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 yr, just like the Yaber T1 Pro and Dangbei Freedo, favor an elongated capsule-like design with an built-in stand, and I needed to strive 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 could share related exterior options, however efficiency is on one other degree, with improved brightness and determination. It additionally contains Google TV and built-in streaming apps, making it appropriate for mild leisure in addition to business-oriented use. I spent every week with the LUMA 500 to see the way it performs, and here is what I give it some thought.

4/5

Model

Kodak

Native Decision

1080p

ANSI Lumens

150

Projection Know-how

DLP

Professionals & Cons

• Stable development
• Tiny dimension
• Straightforward to setup

• Common image high quality
• Low quantity
• Dear

Value, availability, and specs

Palm-sized efficiency

Transportable projectors are widespread as a result of they’ll go wherever, 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 could possibly comfortably slot in most luggage and is right for street journeys and different out of doors 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 sophisticated sq. bezel, which provides some aptitude. The zoom and energy buttons, situated on the left and proper sides of the projector, function the identical brushed end and have a reassuring tactile really feel. Kodak features a first rate port choice on the projector’s rear, consisting of three.5mm audio, USB-A, HDMI, and a USB-C charging port to attach most units.

The steel body is sandwiched on either side with matte black housings. The highest contains 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 best viewing angle.

Efficiency-wise, the LUMA 500 makes use of DLP expertise and a 150-ANSI lumen LED mild supply with a 30,000-hour lifespan. It gives 1080p native decision and 4K assist, 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 through 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 look at a film or the massive sport while not having an influence outlet.

What I favored in regards to the Kodak LUMA 500 projector

Versatile connectivity

Proper off the bat, the LUMA 500 appears like a high 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 dimension. 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 an ordinary structure with shortcut buttons to YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

I admire 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. Establishing the projector was a breeze due to its autofocus function and steady tripod. I may additionally entry my favourite streaming providers in just some 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 telephone, hook up with streaming providers through Wi-Fi, or connect your PlayStation 5 through HDMI.

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

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

Small dimension sacrifices

The LUMA 500’s diminutive dimension is a double-edged sword that forces it to make compromises. Its 150 ANSI lumens of brightness are adequate for darkish rooms or nighttime use, but it surely is not the most effective for brighter environments. The image high quality is first rate, but it surely will not compete with bigger rivals, which have house for extra highly effective {hardware}. I had no points watching reveals 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 total quantity is anticipated, given the tiny audio system, and it’ll work for displays and informal viewing. Nevertheless, you may want so as to add a soundbar or exterior speaker in case you’re on the lookout for a cinematic expertise.

Nevertheless, I do not assume 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 is determined by how a lot portability you want

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

I believe the LUMA 500 is value shopping for in case you’re on the lookout for a strong transportable projector with first rate efficiency for mild 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 last word portability and flexibility. Higher choices can be found in case you’re on the lookout 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