You will not discover a smaller projector with this many options

Kodak wants no introduction — it is famend for its high quality pictures tools and projectors. That is why I used to be thrilled to check the brand new LUMA 500 Projector, made by licensee C+A International, which guarantees the newest options and Google TV OS in a palm-sized package deal. The opposite transportable projectors I’ve tried this 12 months, just like the Yaber T1 Pro and Dangbei Freedo, favor an elongated capsule-like design with an built-in stand, and I wished to attempt the smaller LUMA 500 with an adjustable tripod to see the way it compares.

The Kodak LUMA 500 is the newest mannequin within the firm’s transportable projector lineup, with apparent styling cues from our beforehand examined LUMA 150. It might share related exterior options, however efficiency is on one other stage, with improved brightness and determination. It additionally consists of Google TV and built-in streaming apps, making it appropriate for gentle leisure in addition to business-oriented use. I spent every week with the LUMA 500 to see the way it performs, and this is what I give it some thought.

4/5

Model

Kodak

Native Decision

1080p

ANSI Lumens

150

Projection Know-how

DLP

Professionals & Cons

• Stable building
• Tiny measurement
• Straightforward to setup

• Common image high quality
• Low quantity
• Expensive

Worth, availability, and specs

Palm-sized efficiency

Transportable projectors are well-liked as a result of they’ll go anyplace, and the palm-sized LUMA 500 is an ideal instance. At 1.2 lbs and 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches, it may possibly comfortably slot in most luggage and is good for highway journeys and different outside use. The sq. design oozes high quality with a troublesome steel body that includes a trendy brushed end. You will not want to fret in regards to the lens getting scratched or soiled as a result of it is recessed into the body and surrounded by a cultured sq. bezel, which provides some aptitude. The zoom and energy buttons, positioned on the left and proper sides of the projector, characteristic the identical brushed end and have a reassuring tactile really feel. Kodak features a respectable port choice on the projector’s rear, consisting of three.5mm audio, USB-A, HDMI, and a USB-C charging port to attach most gadgets.

The steel body is sandwiched on all sides with matte black housings. The highest consists of indicator lights and contact controls for navigating the menu. The underside has cut-out air vents for efficient warmth dissipation and commonplace threads to just accept the included tripod stand. Talking of the stand, it is compact, but sturdy, with a locking mechanism to maintain the projector pointed on the splendid viewing angle.

Efficiency-wise, the LUMA 500 makes use of DLP know-how and a 150-ANSI lumen LED gentle supply with a 30,000-hour lifespan. It gives 1080p native decision and 4K help, and might show photos as much as 150 inches. Audio is courtesy of a pair of 1.5W built-in audio system. Alternatively, you possibly can join soundbars or exterior audio system by way of HDMI ARC, a 3.5mm port, or Bluetooth. For a compact projector, it manages to squeeze in a ten,500 mAh battery, which ought to final lengthy sufficient to observe a film or the massive recreation without having an influence outlet.

What I preferred in regards to the Kodak LUMA 500 projector

Versatile connectivity

Proper off the bat, the LUMA 500 appears like a top quality product comprised of sturdy supplies. It is the smallest transportable projector I’ve tried, and I used to be impressed by the sheer variety of options the LUMA 500 packs into its compact measurement. It matches within the slimmest briefcase, providing 1080p decision, onboard contact controls, and a built-in battery. The onboard controls stood out for me due to their responsiveness and intuitive structure, and since most bigger transportable projectors forgo them altogether. That mentioned, most customers will choose the distant management, which has a typical structure with shortcut buttons to YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

I recognize that Kodak goes the additional mile and throws in every little thing required to get began. Other than the projector and tripod, the field features a energy adapter with varied plug adapters for each area and AAA batteries for the distant management. Organising the projector was a breeze because of its autofocus characteristic and secure tripod. I may additionally entry my favourite streaming companies in only a few minutes with Google TV. Its versatility does not finish there; the LUMA 500’s spectacular connectivity choices imply you possibly can forged content material out of your cellphone, hook up with streaming companies by way of Wi-Fi, or connect your PlayStation 5 by way of HDMI.

A built-in battery is a must have characteristic on a transportable monitor for enterprise displays or outside film nights, eliminating the necessity for a plug level and the effort of carrying a charging block. Some compact fashions I’ve examined do not hassle with this characteristic, and its inclusion on the LUMA 500 is all of the extra spectacular due to the restricted house obtainable.

What I did not like in regards to the Kodak LUMA 500 projector

Small measurement sacrifices

The LUMA 500’s diminutive measurement is a double-edged sword that forces it to make compromises. Its 150 ANSI lumens of brightness are enough for darkish rooms or nighttime use, but it surely is not the very best for brighter environments. The image high quality is respectable, but it surely will not compete with bigger rivals, which have house for extra highly effective {hardware}. I had no points watching exhibits and YouTube movies, though the muted colours will not do justice to gaming.

Sound high quality is one other space affected by the projector’s restricted house. The low general quantity is predicted, given the tiny audio system, and it’ll work for displays and informal viewing. Nonetheless, you will want so as to add a soundbar or exterior speaker if you happen to’re searching for a cinematic expertise.

Nonetheless, I do not suppose these points are a giant deal as a result of the LUMA 500 is not designed for final efficiency and is all about comfort and practicality, which it delivers in spades.

Do you have to purchase the Kodak LUMA 500 projector?

It relies on how a lot portability you want

This mini-projector is designed for on-the-go customers who need the smallest projector attainable to tackle the highway with them. It simply achieves its goal by providing simple setup and different handy options in a minuscule package deal. The stable construct high quality makes it splendid for long-term use on the highway, and it is versatile to play from almost any supply, together with your cellphone, streaming companies, and gaming consoles.

I believe the LUMA 500 is price shopping for if you happen to’re searching for a stable transportable projector with respectable efficiency for gentle leisure and enterprise or academic displays. It is not low-cost at round $650, and its worth will depend upon whether or not you want the final word portability and flexibility. Higher choices can be found if you happen to’re searching for good sound and visuals, however none of them can match the LUMA 500’s tiny footprint.

4/5

Model

Kodak

Native Decision

1080p

ANSI Lumens

150

Projection Know-how

DLP