Which projector looks better?

[dolphinc]

I have 2 projectors but can only keep one so I took a few pics and I am looking for help on what the two images are supposed to look like.

Projector one is a model that is less than a year old, projector two is almost 5 years old. The 2 images of Gandalf look almost the same but the 2nd image of "That rider dude" looks completely different and I do not know which one is more accurate. I did calibrate both using various DVD calibration disks.

I will list the projector models and what images belong to which projector after I get a few answers/suggestions. Thanks.

First Set.





__________________________________________________ _________

Second Set.

[Flatnate]

Its pretty tough to make a definitive comparison based off these shots. The amount of light from shot to shot bouncing off your walls can throw off the contrast slightly. I was trying to get a feel for black levels and it seems like maybe the second one has better black levels, but then that could be due to the camera and the moment you clicked the shutter as well as the amount of time on each lamp. I'm having a hard time coming to a decision based on these. The second projector seems to have a little more blue in the picture of the wraith, possibly a little more saturated.

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Its pretty tough to make a definitive comparison based off these shots. The amount of light from shot to shot bouncing off your walls can throw off the contrast slightly. I was trying to get a feel for black levels and it seems like maybe the second one has better black levels, but then that could be due to the camera and the moment you clicked the shutter as well as the amount of time on each lamp. I'm having a hard time coming to a decision based on these.

The walls are flat black in a 100% light controlled room. I know screen shots can be off somewhat but I can tell you they are close to what I see on the screen.

Also the first shots the bulb has less than 50 hrs nd the second shots the bulb has about 600 hrs. The 2 images are so different that I don't know which one is close to what the actual images should look like.

[spaceape]

Not even very high end cameras are going too show how the projectors really look. On top of that every one looking at these pictures might have totally different monitors and picture settings.

What projectors are we looking at? The Benq W7000 most be the first one right?

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by spaceape

Not even very high end cameras are going too show how the projectors really look. On top of that every one looking at these pictures might have totally different monitors and picture settings.

What projectors are we looking at? The Benq W7000 most be the first one right?

Yes the BenQ is the first one.

[spaceape]

Originally Posted by dolphinc

Yes the BenQ is the first one.

The W7000 would get my pick. I think it looks the most natural. Without knowing what the second one is.

The second one looks more grainy, dark and the skintones are rather saturated. Still good for such an old pj.

You would ofcause be the best judge of all this mate. You could also visit or re-visit some reviews of the projectors. You can try looking at the blacks with nothing running on the bluray. Also take into consideration the price difference of the two.

[spaceape]

I can take out the first projectors name from my posts if you still want too keep it a secret?

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by spaceape

I can take out the first projectors name from my posts if you still want too keep it a secret?

No, that’s OK, I don’t mind people knowing what the projector is. I think the saturation might be the camera because it is a little more natural looking but like you said, screen shots are difficult to gauge properly.

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by spaceape

The W7000 would get my pick. I think it looks the most natural. Without knowing what the second one is.

The second one looks more grainy, dark and the skintones are rather saturated. Still good for such an old pj.

You would ofcause be the best judge of all this mate. You could also visit or re-visit some reviews of the projectors. You can try looking at the blacks with nothing running on the bluray. Also take into consideration the price difference of the two.

The BenQ is the DLP and the second one is a LCD so I think that is why it looks a little more grainy. The BenQ has a feature in it to smooth out the screen image. What bothers me is the 2nd image of the "Rider" The older projector looks like there is more detail in the backgroud where the BenQ looks washed out. I guess I can load it onto my 55" LCD TV but I am guessing the image will look different from the 2 projector images.

[spaceape]

Originally Posted by dolphinc

No, that’s OK, I don’t mind people knowing what the projector is. I think the saturation might be the camera because it is a little more natural looking but like you said, screen shots are difficult to gauge properly.

That first one is a super sweet projector by the way. Congrats buddy.

Do you think you can get the old one sold. Im just guessing here but could be an old Epson. Those are hold in pretty good esteem. Lol don't tell which one it really is.

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by spaceape

That first one is a super sweet projector by the way. Congrats buddy.

Do you think you can get the old one sold. Im just guessing here but could be an old Epson. Those are hold in pretty good esteem. Lol don't tell which one it really is.

