Finding the right projector for presenting digital images can be tricky. There is a lot to discuss. The March 2007 issue of Outdoor Photographer Magazine just ran a several page article on digital projectors for photographers. I would recommend seeing if you can find a copy.
There are three main technologies used in digital projection LCD, DLP and LCOS. LCD projectors use transmitted light while DLP and LCOS projectors reflect light off of an array of thousands of microscopic mirrors. LCD projectors tend to have very good color saturation and image sharpness, but the image is broken into small visible squares or pixels. DLP projectors have a very seamless image with no apparent pixels. Both projectors have improved dramatically in recent years and either can offer a great image for projecting photos. LCOS projectors offer the best of both worlds with great color and sharpness and no square grid pattern. The trade off here is cost and larger, heavier equipment.
I have a Canon Realis. They have the highest resolution and best color on the market due to their LCOS projection system but they are also quite expensive ($3000 – $5000). There are many good LCD and DLP models out there for much less. When comparing projectors there are some key characteristics to consider. Contrast ratio is important. Look for 400:1 or 500:1 for an LCD projector (higher is better). For DLP projectors a contrast ratio of 2000:1 is good. How many lumens you need is another consideration. If you plan to use it in a completely dark room then fewer lumens (1000 to 1500) is OK. If you want to show during the day or in lighted rooms then you need more lumens (2000 or more). For good photo sharpness you want as much resolution as you can afford. Stay away from VGA (640×480 pixels) and SVGA (800×600 pixels). If you can afford XGA (1024×768 pixels) or SXGA (1280×1024 pixels) you will get a much sharper picture.
As a starting point you might want to Google the Canon LV-X6, Epson PowerLite 76c, ViewSonic PJ400 and the Sony VPL-EX3. The best way to decide on a projector is to go somewhere you can actually see and compare the projected images. However, most electronics stores like Best Buy or Circuit City tend to carry mostly home theater projectors or business presentation projectores. The former generally use wide screen format and are optimized for showing video and not still images with crisp detail. The latter are often lower resolution and best for showing large graphics, clip art and limited colors.
I almost always project images and multil media shows directly from my computer’s hard drive. If you want to play from DVD you have a few options. You can play from your desktop computer’s DVD player if you will alway be projecting at home. If you need to be portable, you can project from a laptop computer or you can use a dedicated DVD player to project images on DVD. If you are planning on creating slide shows with music, fades and titles then you will need some sort of editing software that can create the show. Microsoft Windows Movie Maker works pretty well for basics and comes with the system software in new PCs. Adobe Premier or Apple’s Final Cut Pro are top of the line. You will also need some sort of sound system as well. If you plan on only projecting from your home then everything is much easier. You can set up a permanent home theater with good sound and the size and weight of the equipment isn’t so crucial. If you want to take it on the road, then a laptop, small sound system and portable screen are essential.