Howdy mapping artists, I know it’s frustrating to find the best digital projector according to your need in one place for projection mapping or video mapping.

Now you don’t need to worry about finding the projector, I got your problem and I am here to solve your problem.

What you get in this article or what you can expect:

As I already told you in this article I am going to show you the best projector for projection mapping. According to your need.

And also what are those paid and free software or apps you can use as a beginner or professional?

And Q&A related to the best projector for projection mapping.

Stick to the end of the article you will get everything in one place. So let’s start our today’s article.

Best projector for projection mapping.

1. ViewSonic-PA503W (3d projection mapping)
2. ViewSonic PX701HD
3. Optoma GT1080HDR (Christmas or Halloween)
4. BenQ HT2150ST (Cake Mapping)
5. Optoma GT1090HDR (Laser)
6. BenQ TK850 (Indoor & Outdoor)
7. Epson Home Cinema 1060 (Easy To Use)
8. YABER Y30 (Cheapest)
9. Barco PHWU-81B (Wireless)
10. Christie® 3dlp projectors-PR#-118-019101-04 (Commercial)
11. Christie D13HD-HS (Commercial)

How to choose the right projection mapping projector?

Before you choose which type of projector you need for you. You should think about where you are going to use this projector. For me it’s should place where is no ambient light.

Because in that place my projection mapping quality will not be distorted.

Resolution

For the mapping, your projector should have an optimal resolution. But which number of resolutions is good?

For a good experience in projection mapping at least you should have native 720p in your projector.

Resolution is the no of a pixel in the horizontal and vertical screen. In 720p case the distribution of pixel is 1280x720p, Horizontal: 1280p and Vertical:720p.

Image size and throw ratio

The throw ratio is the division of distance between the projector & screen and the width of the image. With the smaller throw ratio, the projector will make a bigger image. From the near.

Image size: If the throw ratio is 0.6 and the throw distance is 6 then the image size will be 10. You can check yourself.

Throw ratio: If the throw distance is 6 and the image size is 10 then the image throw ratio will be 0.6.

For the correct throw ratio, you can check the technical specification of your projector or you can try, this formula Throw ratio=Throw distance/Image width.

If you are going to do the projection mapping. On the uneven surface. I will always suggest your get the long throw projector. Over a short throw projector.

Lifespan

When you use your projector for certain hours in a day. Then your projector lifespan will decrease gradually.

The lifespan of your projector depends upon the durability of your projector’s light source.

So choose that projector which projector have longer lifespan hours.

Lumens

Lumens decide how much bright your projection mapping will be. The greater the lumens projector you choose the better experience you will get.

But never use your projector in the presence of ambient light and sun. And there you are going to do the projection mapping. I will suggest you get a projector with 1500 – 3000 lumens.

Contrast ratio

A better mapping experience not only requires the best resolution and lumens of the projector. The contrast ratio is also a crucial aspect.

The bigger the contrast ratio the better mapping experience you will get. But some things should be in your mind if the projector is used in lit light conditions. T

hen your projector’s bigger contrast ratio is useless.

Projection surface

Your projection mapping surface should have a dark color, Why.

Because, if you use the light color surface your projected light will be reflected by the surface. And your projection mapping color saturation will be destroyed.

Where you use the dark color surface your projected light will be observed not reflected by the surface. And you get better color saturation.

Also if your projection surface is smooth or even. Then choose a short throw projector. Or if the projection surface is uneven. Choose a long throw projector.

For comparison between the short throw and long throw. I will suggest you read this article long throw vs short throw vs UST projector.

List of Best projector for projection mapping in every range:-

ViewSonic-PA503W

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1280×800
• Image Size: 76 cm – 762 cm
• Contrast Ratio: 22,000:1
• Lifespan: 4,500 hours / 15,000 hours (Eco)
• Lumens: 3,600 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 1.55:1 – 1.70:1

If you are a student and have to do the University or School project in 3D. Or a guy who wants to create amazing 3d projection mapping.

