If you’re an artist or a designer, then you know that having the right tools for your craft is essential. For many artists and designers, this includes investing in art projectors. If you’re not familiar with these types of projectors yet, read on!
What is the best art projector for artists? What features should it have, and what are some of the things to look out for when purchasing one?
We answer these questions in this article. Here, you will find product reviews of some of the top-rated models currently available on Amazon with useful tips about each one. Let’s get started!
What Is an Art Projector?
An art projector is a type of display device. It displays images or video onto surfaces, such as walls or screens.
Art projectors work by projecting an image through the use of either traditional lamps (for older models) or LEDs (for newer ones). Modern-day devices even allow for the projection to be done via USB connection with laptops and computers that have compatible software installed on them.
What Are Art Projectors Used for?
Art projectors are primarily used for designers and artists to be able to display their work on different surfaces. Some examples of this include displaying images onto screens, walls, or even clothing that’s inside your home or studio.
For example, you can take photos with a camera and then display them onto screens so they look like large-scale prints. Or, if you’re an artist working on canvas paintings at home, using art projectors will allow you to project these images onto other surfaces within the same room (or even into rooms next door).
What are the Different Types of Projectors?
Art projectors come in several different styles and types. Here are the most common ones:
Digital Projectors
They are the most modern type of projector on the market, and they’re also one of the easiest ones to operate because all you have to do is hook up your laptop or computer using a USB cord (and compatible software), open an image/video file, and start projecting it onto any surface that’s within range.
LCD Projectors
An LCD (liquid crystal display) projector is a digital projector that uses liquid crystals instead of lamps and LEDs as their light source. This allows for these types of projectors to be much more efficient than those using traditional bulbs without compromising quality.
DLP Projectors
A Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector is another type of digital projection device that makes use of tiny mirrors called micromirrors. These micromirrors create high-contrast images with deep blacks and rich colors by reflecting light onto them.
DLP models tend to be more expensive than LCD ones but also offer better image quality overall. In addition, they are far less likely to suffer from issues such as color separation or rainbow effects when compared with LCD models.
Opaque Projectors
Opaque projectors are a lot like the classic slide projector, except they use opaque (opaque is when something blocks or hides that which is behind it) images instead of slides.
Once loaded in their respective slots, you will be able to display these projected images onto any surface within range without needing an electrical hookup for each one.
You can also check out our article about the Best Drawing Mannequin if you’re interested!
Digital Projector vs Opaque Projector – Which One Should You Get?
Both digital projectors and opaque models can be useful depending on your needs. If you don’t plan to make it a regular thing, then an opaque projector might work for you. This is because they are less expensive than their fully-digital counterparts, which means that the startup costs will also be lower for them overall.
However, if you need something with more power (and value), then getting one of the newer LCD or DLP types would probably work better in most cases when compared to these older ones. To learn more about the best art projector for tracing, check out our full list below!
Before You Buy: Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Art Projector
Now that you know what types of art projectors there are on the market, it’s time to take a look at some features you should be looking out for when purchasing your own model:
Image Size/Distance
The size of your projected image will depend on where you place it in relation to your projector, which means that this specification is more about how far away from a surface or object can an art projector go before its picture gets too blurry for anyone to be able to see properly.
The higher the number here, the further back people are able to stand while still being able to get a good view of what’s showing up on screen without having everything get all pixelated and distorted looking.
Price
Art projectors come in all different shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Some are more expensive than others due to the fact that they have better hardware components or use newer technologies for image display.
The number one mistake people make when purchasing art projectors is buying cheap models because they seem cheaper at first glance. Unfortunately, these low-quality ones will not last as long so you’ll end up having to pay even more money down the road after replacing it multiple times over with higher quality units!
Portability
Art projectors come in a variety of different shapes and sizes as well.
Some tend to be quite large and bulky since there are different components required in order for them to function properly (e.g., lenses, brackets, etc.). This is especially true if you plan on using one as part of your business or professional career where portability isn’t really much of a concern.
Others might be smaller with more compact designs allowing them to fit into small spaces within your home/studio without being an eye-sore!
