plug and play? Pretty much. Connectivity options are very similar from model to model, but there are a couple of 'must haves' depending on how you want to use the projector.

hdmi video cable

Many photographers will opt to connect their laptop computer to the projector. A growing segment of laptops now output through HDMI. This is the preferred method for transmitting your photography. It also doubles as a way to stream HD content like movies and video from your computer to projector or television.

Not all laptops have an HDMI output, however. Older models may only have a VGA (analog) or DVI (digital) port. We highly recommend buying a good-quality VGA cable, even if your computer has a DVI or HDMI connection. Currently, VGA connections are everywhere. A proper cable will insure that you always have a backup plan for presentations.

That said, a DVI connection will give you better image quality, though the cables can't carry a signal as far. Don't shy away from a projector if HDMI is the only digital input option (most still have VGA connections); HDMI to DVI adapters are readily available and inexpensive.


Popular Projector Features for Photographers

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Lens shift and keystone correction are two features that help with the projector setup process.

Keystone correction allows users to keep their image square when the placement of the projector is not square to the screen. This is a digital process, so there may be some image distortion when using this function. Keystone correction is less than ideal, and is designed for use when presenting in multiple locations. It should not be used in permanent installations.

Lens shift enables users to physically move the lens within the projector housing. The image can be moved higher or lower, left or right, allowing you to be flexible in any presenting environment.

    More Popular Features for Photographers
  • Instant on and off (less time setting up and taking down your projector)
  • Economy modes (save lamp life when you have controlled lighting)
  • Wireless connection (display jpeg images without video wires)
  • USB card slots (present jpeg slide shows without your computer)
  • sRGB compatibility (a quick way to match color output from computer to projector)

What Features Would You Like to See?

Are you a photographer with projector experience? If so, which features would you like to see added to projectors? Share your thoughts with us at webmaster@projectorpeople.com and we will pass along your ideas to the manufacturers that we see on a regular basis.


Tannoy Speakers

Why Add Sound to Your Presentation?

For greater emotional impact during your presentations, adding sound is that magic touch. Just about any music will add dramatically to your slide show. Some photographers use the same music for each presentation. Or in the case of wedding photography, they may choose the songs chosen by the bride and groom. This is not rocket science, but the importance of sound and music in a sales presentation should not be undervalued. And getting a good sound system rather than a cheap set of speakers can also make a big difference. See sound systems available through ProjectorPeople.com here »


Setting the Budget for your Projector

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We have heard time and time again from our photographically-inclined customers that investing in a projector pays off very quickly. The selling price of the average projector has dropped significantly, even in the past year. You may find that you can afford more than you thought you could.

A higher resolution is generally more important than brightness, particularly when the projector is used as a sales tool for small audiences. A good way to approach your budget would be to start from the least expensive projector in the resolution you require, and work up with features and brightness. Calling a Projector Expert would also be a quick way to find your best deal. Whatever you choose, most of our customers report that they have made more than enough in increased sales to justify the purchase of a projector.


Case Study: Brian Adams PhotoGraphics

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Projector People sent award winning professional photographer Brian Adams of Brian Adams PhotoGraphics home with a Panasonic PT-AE1000U video projector to use during his work week.

Brian Adams Photographics

Award winning photograph from professional photographer Brian Adams. www.bapg.net

As far as features and functionality, I just want my images to look how I originally intended for them to look.

So, great resolution, accurate color representation and adequate brightness are definitely important. Honestly, the 16:9 aspect ratio is not a very important feature for me, especially since the native size from my camera is 2:3.

The biggest thing with projecting is the emotional impact it creates with my clients. I especially like to use projectors in my clients' home, because then they get the opportunity to see really large images in their own space, which helps them to better visualize what large canvases or framed art prints will look like in their home. There is absolutely NO comparison with my Dell laptop (duh!).

I am SUPER impressed with the high quality resolution on these puppies! I also love all of the electronic adjustments for zoom, focus, brightness, color, etc. The projector and the remote control were VERY easy to use and I figured them out in no time without reading the manual.

Would this projector pay for itself eventually? Yes! Probably in the first month!


How does a projector pay for itself?

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We are not photographers, but some of our best clients are. And from customer reports, projectors can help increase business significantly in a very short time. Why? Because big images combined with the right presentation create that emotional reaction that makes people want to buy. A presentation is also a good way to visually demonstrate package options and upgrades. Here is a quick look at how projectors are sales tools worth their weight in gold (too bad they weigh less than 10 pounds).

Advantages of a Projector over Plasma or LCD Displays

  • Projectors are portable. You can bring big images to client living spaces and show your clients exactly how amazing that framed portrait will look over their fireplace.
  • Projectors provide a "theater like experience." Watch your clients feel like movie stars.
  • Projectors cost less than LCD or Plasma TVs when it comes to cost per viewing inch.

Advantages of a Projector Over Print Portfolios

  • Paper prints are more costly and require more frequent overhead expense.
  • Print samples may not be returned by clients, costing potential sales.
  • Paper prints require more processing time. The immediacy of digital can lead to more sales.