Portable projectors are all the rage right now—especially now that the arrival of much more affordable and compact laser lighting systems has started to make such projectors really watchable as well as convenient. In fact, even a traditionally performance-led brand like Epson is now prepared to take the portable projector plunge with the launch of its new EpiqVision Mini range.
That said, despite their Mini range name, the EF22 and EF21 models aren’t quite as portable as true pocket rockets like Samsung’s The Freestyle or Anker’s Nebula 3 Capsule. The EF21 measures 7.75(w) x 7.5(d) x 4.4(h) inches while the 9.3(w) x 7.5(d) x 7.5(h) inches. This still means, though, that even the bigger model of the two is much smaller than Epson’s regular projectors, and with weights of just 5.1lb and 6.6lb both models really are easy to move from move to room, home to home or even out into the garden for movie nights under the stars.
The larger measurements of the EF22 model are a result of the main projector body being placed within a ‘cradle’ stand that enables it to be tilted up or down over a 150-degree range, making it easier to get its pictures in the right place on your wall or screen.
As we’re starting to expect with truly portable projectors, the Epson EF22 and EF21 both support auto image set up. In this case, a so-called EpiqSense system takes care of keystone correction, image sizing and focus for you, with no manual input required. The projector can even detect if any objects appear between it and your wall/screen, and automatically try to move the image around it.
The projector delivers a full HD resolution using, as ever with Epson projectors, an LCD optical system, and the three-chip laser lighting system is claimed to deliver as much as 1000 Lumens of ISO-rated brightness. That’s way more than most portable projectors claim, and will hopefully help the EpiqVision Minis get more value out of their ability to support high dynamic range video in the HDR10 and HLG formats.
The laser lighting is rated to deliver 20,000 hours of uninterrupted use (in the projector’s Normal and Quiet running modes), and despite the high brightness for a portable projector, Epson claims that its new models should only run with a maximum of 22dB of fan noise in the EF22’s case and 23dB in the EF21’s case.
The EF22 and EF21 both carry a USB port for playing AV files, attaching a web camera and so on, while an HDMI port is provided for external devices such as Blu-ray players, streaming boxes and gaming consoles—though gamers should note that the maximum supported refresh rate is 60Hz. The most convenient way to enjoy content on the projectors, though, is through the huge range of streaming services Epson has made available by equipping both models with built-in Google TV smarts.
No projector is truly portable if you have to find a way of attaching an external sound system to it, so it’s good to find that the EF22 and EF21 both come equipped with 2 x 5W Dolby Audio systems.
Aside from the EF22 being fitted within a cradle stand and running slightly more quietly, the only other major difference between the two models is the colors they’re available in. Both can be had in Diamond White, Opal Green or Quartz Rose, while the EF22 is additionally available in Stone Blue and Onyx Black variations.
Both of Epson’s EpiqVision Mini projectors are available now through Epson’s website and select other retailers, priced at $999.99 for the EF22 and $899.99 for the EF21. A Custom Travel Case is also available as an optional ($49.99) extra.
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