Connectivity
Wired and wireless are the two main types of connectivity an art projector can have. Wired ones are typically better but wireless options are becoming more common these days to make them easier for people who want something that doesn’t need to be physically plugged into a wall outlet or port on their computer.
Light Output
This is the brightness output of the projector itself measured in lumens which tells you how bright images will appear when displayed onto surfaces from this device’s lens system. The higher the number here means brighter image quality overall so keep this one in mind if you’re going to be projecting large images onto screens or walls, especially if you are looking for the best projector for murals!
Resolution
Resolution is how many dots per inch (dpi) there are within each image pixel displayed on the screen so it can create crisp and clear pictures with additional sharpness and detail. The higher the resolution, the more you will be able to see in greater detail.
Contrast Ratio
This refers to how great of a difference there is between black and white color tones and any other colors within your image display. The greater this contrast ratio is, the better your projected images will look because there won’t be as much fading or blurring when transitioning from dark to light shades.
Color Quality
Here we’re talking about whether an art projector can show millions of different colors (millions of colors) without showing noticeable changes in quality across all these various hues and shades on screen. If it can show unlimited colors then that would also mean that skin tone looks natural too instead of looking unnatural like many cheap models do.
Power Consumption
This refers to how much power or energy an art projector needs when turned on so they don’t excessively drain batteries quickly during presentations or cause electrical outlets nearby have overwork themselves trying to keep up with the demand.
Processing Speed
This refers to how quickly after turning it on an art projector can display images onto a surface without needing any additional time before you’re ready to go.
The faster this is, the less likely your audience will feel like they’re wasting their valuable free time waiting for something important to finally get done and start showing up instead of having them wait forever until it’s finished which might make people lose interest in whatever was originally planned out.
The Best Art Projectors Comparison Table
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best analog 
| Artograph Super Prism Opaque Art Projector
| Check Price |
Best digital 
| Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector
| Check Price |
Best budget 
| Artograph Tracer Opaque Art Projector
| Check Price |
Brightest 
| XGIMI Halo True 1080p Portable Projector
| Check Price |
Smallest and Lightest 
| Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
| Check Price |
1. Artograph Super Prism Opaque Art Projector – Best Projector for Artists
The Artograph Super Prism is a high-end art projector that has been around for several decades. This projector uses two lenses to enlarge and reduce images in a wide range from 80% reduction up to 20 times enlargement in full color. This is an analog art projector so it will not work with your computer.
First Impressions
The Artograph Super Prism is a large and heavy device. It has an old-school analog design and features two sets of lenses. Because of the weight, we recommend using this projector on a table rather than holding it in your hand.
Features
The Artograph produces really high-quality images that are surprisingly bright given its size. Changing the lenses takes no time at all and they’re very easy for anyone who wants a quick way to make major changes in the projected image.
The color quality here is quite good, especially when using it for a variety of different art projects that require certain colors to be shown in order for them to look natural instead of looking dull or faded.
The contrast ratio here is very good as well especially when you’re using it for something like projecting an image onto a screen that’s quite large and far away from where you’re standing. You’ll be able to see your art projected clearly with no problems at all so people can understand what they should be looking at. The quality of this model speaks for itself – it offers one of the best image quality you’ll find anywhere on any art projector out there!
Verdict
If you’re looking for something professional grade but don’t want to spend your entire paycheck on it either, this device offers the best value. Its simple, easy-to-use design works well and produces great images without any headache afterward too so if you need an analog projector right away quickly, this model should be at the top of your list!
2. Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector – Best Digital Projector for Artists
The Nebula Capsule II is a small and lightweight device that’s very popular, especially among people who want something portable.
First Impressions
The Nebula Capsule II is one of the best-looking art projectors on our list here today with its cylindrical shape, metal accents, and minimalist look overall. One interesting thing about this device is how light it feels when you’re holding it in your hands.
Features
The Nebula Capsule II is one of the best and most well-known projectors on our list here today. Its picture quality comes out at 720p 200-ANSI-lumen when looking through its lens.
