Epson - EpiqVision Mini EF12

I would recommend the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12. It is a great small portable projector!

The MX550 is a decent XGA business class model for cheap use in a classroom and shouldn't be on your list under any circumstances. You should be looking at a 1920x1080 (1080p) native resolution projector at the very least. Make sure you know how to look up specs at Projector Central, and check for used or refurbished models which may be a good deal. The EF12 is similar to the EF22, as reviewed in this video... [https://youtu.be/ClIboELoz74?si=iK8cbMVobveJdzmy](https://youtu.be/ClIboELoz74?si=iK8cbMVobveJdzmy) It's also been reviewed at Projector Central... [https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-EpiqVision-Mini-EF12-Projector-Review.htm](https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-EpiqVision-Mini-EF12-Projector-Review.htm) That YouTube channel and Projector Central are websites you should become quite familiar with if you want to make an informed purchase decision. The Epson is a lot less bright than a full sized projector, and won't compete with ambient light very well at all. The main thing you want to focus on is light control in the room.

If the rest of your setup is like that, absolutely. If you actually have a screen though, get a better screen. One of my suite mates had a cheap China projector, and my roomate and I used an epson mini ef-12. Epson obviously blew it out of the water.

Just get the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 renewed model it's one of the best on the market https://preview.redd.it/5n5t9dj62tze1.jpeg?width=1812&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76c555e5aa829ac392675fe763deabe93a70ad91

A bit more expensive than 10,000, but I have one of these and I have really enjoyed it. mine was on sale at 65,000 couple years ago and has been holding great. [https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Dreamio-EF-12-Projector-Speaker-AndroidTV%E2%84%A2/dp/B08L8YNFKQ](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Dreamio-EF-12-Projector-Speaker-AndroidTV%E2%84%A2/dp/B08L8YNFKQ)

Hey I got you! Check out offer up and Facebook marketplace for an Epson E12, that projector is popular enough that you can find good deals on it (admittedly more like 400) but yeah it's totally what you are asking for Same goes for the xgimi elfin which you can find for 300 more easily but doesn't have as good speakers

thanks! ive been using projector over tv for many years and am alwasy looking for the best bang for your buck. this model has been amazing the last 2 years its the epson epiqvision ef12. built in speakers are amazing [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/epson-epiqvision-mini-ef12-smart-streaming-laser-projector-refurbished-black/6594703.p?skuId=6594703](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/epson-epiqvision-mini-ef12-smart-streaming-laser-projector-refurbished-black/6594703.p?skuId=6594703)

Save up a bit more and grab an Epson EF12 from Amazon. They are great for Apartments, and won't tip off the entire complex that you just bought a brand new TV. [www.amazon.com/Epson-EpiqVision-EF12-Streaming-Brightness/dp/B08GL4QSFH](http://www.amazon.com/Epson-EpiqVision-EF12-Streaming-Brightness/dp/B08GL4QSFH)

I’m no pro but I’ve been here on the forums for a little when I was researching and I would say consensus here would probably say yes it’s worth getting a screen if you’re considering upgrading to a decent setup. This is all relative and dependent though. If you were going to spend $1000-$3000 on a good 4k projector that you can game well on, I’d say you should probably support your investment and bring it to its potential. If you’re spending $1000 or less and you are likely using a lot of keystone and just don’t want a screen, then I’d say just do what works for you, your needs, and budget. If you use a lot of keystone and aren’t setup to reduce it or not use it at all then you’re going to lose image quality and add input lag. That’s not a huge deal if you understand that and buy into an upgrade with those expectations. With lighter play on the switch the input lag added will probably be mostly acceptable. It really depends on what you want and what you need and then how much you’re willing to spend. You could spend $3k on a projector to use on a multicolor and textured wall at a big angle using a lot of keystone and you know, that’s fine and up to you if the budget is not a big deal. If you want the best experience possible on a $1500 budget then you’ll get the best results with a dedicated screen or painted wall area and a setup that removes use of keystone. I don’t know what you’re budget is and again I have limited experience here but I have used the Nebula 4K SE and would say for the price it’s pretty good for 4k and adequate for noncompetitive gaming. I started with the epson ef12 which was perfect for a small bedroom projector and limited space. I then got the Nebula for the living room and some gaming and it’s been pretty good. My latest was recently getting the Hisense C2 Ultra for everything and while the black levels will bother some for the price, it’s been an impressive projector for me. In the end it’s about what you want, what you need, what you can sacrifice, and having your expectations in check for what you’re getting and can afford.

