Projection

[The Bard Rocks]

If I convert to digital on my limited budget, is it possible to project images on a screen and have them comparable in quality to what I can now achieve with Carousels and slide film? What would something like that, if it exists, set me back? I know that 6 years ago, it was not practical or possible, but technology marches on.

Roland, "The Bard Rocks"

[gdietzman]

I don't have a lot of experience with digital projection since I don't own one, but I've used digital projectors from a number of presentations at various organizations. Personally, I have never found a projector that conveyed color and contrast as well as a slide and slide projector. It's been a while, however, and, as you pointed out, progress keeps marching on. Some newer models may be better.

I use our new 40" HD TV by connecting my laptop to it via a HDMI cable. The TV's contrast and color can be adjusted (need to reduce contrast a bit) to show the photos and they look very good. Probably as good or better than a slide projected by traditional means.

Hope this helps....

[lesaus]

If I convert to digital on my limited budget, is it possible to project images on a screen and have them comparable in quality to what I can now achieve with Carousels and slide film? What would something like that, if it exists, set me back? I know that 6 years ago, it was not practical or possible, but technology marches on.

Roland, "The Bard Rocks"

Roland,

A "high-res" projector (around $5k) will still limit you to 1024x768 pixels (less than 800k projected pixels. HD projectors are on the way, but, very, very expensive). On the other hand, Fujichrome Velvia 50 has 30M grains in each of its 4 color layers. At this time, there is no comparison in projected resolution - slides win by a very wide margin. One of the few advantages of digital projection is that you can make adjustments to the original image, whereas the slide image must be spot on to start with.

In camera club competitions, the above $5k digital projector (along with the required PC) is still no competition for a $400 slide projector with a $400 lens (both of which can be had for 20% of original cost) and a sharp, well-exposed slide. However, submissions of slides are down to a trickle now, making digital the wave - not only of the future - but of the present.

My suggestion is that you pass on the projector for now and make use of ones found at your local camera club, library, nature center, etc. You could always rent one from a camera or video store if necessary.

Good luck.

Ed

[Mitchell]

A "high-res" projector (around $5k) will still limit you to 1024x768 pixels
Ed

You can get a HD projector right Now, and way under the 5K mark.
For 1920 X 1080 i found some under $1000 (US) and some around $1700

[gldiana]

I just saw a projector recently that it's as small as an external portable hard drive and fits in a pocket; it can be connected to the computer via USB. Pretty cool stuff. If I remember correctly it was around $1000.
Nowadays many projectors have LED instead of the very expensive and inefficient light bulb. LED will last much longer and costs little to replace compared to the classic projector bulbs which could be as much as $500 each.

[lesaus]

A "high-res" projector (around $5k) will still limit you to 1024x768 pixels
Ed

You can get a HD projector right Now, and way under the 5K mark.
For 1920 X 1080 i found some under $1000 (US) and some around $1700

If you are going to project 75' to a 10-12' screen, the cheaper projectors won't have the lumens to get you there. HD projectors for large rooms are running in the $10k-$15k range.