The Nebula Capsule II can easily connect to your other devices thanks to its HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi compatibility which makes it easy for you to share the screen that’s displayed on this projector no matter what device or app you’re using. You’ll also be able to use 5,000 apps, including YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and more with this model as well.
Verdict
If you want a durable and affordable art projector, look no further than this one here because it offers everything anyone could need from an art projector without having too many bells and whistles either! This model works great both indoors and outdoors.
3. Artograph Tracer Opaque Art Projector – Best Art Projector for Tracing
The Artograph Tracer is the best projector for novice to experienced artists or crafters who want to reproduce their art on a wall or canvas medium.
First Impressions
This device looks like it belongs in an old factory instead of being something you can get at your local store so if you love vintage items that have been updated, this device should be one that’s high up on your list! It has a large base and feels very sturdy when standing upright too which ensures stability while using it.
Features
The device enlarges any design or pattern onto a wall or easel from 2 to 14 times the original size. One interesting thing about this model is how lightweight yet solid it feels overall. You can easily pick it up and move it from place to place if you need to without worrying about the device breaking as a result.
Verdict
If you’re looking for something really high-quality that won’t cost your entire paycheck, this model is perfect for anyone who needs an opaque projector right away! It’s very budget-friendly but still has all of the features that most people look out for at least once or twice in their lifetime so don’t pass on this one!
4. XGIMI Halo True 1080p Portable Projector – Brightest
The XGIMI Halo True is the best digital projector for anyone who needs to create a big-screen experience on their own without having too many limitations overall.
First Impressions
This device has some pretty interesting features that you don’t typically see in art projectors; one of them includes its ability to be mounted or stand upright while also being able to easily fit into your bag.
Features
One thing about this model that immediately stands out is how easy it is to connect all of your devices. It also has 800 ANSI Lumens so the image is watchable during the day.
Verdict
This is easily one of the best projectors for someone who’s an artist on-the-go because it’s bright, lightweight yet very portable too!
5. Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector – Smallest and Lightest
The Kodak Ultra Mini is the best projector for anyone who wants a small yet powerful option that they can take with them anywhere.
First Impressions
This model has an extremely compact design which makes it perfect to carry around just about anywhere you need to go! It’s lightweight too so even kids can easily pick this one up and use it when needed without any trouble in general.
Features
It weighs 5.29 ounces and measures 3.1 x 3.1 x 0.79 inches so this should be a compact option for anyone looking to travel with their art projector everywhere they go. It has an LED light source as well as HDMI connectivity so you can easily connect your laptop, smartphone, or tablet to this device with ease. The best part? You don’t have to worry about the projector getting too hot while running either!
Verdict
If you want something small yet powerful that doesn’t take up too much space in your bag or purse, this projector is perfect! It’s affordable too so you can get double duty out of your purchase as well without having any regrets about wasting money in the long run.
Tips on Choosing an Art Projector for Your Needs
Because there are so many art projectors to choose from, it can take some time trying to figure out which one is best for your needs. Here’s a list of tips you should keep in mind before making any purchases or final decisions:
- Always consider your budget first and foremost. What exactly can you afford to spend on an art projector? The more you’re willing to pay, the better quality device you’ll have access to in general without having too many limitations along the way.
- Can it be used during the day or at night only? Some art projectors will work best when there’s a dark room setting but don’t always require this one specific feature so keep that in mind as well going forward with your search for something new!
- What kind of features are available? Always look out for different types of ports such as USB slots, HDMI connectivity, and anything else that may make using a particular product easier than ever before without any issues whatsoever. Does it need charging from time to time?
- Does it have a warranty or guarantee of any kind so you can get money back if there’s an issue with the device at some point down the line? These types of options are always worth looking into before making your purchase.
You might also be interested in our article about Best Plein Air Easel.
Final Words
Best art projectors come with their fair share of pros and cons, but if you’re looking for one that’s an overall good value then these five options should be at the top of your list!
No matter what your budget is, this list should have a product that fits within your means perfectly so feel free to take some time checking these art projectors out if you’re interested in trying them out or buying one for someone else who needs help with an art project!