By Robin Owens 15 days ago, Projectors
When I was looking for the best 8K projectors, I realized that the models with native 8K are not available for personal use. Manufacturers struggle to produce such devices as in this case the chip/panel should contain higher pixel density.
This is why the majority of companies make 8K capable projectors, which are pixel-shifting 4K projectors, rather than native 8K. Speaking about professional projectors, Digital Projection offers several 8K models, but they are more suitable for movie theaters and similar venues.
Epson HS3250
There are a few 8K projectors on the market, and those models that are available are quite expensive. For me, the alternative was the Epson HS3250, which is 8 times lower price than the cheapest JVC model. It also does not have native 4K resolution but has advanced 4K PRO-UHD technology and HDR10 to deliver a bright, crisp image in different light.
JVC. JVC released a new series of 8K e-shift fitted with D-ILA home theater projectors. While the units still employ 4K DILA panels, they utilize 8K e-shiftX, which is the upgraded version of JVC's pixel-shifting technology, to produce 8K images on the screen.
JVC projectors are quite pricey – on Amazon, the price starts from almost $9,000. But the overall performance is on top. The main advantages of this model are 4K pictures, amazing HDR, and award-winning film-like quality.
Samsung. This brand announced the release of a new 8K projector in 2024. The highlight of this lineup is Samsung Gaming Hub, which provides cloud-based access to multiple game titles from such platforms as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Utomik. Besides, the new models can also work as smart speakers of music streaming, as they are fitted with Lightwarp projection mapping technology, which allows using any object in a room as an interactive touchscreen display. When I was writing the article, this model hadn’t been presented on the official Samsung website yet.
Digital Projection. This brand manufactures business projectors, and I saw their 8K demonstrations at trade shows. They introduced the projector with native 8K resolution, and their flagship model delivers a mind-blowing resolution of 7680 X 4320 pixels up to 37,000 lumens of solid-state laser-phosphor illumination.
In my opinion, this is the best 8K projector for gaming and other types of visualizations, as well as large-venue applications. The price of this sophisticated model is around $300,000.
I had an opportunity to test one of the JVC projectors with 8K resolution and an Epson HS3250 with 4K resolution, which became the best 4K home theater projector. As for me, I did not notice the crucial difference between 4K and 8K even when pausing an image and pixel peeping.
Therefore, when choosing a projector, it is important to pay attention not only to the image sensor but also to the actual glass in the lens. For example, the price of Christie projectors (American producer of native 4K) can reach up to $20K. They actually equip these models with digital cinema camera lenses, which cost similarly or even more.
Native resolution: 8,192 x 4,320 | Brightness: 3000 Lumens | Longevity: 20,000 hours
This projector is heavy and costs much, but the quality of pic it delivers is much better if compared to the DLA-X750. I was pleased with the contrast and brightness this project is capable of. The native contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and full fade to black of the updated laser dynamic control are the major reasons why people prefer this model.
This 150” projector screen works well with all the lights installed in the room. The only downside is its heavy weight, so it is important to find the right ceiling mount that can handle it.
Native resolution: 8,192 x 4,320 | Brightness: 2,500 Lumens | Longevity: 20,000 hours
This projector is a bit cheaper compared to the first one on the list. It has a slightly lower brightness and contrast ratio of 80,000:1, but it also supports HDR. Because the device delivers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and enhanced contrast, many users consider it the best 8K projector for home theater.
This projector for Netflix uses a solid-state laser light source, which makes it stand out among traditional lamp-based projectors. It is durable and delivers consistent brightness over time. This model is quite bulky, as well as works loud in high laser mode.
Native resolution: 8,192 x 4,320 | Brightness: 2,200 Lumens | Longevity: 20,000 hours
This quality 135" outdoor projector screen casts a quality 8K pic on the screen, which is absolutely impressive. Even when I use it at home with the closet light on in the back of the room, the images look nice. However, when a high-quality source is given, this model can produce fine focus details. It also delivers fantastic colors.
8K is 7680 x 4320 resolution (33 megapixels) and 4K is 3840 x 2160 (8 megapixels).
The viewing distance and the size of the image are two decisive aspects. However, such a vision is only based on some standard calculations without considering the complexities of the human visual system. 8K was designed to make the pic more realistic, but to experience the difference, you need screen sizes of 65” and above. So, it greatly depends on the size of the projector screen.
In my opinion, Epson HS3250 is a short throw projector, which is ideal for personal use. It translates bright colors, has a built-in 10 W bass-reflex speaker, and integrates well with the Android TV operating system.
