Best Projector for Tracing Images: Review & Buying Guide

Best Projector for Tracing Images
» Projectors » Best Projector for Tracing Images: Review & Buying Guide

In the world of design, a projector is an invaluable tool. It allows you to quickly and easily transfer your designs to a larger surface, making it easier to work on and see the overall effect. However, not all of them are the same, so you need to know how to choose the best one.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a tracing projector: resolution, brightness, contrast, and size. And to help you better navigate these parameters, I’ve put together a guide for you that will go into each of them in detail. I’ve also prepared the Top 5 tracing projectors for you.

Best Projector for Tracing: What Should It Be?

The first thing to consider when choosing a projector is resolution. Projector resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up an image. The higher the resolution, the more detail you will see in your project. 

The next factor to consider is brightness. The brightness of a projector is measured in lumens. The more lumens, the brighter the projector. 

Another factor to consider is contrast. Projector contrast is the ratio of the darkest color to the lightest shade the projector can display. The higher the contrast, the greater the range of colors the projector can display. 

Finally, you need to pay attention to the size of the projector. Projector size refers to the distance between the lens and the surface on which the image is projected. The larger the size, the further away the projector can be from the surface.

Contents

Top 5 Best Projectors for Tracing Images

    1. Artograph LightTracer 2 LED Lightbox for Art – Top Pick
    2. Artograph Tracer® Opaque Art Projector for Wall or Canvas Reproduction – Runner-Up
    3. LED Tracer® Opaque Art Projector for Wall – Premium Option
    4. XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector, 2200 ANSI Lumens
    5. KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

Below are detailed descriptions of the best image projectors that meet the basic requirements of high resolution and contrast and the necessary brightness for comfortable operation. You will also be able to study their advantages and disadvantages in order to choose the one that will be the best for you.

1. Artograph LightTracer 2 LED Lightbox for Art – Top Pick

Specifications:

  • Color: White
  • Material: Plastic
  • Item Weight: 3.75 Pounds
  • Power Source: UL Approved 12V Power Adapter

It’s the perfect tool for artists, needleworkers, seamstresses, and many other creative people. Its sturdy and lightweight plastic frame features a built-in pencil tray to keep outlining tools close at hand, and the sloped surface provides a comfortable angle for extended use.

A bright LED light is built in for hours of use-no need to change bulbs often. This drawing projector has a gradient illumination from 5,000 to 1,400 lux from top to bottom, providing the brightness you need so that it will be one of your best helpers.

PROS:
  • Rugged and lightweight body;
  • Has a built-in pencil tray;
  • Convenient tilt angle for extended use;
  • Built-in LED lightbox for hours of use;
  • The illuminated area measures 18″ x 12″.
CONS:
  • Does not run on batteries or rechargeable batteries and requires constant plugging in.

2. Artograph Tracer® Opaque Art Projector for Wall or Canvas Reproduction – Runner-Up

Specifications:

  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.75 x 12.75 x 9 inches
  • Mounting Type: Non-Mounting
  • Brightness: 1600 Lumen
  • Color: Black

This is a great tool for reproducing images on any vertical surface. It is easy to use, lightweight and portable, and works silently, so you can work on your projects at night without worrying about waking others.

This projector for drawing and tracing can magnify a flat printed image from 2x to 14x on any vertical surface and comes with a 200mm diameter optical glass lens. A 6.5-foot cord with a standard 120-volt grounded plug makes it easy to use. A 23-watt fluorescent lamp provides enough light for tracing or copying images.

PROS:
  • Lightweight and portable;
  • Silent operation;
  • Ability to magnify a flat print image from 2x-14x to any vertical surface;
  • Lens: 200mm optical glass;
  • Can use a 1600 lux LED lamp;
  • Non-Mounting.
CONS:
  • Compatible replacement for LED or CFL bulbs only;
  • Not Digital.

3. Artograph LED Tracer® Opaque Art Projector for Wall – Premium Option

Specifications:

  • Color: Blue
  • Material: Plastic
  • Item Weight: 3 Pounds
  • Power Source: Corded Electric

It is a great choice for those who need a bright and rich image for a budget price. Artograph art projector for tracing has 5,000 lumens and an LED light source that will last for 10,000 hours. The image projector is easy to use, very lightweight, and has a low-voltage power adapter that is environmentally friendly.

