6 Best Projector for Projection Mapping in 2022

Projection mapping is a technique that turns surfaces into animated projection screens. It can be done on any surface, from walls to floors and even ceilings.

It allows the creator to transform the world around them with their designs and animations.

In this article, we will review the best projector for projection mapping on the market. Keep reading!

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Best Projector for Projection Mapping of 2022: Our Top 6 Picks

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Top 6 Best Projectors for Projection Mapping

Now let’s look at our list of the best projectors for projection mapping. All of these have been selected based on their high-quality specifications.

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Our first pick, the BenQ HT3550, is the best projector for projection mapping in the market. It comes with some impressive specs for an affordable price.

It has a high contrast ratio and brightness of 2000 ANSI lumens, making it suitable for projecting onto most surfaces.

It also provides a 4K UHD resolution, so you can get fantastic image quality when using this projector to map out images or animations on almost any surface.

Also, it comes with a 10-element lens array and a hybrid iris to provide high-definition viewing even in dark rooms.

This projector also has its internal speakers, which can be pretty valuable for some presentations and applications.

An important thing to note is that the HT3550 has a wide range of input ports. Meaning you can use it with computers, consoles, or other devices without needing an additional converter or adapter.

Another great feature of this projector is its lamp life which lasts for 15000 hours before needing replacing.

A long-lasting bulb will let you continue using your projector for many years rather than having to replace it every few months like some models on the market today.

The BenQ HT3550 comes at the most reasonable price out of all our choices here. It provides good value if you’re looking for something affordable yet reliable enough to meet most mapping project needs.

Specs:

• Display Technology: DLP
• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Contrast ratio: 30,000:1
• Brightness: 2000 ANSI lumens
• Lamp life: 15000 hours

Pros:

• Come with 4K resolution
• Delivers clear and crispy details
• Not double HD or 2k like other devices
• Affordable price
• Long-lasting lamp
• Easy to setup

Cons:

• No wireless connectivity

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The ViewSonic PX700HD is another fine choice for mapping projection. It has some of the most advanced technology in its price range, giving it fantastic value.

It comes with Full HD 1080p resolution and a 12000:1 contrast ratio, so you can get clear images on surfaces that are darker than your projected image, making it one of the best projectors for projection mapping around.

This device also delivers 3500 lumens of brightness, making it suitable to use under bright lights since it doesn’t need much light to project an eye-catching display onto surfaces.

Another advantage of this model is that unlike many other devices at similar prices, the PX700HD has both HDMI and USB ports, meaning you don’t have to purchase additional adapters to use it with your favorite devices.

Specs:

• Display Technology: DLP
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p
• Contrast ratio: 12,000:1
• Brightness: 3500 ANSI lumens
• Lamp life: 15000 hours

Pros:

• Incredibly long 15000 hours of lamp life
• Has energy-saving technology
• Full HD display
• Delivers smooth images without delay
• Flexible connectivity

Cons:

• Can’t adjust the 3D depth and presence

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The Epson Home Cinema is another affordable mapping projector that comes with some impressive specs.

This device has a high contrast of 15000:1 and delivers Full HD 1080p resolutions for precise crystal details on surfaces, even when the surface isn’t completely flat or smooth.

It also provides 3100 lumens of brightness, making it suitable to use in bright rooms without having your projected image wash out too quickly.

Like some of our other choices here, this projector also comes with an HDMI port, so you can connect your favorite devices without purchasing additional adapters.

Another advantage this model has over other devices on the market today is its long lamp life, lasting for 10000 hours before needing replacement.

The Epson brand is well-known for its reliable products, so you can expect many years’ worth of service from this mapping projector if you decide to purchase one.

Specs:

• Display Technology: 3LCD
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p
• Contrast ratio: 15,000:1
• Brightness: 3100 ANSI lumens
• Lamp life: 10000 hours

Pros:

• Two years of product protection
• Ideal for a variety of lighting conditions
• Easy to use
• Delivers larger-than-life Full HD mappings
• Versatile connectivity

Cons:

• Lamp life could’ve been better

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One of the best projectors for mapping projection, although it does come at a higher price. It’s ideal for those looking to create beautiful and impactful projections with crisp details on surfaces darker than your projected image or complex textures.

The BenQ HT8050 comes with impressive specs that ensure you get clear images on surfaces, so they look as good as what is on the screen within your projector.

It has a 50,000: contrast ratio, which ensures no light spills from bright spots onto dark spaces without loss in sharpness or detail of colors.

Also, it provides 2200 lumens brightness output allowing you to work under fluorescent lighting conditions without having your projected images washed out by the light.

In addition, this projector delivers True 4K UHD pixel resolution with an effective 16:09 aspect ratio so you can get the most out of your mapping projections.

It’s compatible with 1080p signals. It has a fast response time and low input lag, making it suitable for gaming and working on other multimedia projects within this device.

Specs:

• Display Technology: DLP
• Resolution: 4K UHD with True 8.3 million Pixel detail
• Contrast ratio: 50,000:1
• Brightness: 2200 ANSI lumens
• Lamp life: 6000 hours

Pros:

• Its 8.3 million distinct pixels deliver breathtaking images
• Features a stunning 50,000:1 contrast ratio for crisp, defined details
• Provides cinema-level quality

Cons:

• Expensive

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This projector comes at a reasonable price while delivering an impressive contrast and brightness level.