Then we are going to talk about the projector, which has done your 3D mapping easily.

I want to clarify with you first this projector is compatible with projecting 3D images and video content both. By Bluray and HDMI input.

This projector’s color accuracy is amazing. The reason it has a dynamic contrast ratio of 22000:1 and the native resolution is WXGA (1280×800).

Able to make amazing 3D projection mapping in normal light with 3,600 lumens. The screen size of the projector is 120 inches.

I use this projector in the super eco mode projector this projector can run up to 15,000 hours.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Perfect for the 3D projection.
• Compatible with the HDMI enable device.
• Super eco mode is available.
• Razor sharp image quality in this price range.

Cons

• Life durability is issue.

ViewSonic PX701HD

Key Features:-

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Image Size: 30.04″ – 200.10″
• Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1
• Lifespan: 5,000 hours/20,000 hours
• Lumens: 3,500 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 1.50:1 – 1.65:1

Brightness is the key to the ViewSonic PX701HD (Amazon). This projector is very bright.

Much more than you expect from this projector. In the dark environment. Or in the ambient light.

Using the PX701HD, you can project up to 300 inches. Which is massive. For the projection mapping.

The PX701HD projector has a native resolution of 1080p. And the contrast ratio of 12,000:1.

When you see the actual image. You find these specifications very promising. 

Also, this projector is very portable. And you can use it anywhere.

Even when you use this projector in the eco mode. You will get a bright enough image. And good color and contrast.

Basically, this is a home theatre projector (Amazon). But it’s also good for projection mapping.

Because of its promising specs.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Easy to set up.
• Easy to control using the remote.
• Long life in the eco mode.
• Bright projector.
• The specs are promising.
• Very bright.
• Native resolution.

Cons

• Lamp issue.
• Dead pixel.

Optoma GT1080HDR

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Image Size: 92 cm – 779 cm
• Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1
• Lifespan: 4,000 hours / 15,000 hours (Eco)
• Lumens: 3,800 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 0.50:1

If you want to make your house holiday complete for Christmas or Halloween.

Or Make your house look great from the outside, you can use this projector for outdoor mapping.

This is a normal digital projector but perfect for house projection mapping.

Comprehensive projector specification detail:

This projector has every required feature for house mapping. Let’s interact with them one by one.

The projector contrast ratio is very high 50,000:1 which is appreciable or I should say it’s great for outdoor house mapping.

Its native resolution is 1080p you will not have any issue with picture quality as well as with the brightness because its lumens are 3800.

And the last two things are support 4k, 1080 HDR Input, and also have various connectivity options available. So there is no connectivity issue.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• House projection mapping from outside.
• High contrast ration.
• Lamp life is good.
• And also good for other normal indoor/outdoor use.
• Short throw projector.

Cons

• You may face blurry top corners.

BenQ HT2150ST

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Image Size: 152 cm – 763 cm
• Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
• Lifespan: 3,500 hours / 7,000 hours (Eco)
• Lumens: 2,200 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 0.69:1 – 0.83:1

This projector is perfect for those guys who want to decorate a wedding cake or any kind of cake. This projector works well in the little ambient light hall.

If you are serious about wedding cake mapping I have some suggestions for you.

You can hang the projector from the ceiling or you can put it on the table. Make sure you put the projector at the right distance from the cake.

So, the cake can get all the advantages of projector pixels. To know the right distance between the cake and the projector.

You can check the throw ratio in the technical specification.

Let’s talk about a feature that makes it perfect for wedding cake projection mapping.

Lumens is 2,200 which will work well in the wedding hall. You did not see any rainbow effect in this projector due to the 6x RGBRGB color wheel.

Which provides you with crisp details in projection mapping.

Last praise about this projector. The projector contrast ratio is 15000:1 and its’ native resolution is 1080p.