PROS:
  • Best projector for tracing large images;
  • Lightweight and easy to use;
  • Provides bright, clear images;
  • Environmentally friendly LED light source.
CONS:
  • It can be difficult to use for small projects;
  • Not digital;
  • No timer.

4. XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector, 2200 ANSI Lumens

Specifications:

  • Special Features: Built-In Speaker, Auto Obstacle Avoidance, Auto Screen Alignment, Auto Focus, Built-In 3d
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
  • Display Resolution Maximum: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
  • Display Type: DLP

This is a high-quality device that projects images in stunning 4K resolution. It’s 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution makes it perfect for watching movies and other entertainment. In addition, the projector features intelligent screen adaptation technology that automatically adjusts keystone distortion and focuses on delivering the perfect image, as well as automatic obstacle avoidance and automatic screen leveling features.

It also has a built-in speaker system from Harman Kardon for immersive sound and is compatible with DTS-HD and DTS Studio Sound for Dolby Digital audio.

PROS:
  • 4K technology with 8.29 million pixels and an ultra-bright 2200 ANSI lumens brightness;
  • Two built-in 8W Harman Kardon speakers, DTS-HD and DTS Studio Sound;
  • Dolby Digital compatibility;
  • Intelligent Screen Adaptation Technology: Automatic Screen Alignment, Focus, and Collision Avoidance;
  • Advanced Image Engine with ultra-smooth 60Hz MEMC motion compensation;
  • Android TV 10.0 with 5,000+ Google Play apps.
CONS:
  • This product does not support streaming of the native Netflix app;
  • High cost.

5. KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

Specifications:

  • Special Feature: Pico
  • Connectivity Technology: Wireless, USB, HDMI
  • Display resolution: 640×480
  • Display Resolution Maximum: 1920 x 1080 Pixels

This versatile and portable projector delivers bright and vivid video and images up to 150 inches. It comes with HDMI and Micro USB cables for connecting to your PC, camera, storage, laptop, and other compatible devices, and it features wireless mirroring from your cell phone to the projector via Airplay and Miracast.

The best projector for tracing large images also boasts a 60 Ansi lumens LED lamp, 854 x 480 resolution, 4K resolution, and 1000:1 contrast ratio for crystal clear widescreen images. It also features a built-in speaker and nifty illuminated controls for easy on-demand viewing and listening and runs on a rechargeable battery for up to 2.5 hours.

This art projector for walls is the perfect multimedia companion for those on the go.

PROS:
  • Portable and easy to carry;
  • Capable of projecting video and images up to 150″;
  • Comes with HDMI and Micro USB cables;
  • Built-in speaker and illuminated controls on board;
  • Powered by a rechargeable battery for up to 2.5 hours.
CONS:
  • Copyrighted content from Hulu, Netflix, and similar services can’t be mirrored or streamed.

The Best Art Projectors Compared

In the table below, you can see a comparison of the main features of the image tracing projectors I have highlighted in TOP 5.

[table id=24 /]

What Is a Tracing Projector?

An art tracing projector is a device that projects an image onto a surface, allowing you to trace it. It is commonly used by artists to transfer images onto canvases or other surfaces.

Tracing projectors usually consist of a light source, a lens system, and a surface on which the image is projected. The light source is usually a halogen lamp that emits bright white light. The lens system is used to focus the light and create a magnified image of the original.

The surface on which the image is projected can be a sheet of paper, a canvas, or any other flat and smooth surface.

There are different types of projectors, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

A slide projector is the simplest type and usually consists of a light source, a lens system, and a slide holder. The light source is usually a halogen lamp, which provides bright light. The lens system projects the image onto the slide holder, which holds the slide to be projected.

Digital projectors are more sophisticated than slide projectors. They use a digital light processing (DLP) chip to create an image, which is then projected onto a surface. They produce a higher-quality image than slide projectors.

Video projectors are designed to project video images. These are similar to digital projectors for tracing images but use a special video card to create the image. They provide a higher quality image than digital or slide projectors.

