What We Have Covered
Optoma ZH450ST 1080p Laser Projector Review Review
Our Verdict
The Optoma ZH450ST 1080p Laser Projector is a versatile, eco-friendly short-throw projector tailored for various environments including classrooms, conference rooms, and museums. Despite a lower-than-claimed brightness, it performs admirably in gaming and presentation settings, making it a solid choice for those in need of a reliable projection solution.
Overview
Design & Build Quality
The Optoma ZH450ST features a compact design measuring 10.79 x 4.49 x 8.5 inches and weighs just 6.61 pounds, making it portable and easy to install. Constructed with sustainability in mind, the projector utilizes 50% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics, contributing to its eco-friendly credentials. The projector boasts an IP6X certified DuraCore laser light engine that is sealed and dust-resistant, enhancing its durability and reducing maintenance needs. The aesthetic is relatively simple but functional, with important controls located on the top, a manual focus ring on the lens, and essential connectivity options available on the back. The inclusion of a multicolored remote control further enhances usability, though the small size can be a double-edged sword.
Pros
- Excellent for short-throw applications, minimizing shadows and space requirements.
- Long lamp life up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode, promoting low maintenance.
- Solid brightness of 2,948 lumens in Bright mode, suitable for various lighting conditions.
- Decent gaming performance with low latency at 16.2 ms, ideal for competitive gaming.
- Multiple color modes and a comprehensive color management system for image customization.
- Compatible with different control systems, enhancing versatility for business use.
- 360-degree projection capability for various installation scenarios.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy transport.
Cons
- Brightness significantly measured lower than the 4,200 ANSI-lumen claim.
- Some color differentiation issues, particularly with reds and oranges.
- Fan noise can be audible, especially in high altitude or full power mode.
- Limited onboard speaker quality for large venues; external audio may be necessary.
- Basic remote control may be less effective due to its compact size and button sensitivity.
- Requires controlled ambient light for optimal performance, especially with darker scenes.
- User manual is basic, lacking detailed instructions for all features.
Performance & Features
The Optoma ZH450ST excels in performance thanks to its DLP technology and versatile usage scenarios. With a native 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080), it can produce clear and vivid images, projecting anywhere from 36 inches to 292 inches diagonally. The short throw capability allows it to project a 100-inch image from just over three feet away, perfect for tight spaces in classrooms or conference rooms.
However, despite its claimed brightness of 4,200 ANSI lumens, our testing revealed that it only reaches about 2,948 lumens. This still provides ample brightness for most presentation environments, but users should not expect the projector to perform well in bright, sunlit spaces.
The ZH450ST features several color modes including Bright, Vivid, Cinema, Game, Sport, and Reference, along with a full Color Management System (CMS) allowing for detailed adjustments to hue, saturation, and gain. While the Bright mode tends to wash out colors, Vivid mode provides more natural colors, albeit with some reds appearing indistinct. Cinema mode emerges as the favorite for video viewing due to its stunning depiction of tones, particularly skin tones, making it suitable for art installations and presentations where accuracy matters.
The projector also supports 3D content and offers multiple connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.0 ports capable of handling 4K content input, providing future-proofing for users who plan to upscale their systems. In testing, it shone in gaming applications, with its low input lag making it an excellent choice for gamers, particularly in competitive settings.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Optoma ZH450ST 1080p Laser Projector is a formidable contender in the short-throw projector market. Its eco-friendly design, coupled with a low maintenance requirement thanks to its laser technology, makes it a sustainable choice. While it does not quite meet its brightness claims, its performance still meets the needs of many users in educational, business, and entertainment contexts.
With impressive capabilities for gaming and a variety of image projections, it suits a range of applications where space and light control are considerations. Still, users should be prepared to manage ambient light, especially in darker scenes, to ensure they get the best viewing experience possible. For those in scholarly, professional, or gaming environments, the ZH450ST provides a well-rounded option that provides both quality and versatility.