It provides 5000 lumens brightness output, allowing you to work under fluorescent lighting conditions without washing your projected images by the light.

Also, it features Full HD 1080p resolution so you can get clear, detailed projections on surfaces with complex textures.

In short, this projector is perfect for those looking to create beautiful and impactful projections with crisp details.

Specs:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Contrast ratio: 50,000:1
• Brightness: 5000 ANSI lumens
• Lamp life: 2500 hours

Pros:

• Versatile projector
• Bright
• Easy to setup

Cons:

• Low lamp life
• The resolution could have a slight improvement

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The BenQ MW612 offers a superior imaging experience for those looking to create beautiful and impactful projections with crisp details.

It provides 3200 lumens brightness output, allowing you to work under fluorescent lighting conditions without washing your projected images by the light.

Specs:

• Display Technology: DLP
• Resolution: WXGA
• Contrast ratio: 13,000:1
• Brightness: 3200 ANSI lumens
• Lamp life: 10000 hours

Pros:

• Affordable
• Works great in bright rooms
• Compact and lightweight

Cons:

• No Bluetooth connectivity

Best Mapping Projector Buyer’s Guide

There’s no doubt that projection mapping is an exciting and innovative technology. In fact, a range of different projectors available on the market are all suitable for projection mapping.

However, different projectors have their unique pros and cons depending on your specific needs.

In this article, we’ve outlined 6 of our favorite projectors for projection mapping so you can find out which one is best for your needs.

Below, we’ll go through what you need to look for when buying the best projector for projection mapping.

What To Look For In A Mapping Projector?

Before we get into our recommendations, let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when choosing your mapping projector.

Resolution

Projection mapping often requires many pixels. It means that you should consider the resolution of your projector to ensure it can easily handle high-definition images and animations. 

We recommend a minimum resolution of 1080p for good image quality, but projectors with higher resolutions are available if required.

It’s also important to note that some projectors can project in ultra-high definition (UHD) or even beyond.

Contrast Ratio

The contrast ratio is an essential factor in picture quality. It represents the difference between the brightest part of your image and its darkest parts.

If you plan to project onto dark or matte surfaces, this won’t be much of a concern for you.

However, suppose you want to use projection mapping with light-colored objects like white walls.

In that case, you should look for a projector with a higher contrast ratio. A high contrast ratio is ideal for projecting onto shiny or reflective surfaces.

Brightness 

Projectors vary in brightness; however, an excellent general guideline is that the brighter your projector is, the better it will project more intense light and colors on darker objects.

Meaning you can use projection mapping as an effective way of highlighting details of specific structures rather than just projecting onto them.

Lamp Life

Most projectors come with a lamp that needs to be replaced after some time. This is because the projector’s brightness decreases over time, which can make it more difficult for you to get good results when projecting onto surfaces.

If you want your projection mapping projects to turn out well, look for a high-quality projector or one with a long-lasting lamp.

Price

Mapping projectors vary in price; the cheapest ones are typically around $300, while the most expensive can be upwards of $20,000. Like other technology, projector prices tend to increase as their quality increases.

What is Projection Mapping?

Projection mapping is an emerging technology that allows people to turn objects into animated screens. You can use it to transform anything around you with animations and designs of your choice.

You can even project onto irregular surfaces, making it great for creating immersive effects in spaces like stadiums or theaters. The projector shines a light onto the object, making it appear as if another image or animation was being projected there instead of just a solid color or basic design.

This technology is useful for a range of different purposes. For instance, architects can add an extra layer of detail and realism when designing buildings or structures.

Also, event producers can use it to create impressive visuals for their stages or events. Creators can also use it in interactive display installations, video mapping, and more.

Whether you’re an architect looking to add realistic detail to your designs with projections, a stage manager at an event wanting extra layers of visual effects, or a creator wanting to create an immersive installation, projection mapping is the perfect way to add another dimension of design and production value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does projection mapping works?

Projection mapping is a technique that uses video projections to turn objects into interactive displays.

You can use it to turn objects, buildings, and other surfaces into video displays that change their appearance under different conditions.

What do I need for projection mapping?

It would be best if you had a projector and an object or surface to project onto. You can also use flat screens for projection mapping. Still, they don’t offer the same interactivity level as physical objects.

Is projection mapping expensive?

It can depend on the type of project you are working on and your requirements. For simple projects, a projector is all that’s needed.

Still, for more complex ones, additional equipment such as lighting and software might become necessary.

What is the best projection mapping software?

No specific software can be named as the best for projection mapping since it depends upon your needs and specifications.

There are many options available in the market, but you need to choose one depending on what kind of project you are working on.

Here are some of the projection mapping software: Lightform, Millumin, Dataton, Watchout, MadMapper, Arkaos GrandVJ XT, Resolume, and HeavyM.

How many lumens do you need for projection mapping?

We recommend the ideal brightness or lumen output for projection mapping between 1500 and 4000 lumens.

If you want to work with projections on larger surfaces such as buildings and stadiums, then more than 4000 lumens will be required depending upon the type of lighting conditions around them.

Conclusion

Having the ideal projector for projection mapping is essential to ensuring you get quality results while ensuring your budget doesn’t go into unnecessary spending that does not yield any significant benefits.

We have included projectors with different price points, specs, and features, which are excellent choices for working on various types of projects within this device. So depending on your needs, choose one from the above!