LCD projectors use liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to create an image. They are similar to digital projectors but tend to be smaller and lighter.

LED projectors use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create an image. Like LCD projectors, they are usually small and lightweight.

Scope of application projector for tracing

It is often used by artists to create drawings or paintings. For example, it can be used to draw the outline of an object on a canvas and then fill in the image with details using paints or a pencil.

The art projector is also used for more practical purposes, such as creating a drawing of a room or an object. It can be used to draw the outline of a room on a sheet of paper, from which you can then create a scale model of the room.

To summarize, the best projector for art tracing is used for:

  • tracing drawings on a surface;
  • projecting an image onto a surface;
  • drawing or painting.

How to Choose the Best Art Projector

When it comes to art projectors, there are several things you need to consider before you make your final decision. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind.

Brightness

This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing an art projector. After all, the whole point of using a projector is to be able to see your work clearly, even from a distance.

Ideally, you want a projector with at least 2,000 lumens of brightness. This will allow you to use the projector in various lighting conditions, whether in a well-lit room or a dimly lit studio.

Contrast Ratio

This is another important factor that cannot be ignored. It is the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites that the projector is capable of reproducing.

A projector with a high contrast ratio is able to reproduce more accurate colors, which is important for artists who want to be able to see their work in great detail.

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels the projector can display. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see in your work.

Most art projectors have a resolution of at least 1080p, which is more than enough for most artists. However, if you want to see even more detail, you should look into a projector with 4K resolution.

Portability

If you plan to use your projector in different places, portability is something you should definitely think about. Fortunately, there are many portable art projectors on the market that are easy to carry from one place to another.

Price

Of course, you also need to consider the price of the projector before you make your final decision. Luckily, there are many art projectors available at different prices, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your budget.

FAQ

Projector for Tracing Images

Is Artograph out of business?

Unfortunately, yes, Artograph, Inc. is no longer in business. They thank all of their loyal customers for their support over the years.

What is an Artograph projector?

This is a projection apparatus for displaying photographic slides, film strips, or artwork on a screen or wall. It usually consists of a housing containing a light source and lens and is used to project transparent images or slides. Artograph projectors are commonly used in classrooms and businesses for presentations and in homes for viewing family photos and home movies.

How do you use an Artograph designer projector?

The following is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Select the desired image or design you want to draw or project.
  2. Place the Artograph on a flat surface and position it so that the image or design is in the center of the projector lens.
  3. Adjust the focus knob on the projector until the image or design is clear.
  4. Turn on the projector by pressing the power switch.
  5. Transfer the image or drawing to a sheet of paper or canvas using a pencil or other outlining tool.
  6. To project the image or drawing onto a larger surface, move the projector further away from the surface and adjust the focus accordingly.

What is the best projector for artists?

Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector is one of the best projectors for artists. It is small and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. The projector has a built-in media player so that you can watch movies or view pictures on the big screen. It also has a USB port, so you can connect it to your computer and use it as a computer monitor.

Conclusion

An art projector is a highly recommended accessory for digital artists because it allows you to design and illustrate with greater detail and precision. Projectors have come a long way since they were invented over a century ago and have become more powerful, reliable, portable, and much more affordable.

I hope this article has helped you choose a high-resolution projector so you can see the finest details of your artwork. If you still have any questions or additions to the above information, I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

References:

  • Connecting to a Projector/Display (THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN): https://caen.engin.umich.edu/classrooms/controls/projecting/
  • Connect to a Projector with Windows 8 or Windows 10 (Bemidji State University): https://www.bemidjistate.edu/offices/its/knowledge-base/connect-to-a-projector-windows-8/
  • Choosing Your Digital Art Projector (Artograph®): https://www.artograph.com/projectors/digital-art-projectors/

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About Valery Johnson

Hi, I am Valery and I love nature, the universe and the starry sky. Together with my friend Michael we share our practical knowledge in the field of astronomy and nature observation. We also test different optical instruments to see the strengths and weaknesses of different models. Very often we travel around our country, so we have the opportunity to test optics in different conditions and different seasons. Welcome to Michael's and my blog and we hope you find useful and practical information for yourself.

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