Kind of depends what you want it to do. If you want a full 4K home cinema, you're looking at $1500+. If you want base HD to do large movies for novelty, there's an Epson Epiq that's about $500 that'll work. The $1500+ ones are unbeatable though, I won't go back to a TV if I have a choice.

with cheap 100" 4k LED's available (walmart has a 98" Samsung for 1997 right now, costco has 98" TCL for 1599), maybe look at those before spending over $2k for a projector. Unless your screen is bigger than that, then a projector still the way to go since budget TV's max out at 100" right now (another couple years and you'll probably see 120" for $2k). Redoing my basement this is my dilemma - will stick with my 1080p Epson until the price comes down for 120"

I second this. Check Facebook marketplace for used name brand. Whatever you find research the model to avoid the conference room and multimedia model fluff. Literally Google the model number or check projector central website. You want to look for 720p or 1080p home theater models. You won't find anything more than that in your budget. Saw a Marantz VP-12S4 720p projector for $110. Here's an Epson 1080p that retails for $800 for $150. Make sure they test it for you. Ask if the bulb has been replaced. Unfortunately some people know how to reset lamp hours but check that anyways as well in case they haven't. Disregard the 4k advertising from Knock off models, it's a sham. Those are paperweights and just know they won't last long at all. https://preview.redd.it/e2orfdenxwbf1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=307cee1847275b626efaf631982de2e8ca291c5a

Yes it is. Got mine open box in 500$. For anime it's a no brainer.

For $800 you’re looking at 1080p not even pixel shift. You’ll have to do the math on throw distance but an Epson 1080 or Benq 585 are decent machines

If that's the case, see if you can look at an Epson 1080, maybe refurbished or open-box. It will be a good starting point and its retail price is around $500 US. The Epson 8350 (my first ever projector) is also a good option. They have been out of production for awhile but they can be had for $250 or less. Only down side is they are larger than that Optoma or the 1080.

I have the Epson 880 and 1080.  They're both fantastic projector and some of the best values you can possibly get, especially in the 200 - $250 range, which is phenomenal value.  1060 is, as I understand it, similar to between the 880 and 1080 so I would absolutely recommend it.

I love my 1080 Epson projector. Quality seems plenty good for me, and I strongly prefer the experience of watching it over my 4k TV. Not sure of the purpose of OP's post, but my enjoyment factor is in no way influenced by your opinions.

Your previous projector only had 1000ANSI lumens not bright enough. I'd say at least 2500-4200 is perfect for daytime viewing. If you pair it with a grey screen even the cheap cloth ones it will improve contrast an reduce the light washout you get in the day. There are also paint mixes you can paint on your wall. For $1100 on Amazon you can get a new Epson 2350 with 4k uhd/pixel shifting 2800ANSI lumens. The Epson 1080 is a decent option for $700 at 1080p 3400ANSI lumens. I have 4 Epson projectors the home cinema 3100 at 2600 ANSI lumens, the 696ui at 3800 ANSI lumens, the 2247u at 4200 ANSI lumens and the LS650 at 3600 ANSI lumens. All bright enough and I have them all in eco mode.

The Epson hc 880, 1060, and 1080 are wonderful little light cannons and great quality for value. If I find one at that price I'm buying it for a secondary or movable protector They still won't compete with the sun but will work well at night/ late evening and they are physically small and easy to move

Try to look locally and find a used epson 880/660/1080/1060 or benq ht2050. They're old enough that they're probably around that price used and they have well documented response times. I sold my HT2050 for 250$ on fb marketplace last year. If you can go up to 500$ you can find an epson official refurbished hc1080 https://epson.com/Certified-ReNew/c/cc?q=%3Aprice-asc%3AdiscontinuedFlag%3Afalse%3AinStockFlag%3Atrue%3AproductType%3APROJECTOR

Maybe try and find a used Epson 880, 1060, 1080, 660. You'll need a lot of light for 200in, those are very high brightness 1080p projectors. Most affordable while still being designed for home theater use (vs office use). If you can afford 400$, Epson sells factory refurbs for around that much

I think you have the right instincts here A 4k projector will do the trick. Heck I have a 1080p Epson I picked up open box and a denon avr that can do 7.1. No atmos. And it sounds and looks amazing So nowadays an atmos capable receiver and 4k projector ( even just led ). Will look and sound amazing Just need a few small extra back speakers if and when you decide to use all the extra channels

I don’t have a 4k tv even. I will probably get one soon But I am really impressed with how good even an 1080p Epson can project at 110” image that is totally cinematic So I think any 4 k Epson will be totally good I feed it an Apple TV I have a marantz cinema 70 which is their lowest powered one and use an extra 2 channel amp I have to power fronts. That room looks pretty big so I would go with something cinema 50 and still have the option to add extra power later.