Projector Buyers Guide 2009

An opaque projector is a godsend for many artists. Using a mirror, light bulb, and lens, this tool allows you to transfer an image onto any surface for easy tracing. Simply place your original subject on the copyboard of the projector, direct the image onto your surface, focus, and trace. When using an opaque projector, your original copy does not have to be transparent (or even flat, on some models), making the artistic possibilities limitless. Artograph cautions against using original photographs in the copy holder to protect against the high heat of the bulbs. Also, needless to say, best results are achieved using the projector in a dark or low lit room. Airbrushers of all varieties, from T-shirt artists to sign painters, illustrators to muralists, can save time, money, and sanity using this trusty tool! Projectors are available in all types, shapes, costs and makes. Recognizing the need for a projector and making the right choice is a very important decision for today’s busy artist, crafter or designer. The right projector can greatly increase and improve productivity and creativity. With so many projectors on the market, the decision can be a difficult one. Here are some considerations to make your choice the right one.

COPY PLATE

The copy plate or copy board is the area on an opaque projector where the original photo or artwork is placed or positioned. This could be on a glass plate, clips or a flat table (bottom loading) and varies in size depending the model. When your original image is larger than the copy area, you will have to shift it around and trace it in sections to get your final drawing, or shrink it with a computer to get it to fit the copy size to lessen the distortion of tracing in sections. Some opaque projects are capable of 3-D images.

LENS

The clarity of your projections depends on the quality of the lens. Better lenses will have glass elements with color-corrective coating. Many high-end projectors have more than one element, which means a clearer image. Some less expensive projectors have plastic lenses, which may lose some optic precision.

BRIGHTNESS

The brightness of your image depends on your light source. Photo and halogen bulbs are color corrected and provide more light, but they’re more expensive. It’s also harder to find replacements for these bulbs. Regular household bulbs cost less, but they throw off less light and may alter the color of your original. If you’re just tracing images, you may not require color correction, but for detail work or reproducing photos, photo or halogen bulbs will give you better precision.

IMAGE SIZE

You can adjust the size of a projected image by modifying the distance from the surface or changing a lens. Most projectors provide for greater enlargement than reduction. Some may have separate lenses for reducing; others require you to turn the current lens around (like peering through the wrong end of binoculars).

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL PROJECTION

Horizontal projection (from a table to a vertical surface) gives you more flexibility with enlargement, but vertical projection (onto a flat surface from above) provides a more convenient work area. Some projectors have the ability to be put on a table stand so they can work either way. Most projectors can be used for horizontal projection, and the purchase of a floor stand can aid the artist in their work. On some models, the stand is included in the purchase price, but on others, there’s an additional cost to purchase one.

Just like buying an airbrush or a compressor, purchasing an opaque projector is an investment in your career. It’s always a good idea to get the best possible product you can afford. Although some high-end models cost upwards of $1,000, our Buyer’s Guide features projectors for just about any budget. Use our charts to compare a full range of projectors from top manufacturers to help you make your choice. These side-by-side comparisons are full of the information you need to be an informed buyer. You’ll find information on prices, lenses, copy capacity, accessories, replacement parts, warranties, and more. We’ve also included a complete directory of participating manufacturers so you can easily contact them with questions and orders.