This projector is a short throw which plus points for the big wedding cake.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Brightness is good for the wedding cake projection.
• Value for the money projector.
• Short throw projector.

Cons

• You may problem with the loose HDMI port.

Optoma GT1090HDR

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Image Size: 92 cm – 765 cm
• Contrast Ratio: 1,800:1 (300,000:1)
• Lifespan: 20,000 hours / 30,000 hours (Eco)
• Lumens: 4,200 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 0.50:1

Description;

This is the perfect laser projector for the mapping I have chosen for you guys.

This projector has lots of amazing features which provide you with detailed projection mapping.

About this projector feature, we will talk one by one and how they affect your viewing experience of your video content on the surface/canvas.

First I wanna talk about its light source which is a laser, the reason why this is on our list. Generally, we know that the laser projector has a bright image than the other projector.

Same your projected video content on any surface has better brightness than other projector projections. Projector lumens are 4200.

The projector has a 1080p resolution and also I want to tell you about the resolution it’s compatible with the 4k UHD and 1080p HDR input .

Its contrast ratio is so high 300,000:1, which thing we expect to form every high-end projector. The last thing is it’s 3d ready

But like every projector, it has also some pros and cons let’s face it.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Super short throw projector.
• Easy to use.
• Projected video content quality is good.
• Have a laser light source.

Cons

• Nothing to say.

BenQ TK850

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 3840×2160
• Image Size: 76 cm – 762 cm
• Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1
• Lifespan: 4,000 hours / 15,000 hours (Eco)
• Lumens: 3,000 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 1.13:1 – 1.47:1

This is the best true 4k projector for mixed-use indoor and outdoor use. You can do the projection mapping in your house at both places.

If your need is a true 4k projector for mapping, this is the best one you can get on the online market.

Let’s get into its specification which decides the projection mapping experience.

I like to start with its resolution which is highlighted in our article. The resolution of this projector is great, which is 3840 × 2160. Provide you with crisp and clear, video content.

The other two things which affect your projection mapping experience are contrast ratio and lumen.

Both are amazing as you get in any good projector. The contrast ratio is 30,000:1 and lumens are 3000.

If you buy this projector for home projection use it’s not necessary always you will do the mapping. It’s an obvious thing.

There is lots of other feature in this projector that take care of your entertainment at home.

So, now you know this projector is good for true 4k mapping as well as for home entertainment. There is no reason to say no to this true 4k projector.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• True 4k resolution.
• Brightness is good of this projector.
• Value for money projector.

Cons

• User interface is outdated.

Epson Home Cinema 1060

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Image Size: 127 cm – 762 cm
• Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
• Lifespan: 6,000 hours / 10,000 hours
• Lumens: 3,100 ANSI Lumens
• Throw Ratio: 1.02:1 – 1.23:1

If you are deciding to buy the mapping projector, but you only want the Epson then there is an amazing deal for you Epson Home Cinema 1060. About I am going to talk, why you should get this.

Their lots of other fascinating features in this projector. But I would like to start conversion with its innovative 3LCD display technology.

This ensures that there will be no rainbow effect in your projection mapping.

I have experience in other projectors there is only one type of lumen. But on this projector, you will get two kinds of lumens, color, and white lumens.

For connectivity purposes, there is a 2HDMI port and other various options.

Its contrast ratio is 15,000:1 and its resolution is 1080p which is quite good for projection mapping.

This projector can go up to 300 impressive inches.

I think all these features are enough to do amazing projection mapping.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• 3LCD display technology.
• Two types of lumen color.
• High contrast.
• Easy to use.
• Projector material quality is good.

Cons

• You can face large yellow spot on the screen.

YABER Y30

Key Features:-

• Resolution: 1080P
• Image Size: 45.00″ – 200.00″
• Contrast Ratio: 8,000:1
• Lifespan: 100,000 hours
• Lumens: 9500L
• Throw Ratio: 1.17:1

This is the cheapest projection mapping projector. But it comes with good features.

