Projector and Screen Advice Please - for High Quality Photographic Images

JH100 on 28/10/2024 - 05:10

Hi Guys.

I'm looking for advice on which projector (maybe screen too) might suit my needs.

I am a nature photographer, macro bees, frogs etc, and closeups of birds - whatever comes my way really, backyard/local bush safari stuff. I currently sell prints, framed and unframed at weekend markets in Brisbane - Manly, Tamborine and Indigiscapes. This time round, for the last 2 years, the business/hobby has been paying for itself and I'd like to branch out and a friends suggestion is to tout some business at relevant venues. Offering to do presentations for free (to start with, mine are high quality images and I do a bit of storytelling to go with it - don't know if I should post my Insta/FB page link) where I could have a table to display my wares for sale, where the venue provides the room and promotion etc.

That's the basic idea. So, before I even know what the environment/s will be I need to decide on the tools to use for the job. I think it's reasonable to expect variable room sizes and brightness/darkening.

I am no techie but have looked into it briefly and I'm thinking a short throw projector might be best, maybe easier to control that space at the front of a room. I'd need at least 1080p native resolution. But that's as far as I've got this early morning.

The idea is to sell some prints, so quality projection/imagery matters. And it's also a gamble and money out the door without a return hurts.

Any advice, pointers, perspective would be appreciated.

Electrical & Electronics Projector Projector Screen

Comments

  • geekcohen on 28/10/2024 - 08:25
    +2

    What sort of transport do you have? and how big do you need?

    Gone are the days of using projectors for almost everything when needing to show large things. You can pick up a TV cheap enough, get a stand, and have a better presentation. There are no issues with the screen position and project position, along with running cabling to the projector.

    I just did a job on the weekend that happens every year for a major racing meet. We used to do 2 x 10x7 Screens with Short-Throw projectors. Now, we do a video wall-type look with 6 x 75" TVs. It's better quality and resolution, but it has the same outcome. It's also easier to set up/pack down.

    You could spend more or about the same for a screen + projector as a TV + stand.

    Just my 2 cents.

    • JH100 on 28/10/2024 - 10:44

      Thanks for your thoughts. Good idea if it fits, 6x75" TV's must look impressive at viewing distance?

      I'm thinking small, at least to start with. And I've only got a ford focus hatch - fits everything I need for the markets so far (looking for a Hiace). And it's just me, so 75" TV's are out. :-)

      • Tambani on 28/10/2024 - 12:16
        +2

        If you're thinking of doing any of it outdoors then you have to choose a TV over a projector. You'll be spending ridiculous money trying to source a projector bright enough for outdoors, and it still will look washed out.

        Get the largest mini-led TV you can carry and a stand that can be packed up.

        • JH100 on 28/10/2024 - 12:39

          Thanks, I don't expect to be doing it outdoors.

  • eug on 28/10/2024 - 15:36

    If the idea is to showcase photos, a projector will look washed out unless you can dim the room a good deal.

    A projector screen is white; that white is as dark as your blacks can go because you can't project black. So any black areas of e.g. a bird will actually be grey if the room lights can't be dimmed enough.

    A good TV would be much more vibrant but a lot more difficult to transport if you need a large display. Maybe you can go with a projector for the presentations but get a 42" OLED for the sales table to really let the photos shine.

    • JH100 on 28/10/2024 - 15:44

      That's the idea, to showcase, but also to entertain.

      I could use any in-house TV but have to be prepped in case there isn't one handy.

      "any black areas of e.g. a bird will actually be grey if the room lights can't be dimmed enough." Good point, hadn't occurred to me.

      Also "a 42" OLED for the sales table to really let the photos shine." good idea. Thanks.

  • AustriaBargain on 28/10/2024 - 20:11

    What about those TVs that look like photo frames? And pay a graphic designer to make a video reel of the art that you have for sale or something, or a series of videos so you can remove ones that are sold or swap the video for one with a little red sold "sticker" on it.

    • JH100 on 29/10/2024 - 01:23

      Thanks. To start with I just want the simplest thing that will do the job. Then, if there's a job to do I'll look at what developments might be usefull.

  • JH100 on 31/10/2024 - 07:53

    I've settled on this one - https://www.epson.com.au/products/projector/EB-FH52.asp - seems a appropriate place to start. It's bright for daytime showing, has USB input for images - keeps it simple, etc.

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