I will post the model of the second one a little later, I was looking for unbiased opinions. I know some people are very brand specific which is OK but could easily influence their decision.

[spaceape]

Originally Posted by dolphinc

The BenQ is the DLP and the second one is a LCD so I think that is why it looks a little more grainy. The BenQ has a feature in it to smooth out the screen image. What bothers me is the 2nd image of the "Rider" The older projector looks like there is more detail in the backgroud where the BenQ looks washed out. I guess I can load it onto my 55" LCD TV but I am guessing the image will look different from the 2 projector images.

Mate don't use any of the image enhancements if you can help it because it only will mess up the picture.

Hmm about the detail lacking maybe try another gamma curve or raise the brightness or lower the contrast slightly.

Edit: yeah looks a bit dim for a dlp projector. Hmm. Still natural looking though and i guess that's just as important.

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by spaceape

Mate don't use any of the image enhancements if you can help it because it only will mess up the picture.

Hmm about the detail lacking maybe try another gamma curve or raise the brightness or lower the contrast slightly.

I was happy with the BenQ but I found out my kids get headaches from the 3D and my wife gets motion sickness. So now I am thinking of either keeping my current projector for another year or looking for a killer 2D projector like a JVC.

I know the technology will be changing dramatically over the next few years and I just don’t want to do this twice in the course of 3 years.

by the way. NICE home theater!

[spaceape]

Originally Posted by dolphinc

I will post the model of the second one a little later, I was looking for unbiased opinions. I know some people are very brand specific which is OK but could easily influence their decision.

You're properly right about that. Good thinking.

[Flatnate]

Okay, question.

So you calibrated them using a calibration disc, and that is cool. Was the adjustments mainly to contrast, and brightness. Not every projector lets you adjust the gamma; but perhaps a pro could get them even closer. In terms of color most projectors can get really accurate the critical differences lying in black levels and shadow detail. LCOS has a hands up on DLP in that regard, LCD does now too, but not so much five years ago. I still don't know yet. Wish I could see them in person.

[Almadacr]

Just by judging by the pics i would take option 1 . Why ... detail , on the first picture it is visible on Gandalf's bear shades of gray = Correct , on the second pic it lacks the gray and also the lack of the detail under is eye's .

But if i had to chose just based on the pics ... op #1

[spaceape]

Originally Posted by dolphinc

I was happy with the BenQ but I found out my kids get headaches from the 3D and my wife gets motion sickness. So now I am thinking of either keeping my current projector for another year or looking for a killer 2D projector like a JVC.

I know the technology will be changing dramatically over the next few years and I just don’t want to do this twice in the course of 3 years.

by the way. NICE home theater!

Oh yeah that will make you question your purchase im sure as it's just this great 3d that puts the Benq on top of the heap in the first place.

Oh yeah technology will always be changing fast but getting high quality equipment makes you want too keep it for just that while longer. I like too get the best that i can afford so i don't have too worry about shifting stuff out right away.

Unless 3d without glasses with a wide viewing angle gets commonplace sometime soon i also don't think it'll survive in the home. Although will properly stay going in stuff like sports and gaming.

[crazyBLUE]

Just my opinion of going over the two sets of pics. I would say the second set has better colors & blacks. The second set also looks as if the PQ is better.

Just my opinion

[EMAGDNIM]

Originally Posted by dolphinc

The BenQ is the DLP and the second one is a LCD so I think that is why it looks a little more grainy. The BenQ has a feature in it to smooth out the screen image. What bothers me is the 2nd image of the "Rider" The older projector looks like there is more detail in the backgroud where the BenQ looks washed out. I guess I can load it onto my 55" LCD TV but I am guessing the image will look different from the 2 projector images.

DLP projectors produce the sharpest images out. It's kinda what they're known for really. I never really got it till I bought my first DLP projector and then it, clicked since I was able to get more seat time then usual.

Oh and my vote is for the first one (based on these shots)...

[ozzsoad]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Just my opinion of going over the two sets of pics. I would say the second set has better colors & blacks. The second set also looks as if the PQ is better.

Just my opinion

Agreed, the second set looks better, especially going by the Nazgul screenshots. Much better blacks, color, and detail.

Now which projector is it?