Which lets you do some good projection mapping. At the budget price.

Yaber Y30 (Amazon) is a native 1080p projector. So you don’t need to worry about your projected image quality.

Also, you go up to the 200-inch image size. Which is quite big. There you have an opportunity.

To cover the big projection area with the budget projector.

Brightness is not the issue with Yaber Y30. The image looks good in a light environment.

With the lamp projection mapping projector. Projector life is an issue. 

But on Yaber Y30. LED light source is available. Which can last up to 100,000 hours.

Such a long time.

Because Yaber Y30 has an LED light source. So, there will not be an issue with the projector overheating.

The reason why your projector fan will not produce noise.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Portable.
• Full HD resolution at a budget price.
• LED light source.
• Big projection.

Cons

• The misleading description.
• Bad support.

Barco PHWU-81B

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1920×1200
• Contrast Ratio: 2,800:1 (full on/off)
• Lifespan: 2,000 hours (full power)/4,000 hours (eco mode)
• Lumens: 7,500 ANSI Lumens / 5,450 Lumens (Eco)

If you want to buy the specific Barco projector for the mapping. Then it could be your choice why I will tell you briefly don’t worry about that.

With its click share inside feature, you can share your content with the projector wirelessly by using your device.

Its display technology is DLP. In which 0.67″ DMD is used with the single DLP chip.

For a great mapping experience, there are lots of other things in this projector.

For the bright projection mapping, it comes with 7,500 ANSI. Lumens if you run the projector in Eco mode its lumens decreases from 7,500 ANSI to 5,450 ANSI.

But projector life increase in the eco mode from 2,000 hours to 4,000 hours. The projector’s normal life is 2,000 hours.

Its resolution is 1,920 x 1,200 WUXGA and the contrast ratio is 2,800:1, which is enough to create fascinating projection mapping on any surface.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Projector have wireless content share option.
• Eco mode available to enhance the projector life.
• Projector look nice.
• All feature available for the perfect projection mapping.

Cons

• Nothing to say.

If your intention is to buy the projector for home mapping or do mapping in small size. The upcoming projector I am going to talk not for you. Because this projector needs a huge budget.

If you want to buy the projector for the large buildings then welcome. There is two option for you, Christie® 3dlp projectors-PR#-118-019101-04 and Christie D13HD-HS. Let’s unpack them.

Christie® 3dlp projectors-PR#-118-019101-04

Key feature;

• Resolution: 1080P
• Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
• Lifespan: Standard: 1,750 hours, Eco mode: 2,000 hours
• Lumens: 12000 ANSI

This huge projector is made with high-end technology. Which allows this projector to do incredible work.

Like, the projector can do 3D projection mapping on large buildings. How and which high-end technology allow this projector to do this amazing work lets tier down.

This projector’s standard lumen is 14,000. Projector’s operating voltage is 110-240 VAC 50/60 Hz and its operating current is 15A @ 100 VAC.

This projector’s total power consumption is 15,000 w. The projector’s standard life without eco mode is 1,750 hours and it enhances up to 2,000 hours when you turn on eco mode.

There is three standard inputs option is available in this projector Twin DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI, and 3G SD/HD-SDI.

Projectors receive four types of input signals HDTV, DTV, and Multi-standard video decoder.

And all types of inputs vertical and horizontal.

This projector has smart lamp output for multiple screens, which ensures that color spread the same for multiple screens. The projector can adjust each primary color individually.

In this projector, you will get the motorized zoom with complete vertical and horizontal adjustment.

The biggest advantage of this projector, according to me this projector can handle multiple screen projections at once. This means it can easily cover a large area at one time.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• 3D projection mapping available for the large buildings.
• Projector have the 3 digital micro mirror device.
• Projector can adjust the each primary color individually.
• Eco mode available, which is needed in this huge projector.

Cons

• Power consumption.

