In the fall, Epson introduced new portable laser mid-focal EpiqVision Mini EF22 and EF21 projectors, which replace the 2020 Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 and EF11. Previous models provide 1,000 ISO Lumens White/Color brightness (ISO 21118 and IDMS 15.4 standards), Full HD 1,080p resolution and have a Laser Phosphor light engine. But EF12 is slightly more expensive ($ 880 vs $ 740), taller and heavier (13 vs 7 cm and 2.1 vs 1.2 kg) due to more powerful Yamaha-designed on-board audio system (2x 5.0W vs 2x 1.5W).
The new versions are slightly more expensive (~$ 1,000 and $ 900) and offer the same brightness and resolution (1,000 ISO lumens and 1080p resolution). Both projectors are compatible with HDR content and use 3-chip LCD design. As known, unlike DLP technology, it provides the same white brightness and Color Light Output (CLO) due to the absence of losses on the color wheel, which is not used in this technology.
EpiqSense auto setup features include auto keystone, auto obstacle avoidance and auto screen fit for screen.
The tabletop stand of EF22 is the only difference between the new models.
It can rotate and swivel the projector 360° / 150°.
The models use Google TV OS with approved Netflix app and comes with main popular streaming apps. In addition, they have Chromecast and work with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices. Unfortunately, AirPlay is not available.
The built-in 5W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio support provide fairly high sound quality. However, music lovers get an eARC port for connecting an external sound system.
The focusing range supports a projection size of up to 150″ diagonally. But the limited brightness is unlikely to provide sufficiently saturated colors at this size.
Epiqvision EF22 and EF21
The Ñ‚ew models have a popular industrial design and are available in five colors, including Quartz Rose, Onyx Black, Opal Green, Diamond White, and Stone Blue.
With a size and weight of (9.3″ x 7.5″ x 7.5″)@6.6 lbs / 3.0 kg, it’s fully corresponds to the classification ‘portable’. Its fixed lens with a 1.03:1 throw ratio provides 100″@2.24m / 7’4″.
Using sensor data, Epson’s EpiqSense technology allows the projector to automatically downsize, keystone correct, align and focus the picture in real-time. However, manual image adjustment is also available. But some digital adjustments, for example, keystone correction or zoom, can create the moiré effect, which is especially evident in brighter picture modes (Dynamic, Vivid, etc).
The three 0.62-inch LCD chips of EF22 provide Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution, but are also compatible with 4K content. In this case, the projector reduces the original resolution of 4K HDR signal and outputs it as 1080p HDR.
Testing shows almost 1,100 lumens in its brightest mode, which even exceeds the stated 1,000 ISO lumens.
Google TV built-in offers access to Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube TV, and over 10,000 others, including a certified Netflix app. Moreover, the Google’s app store provides unlimited expansion of this list. Chromecast built-in supports screen mirroring from phone, tablet or PC.
The projector has Standard, Vocal, Music, Movie audio modes and Bluetooth Speaker Mode, turning the projector into a speaker.
Unfortunately, the remote control does not have a backlight.
Color Modes
The EF22 offers Dynamic, Vivid, Natural, Cinema and Custom color modes. As usual, the the brighter modes are designed for playback in fairly bright ambient light and provide acceptable colors. Other modes are optimal in the dark and offer superb color accuracy.
The projector’s brightness in Dynamic mode reaches almost 1,100 lumens. Of course, its colors is traditionally shifted toward green. At the same time, the yellow shades are the most vivid, and the distortion of green gradations varies from a lime green to a muddy green. But changing the Color Temperature to Cool setting almost completely eliminates this problem. The accuracy of other colors is good. Overall, the image colors look quite natural, which is, of course, a bonus for any brightest mode.
However, Vivid mode seems more preferable for viewing for viewing in diffuse daylight. It offers ~750 lumens and near-perfect color accuracy. To be fair, Dynamic and Vivid slightly distort skin tones by adding green or blue shades.
Measured brightness Natural mode is 700 lumens. As known, it’s traditionally the most color accurate in the Epson line. Natural offers warmer tones vs Vivid and clearly differentiates all shades of the red and orange. It’s optimal for viewing without ambient light, but slightly inferior in contrast.
Despite the same measured brightness, Cinema has a cooler tone vs Natural and appeared brighter. It also accurately reproduces skin tones.
Custom mode has 670 lumens brightness and general Color Temperature / Brightness ыееештпы in the main Picture menu. Additionally, in this mode the projector gives access to the Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, Color Gain, and Gamma settings.
Unfortunately, the EF22 doesn’t have a game picture mode. Its input lag reaches 60 milliseconds for either 1080p@60Hz or 4K@60Hz, which is only good enough for casual gaming.
Pros & Cons and main competitors
Pros
– ADLP 3.0 – based Laser Phosphor light engine;
– Google TV OS with Chromecast, Google Assistant, and working Netflix;
– superb flexibility with swiveling/tilting stand (EF22).
Cons
– no AirPlay for wireless media streaming from Apple devices;
– a bit expensive for 1080p resolution;
– no backlight in remote;
– no game mode with low input lag.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 DLP 1080p projector is the closest competitor.
It’s slightly cheaper ($ 900 vs $ 1,000) and provides 1,000 ANSI lumens (1 ANSI lumen = 1.045 ISO lumen). But the Epson provides 1,000 ISO lumens also for Color Brightness (CLO) with 3LCD technology.
Nebula has a 40W Dolby audio system, which is significantly superior to the sound of EF22. Plus, it’s designed to travel outdoors and has a 5-hour built-in battery, a camping light, IPX3 water resistance, 0.5-meter drop resistance, and 0.7 mm dust resistance.
But Google TV OS with Netflix-approved and a swinging/tilting stand seem to be quite sufficient compensation for these bonuses.
In addition, Anker recently introduced a new Nebula Cosmos 4K SE.
At $ 1,300 MSRP, some sellers are offering it for $ 1,000. Of course, this 4K model with hybrid Laser/LED light engine (1,800 ANSI lumens) and Google TV with 4K Netflix seems like a more formidable competitor.
With some caveats, the list of competitors can be expanded by the ultra-thin and lightweight Dangbei Atom for $ 900 (Laser Phosphor, 1080p, DLP, 1,200 ISO lumen, Google TV OS with Netflix).
Conclusion
The famous Japanese company once again confirms its status as one of the industry leaders by presenting two excellent portable projectors. The price/quality ratio of new models is fully competitive compared to their main competitors, including Anker Nebula Mars 3 DLP 1080p projector and the ultra-thin Dangbei Atom.
But the newest Nebula Cosmos 4K SE may significantly cloud the marketing prospects of these superb projectors. Indeed, with a price tag starting from $1,000, it offers 4K resolution, Google TV with 4K Netflix and brightness up to 1,800 ANSI lumens.
Of course, 4K resolution, which provides detail, is its main bonus. But its importance depends significantly on the image size. Strictly speaking, even Full HD or HD (1,920 x 1,080 or 1,280 x 720) resolution will provide sufficient detail on, for example, a relatively small 43″ screen due to high PPI (pixels per inch). At the same time, the relatively low brightness of any portable projector is unlikely to provide acceptable colors saturation for very large projection. Even 100″ picture requires a brightness of at least 1,500 ANSI Lumens in complete darkness. But in the range up to 100″ diagonally, 1080p resolution will provide sufficient detail. Therefore, portable projectors with 1080p resolution are still quite competitive.
Video introduces the new Epson EpiqVision smart portable laser projector.