You will not discover a smaller projector with this many options

Kodak wants no introduction — it is famend for its high quality images gear 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 most recent 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 wished to attempt the smaller LUMA 500 with an adjustable tripod to see the way it compares.

The Kodak LUMA 500 is the most recent mannequin within the firm’s transportable projector lineup, with apparent styling cues from our beforehand examined LUMA 150. It might share comparable exterior options, however efficiency is on one other degree, with improved brightness and backbone. It additionally consists of Google TV and built-in streaming apps, making it appropriate for mild leisure in addition to business-oriented use. I spent per 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 Expertise

DLP

Professionals & Cons

• Strong building
• Tiny dimension
• Simple to setup

• Common image high quality
• Low quantity
• Dear

Value, availability, and specs

Palm-sized efficiency

Moveable projectors are fashionable as a result of they will 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 could actually comfortably slot in most baggage and is right for street journeys and different out of doors use. The sq. design oozes high quality with a tricky steel body that includes a trendy brushed end. You will not want to fret concerning 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, 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 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 units.

The steel body is sandwiched on both 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 excellent 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 provides 1080p native decision and 4K help, and might show photographs as much as 150 inches. Audio is courtesy of a pair of 1.5W built-in audio system. Alternatively, you may 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 observe a film or the massive sport without having an influence outlet.

What I favored concerning the Kodak LUMA 500 projector

Versatile connectivity

Proper off the bat, the LUMA 500 appears like a high quality product produced from 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 suits 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 format, and since most bigger transportable projectors forgo them altogether. That mentioned, most customers will want the distant management, which has a normal format with shortcut buttons to YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

I recognize that Kodak goes the additional mile and throws in the whole lot required to get began. Other than the projector and tripod, the field features a energy adapter with numerous plug adapters for each area and AAA batteries for the distant management. Establishing the projector was a breeze due to its autofocus function and secure tripod. I might additionally entry my favourite streaming providers in only a few minutes with Google TV. Its versatility would not finish there; the LUMA 500’s spectacular connectivity choices imply you may solid content material out of your cellphone, connect with streaming providers through Wi-Fi, or connect your PlayStation 5 through HDMI.

A built-in battery is a must have function on a transportable monitor for enterprise shows 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 trouble with this function, and its inclusion on the LUMA 500 is all of the extra spectacular due to the restricted house out there.

What I did not like concerning 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 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 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 general quantity is predicted, given the tiny audio system, and it’ll work for shows and informal viewing. Nevertheless, you may want so as to add a soundbar or exterior speaker for those who’re searching for a cinematic expertise.

Nevertheless, 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.

Must you purchase the Kodak LUMA 500 projector?

It is dependent upon how a lot portability you want

This mini-projector is designed for on-the-go customers who need the smallest projector doable 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 stable construct high quality makes it excellent for long-term use on the street, and it is versatile to play from practically any supply, together with your cellphone, streaming providers, and gaming consoles.

I feel the LUMA 500 is value shopping for for those who’re searching for a stable transportable projector with respectable efficiency for mild leisure and enterprise or instructional shows. It is not low-cost at round $650, and its worth will rely on whether or not you want the last word portability and flexibility. Higher choices can be found for those who’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 Expertise

DLP