Christie D13HD-HS

Key Feature;

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Contrast Ratio: 750,000:1 (full on/off)
• Lifespan: 20,000 hours
• Lumens: 11,500 ANSI Lumens

At last, we have Christie D13HD-HS, a laser phosphor light source projector.

This projector’s life is 20,000 hours and this projector is Maintenance free because of its light source.

It’s a DLP projector.

There are four types of color wheels in this projector, four four-color Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, and these wheels are 2x or 3x speed.

That’s why there is no rainbow effect on this projector.

Its contrast ratio change with the settings. When Christie’s real black enables its contrast is 750,000:1.

Christie’s real black is disabled its contrast is 1200:1. There is another contrast ratio available called dynamic: 7,500:1.

There is various signal input and output options are available.

Let’s end this projector praise with its Bold Color technology. This is Christie’s color saturation technology.

The projector enhances color saturation, in comparison to other projectors.

Like other Christie projectors. This projector is also able to manage multi-screen projection output.

Pros and Cons.

Pros

• Projector have laser light source.
• Projector support 3D inputs.
• Bold color technology.
• Their is no rainbow effect in this projector.

Cons

• Need more energy to run than normal projector. Because it’s energy input is high.

Best projector for projection mapping FAQ.

Can you use any projector for projection mapping?

No, you can’t you any projector for the mapping, Why.

Because the projector changes its projection output every second to show the effect on the projection surface.

For projection mapping, you need a high-end projector. And the type of projector also depends on you, which scale you’re doing the mapping.

In our list of projectors, you will get every kind of projector.

What is projection mapping and how do you do it?

Projection mapping is video projection technology in which, we project our video content on various structures or surfaces to see the fascinating projection.

Such as we use the building and homes surface like a canvas. Which gives these non-living things a beautiful texture, and looks gorgeous during the night.

How do you do it:

You have to take care of five things like Canvas, Lighting, Content, Set up, and presentation.

First of all, you have to choose the canvas which could be anything where you want to project your video content Home, and any commercial building.

Now you know your canvas, it’s time to predict how much light or video content you will need to cover your canvas, for this you can use the various software available in the market.

Canvas and Lighting are done. You can create your video content for a project or you can buy the licensed video content online.

It’s time to set up everything physically, you have to go to your projection location. And arrange the projector, worker, power source and other necessary things.

You can make the grid for a demo to ensure that, your video content is properly projected on the surface. Before the final product.

It’s the final step and also the time of the presentation. Project your gorgeous art on the home or building and enjoy it with everyone.

What is the best projection mapping software (Free and Paid)?

I try to arrange all the available software or app for projection mapping. This software is for both types of mapping artist newbie and professionals. As you can below.

Which one you will use let me know in the comment section. If any software or app miss let me know.

1. HeavyM (Free And Paid)
2. VPT (Free) 
3. MapMap (Free)
4. Resolume (Paid)
5. QLab (Free And Paid)
6. MadMapper (Free And Paid) (mac)
7. Millumin (Free And Paid)
8. TOUCHDESIGNER (Free And Paid) (3D effect)
9. MAPIO (Free And Paid)
10. ISADORA (Free And Paid)
11. Pandoras By Christie

What is the basic projection mapping hardware?

Honestly, projection hardware can depend upon the size of the projection.

But there is some basic hardware you get in every projection mapping. Power source, cables, computer, projector, software, and peripherals.

How does 3D projection mapping work?

There are three principles in 3D projection mapping works wrapping, blending, and superimposing.

When a 3D object is projected on the surface it encloses the surface and mixes or combines with the surface and is laid over the surface.

But didn’t take the place of the object. And hence you see the 3d visuals.

Conclusion.

Projection mapping is really cool way to decorate a home or building. Also the wedding cake. Which makes things very memorable.

Now it’s your turn:

Tell me in the comment section which projector you have to choose for the projection mapping.

See you next time…