Sick of using messy tracing methods in your art? Pico Genie Impact Art Projector Review

I'm always asked if I can recommend projectors for artists - it's a quick, simple and clean way of adding a basic outline onto your paper before making a start on your project.
Finding a projector that ticks all the boxes, high lumens, good focus and short throw plus a decent image can be tricky, and when you do find one they tend to be quite expensive.
So, introducing the Pico Genie Impact range.
In this video I'm testing the 2.0 Ultra Portable 1200 Lumens LED Smart Projector.
It's tiny, incredibly easy to use - just plug into your tablet or phone - and off you go! It has the keystone feature which means you can tweak all the corners to ensure the perspective is correct and you can use in the daylight, so no falling over dogs in the studio in the dark!
The cost is very competitive at £210 compared to upwards of £600 for some of the larger models - I love it!
The 2.0 has been very popular and is now on back order, but the impact 1 is the same quality just doesn't have hdmi and the 3 is higher lumens so better resolution.
If you'd like to get your hands on one here are some links:
Pico Genie Impact 1.0 bit.ly/3qjmLA4
Pico Genie Impact 2.0 bit.ly/3b6DY9u stock due March/April 2021
Pico Genie Impact 2.0 bit.ly/3ahQEed
Use my code IMPACTBSNOWDON to get £10 off :)
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[@banandababa]

I got really excited when I heard your british accent, that means I should be able to get a hold of this. Thank you!

[@shirleymalar304]

These projectors are AMAZING!!! I didn't know such a thing even exists! Thank you for the video demo.

[@pinkangel2393]

Just ordered this projector with your discount code thank you soo much! Looking forward to receiving it 😊

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

That's great! 🥰

[@pinkangel2393]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy omg i just got my projector and Bonny you were sooo right IT IS FANTASTIC! Works perfect for the size of my artworks 11x14” no blurred pixels i just love it! and i got it pretty quick too being that i am all the way in Canada! Thanks again ❤

[@Pipermaid]

Hi Bonny! I love your overhead set up. Do you mind telling me what kind of overhead rig and where it could be purchased? Thank you so much for your recommendation! This projector is awesome!

[@creatingwithangie1111]

Bonny 🤓🤩🤩🤩 I am so happy you investigated the Pico ...I clearly am not using mine to the fullest potential. Thank you 🙏 for sharing your review I did not even try plugging into the IPad which is a huge game changer.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

lol! I did the same and got a bit cross, then I was like oh hang on - this is amazing lol!

[@creatingwithangie1111]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy Lol, well I am so glad you did. I have to start investing more time reviewing my art purchases. Now to rig something up over head. Thanks again Bonny🥰

[@audreycantillon1423]

Oh thank you Bonny! I've been looking for a projector that doesn't cost a fortune and on seeing your video, I've just bought this one!! And applied your lovely discount too. With many thanks!!

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Oh fab :)

[@giselaccount6290]

How much was it?

[@AvidReader88]

Hi Audrey , how did you get the discount , did you buy it through Amazon ? And which one did you get ?

[@audreycantillon1423]

@@AvidReader88 it's ages ago now so I can't remember specifically which one, but I had watched a video made by Bonny Snowdon and there was a discount code.

[@cynthiasterling7892]

I’ve been looking for something smaller, this looks like the one for me. Thank you for your showing ♥️♥️

[@mikeware-lane1347]

Hi Bonny, Many thanks for your video. I have bought the Impact 2 today using your code (£261 after code but with delivery costs) and it is fantastic. I note from one of the comments below that someone complained it had no SD slot for importing camera photos and bought a Kodak instead. However, a work around is to simply copy the photos onto an external memory stick ( I would suggest into various named folders) and then either view directly from the stick or copy the files to the projectors internal drive (approx 12gb capacity). The important thing is to format the memory stick in NFTS format before using it. I belive the limit is 32GB? There is an updated user manual currently being developed and customer service will email me a copy once availble. Hope this helps

[@spikeybunny6577]

Outstanding! This seems so much better than the opaque projector I have.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

It's really fab :)

[@bonniemosesart]

I just ordered mine!

[@MissIdolize]

Thanks to you I finally made up my mind on which projector to choose. So today I purchased the Pico Genie Impact 2 using your affiliate/discount and it should arrive tomorrow. yay! Now I can switch off shopping research mode and go peruse your drawing videos at last - and I sub'd!

[@kalilavalezina]

Would you recommend the Impact 2?

[@MissIdolize]

@@kalilavalezina Had the Pico Genie Impact 2 for a few months now and it's a definite YES! Have already used it on some small 16 x 20 inch canvases and 3 larger 24 x 30 inch canvases. My art room (spare single bedroom actually) is small and jam-packed with worktops, shelving and art stuff so there's not much room for maneuvering. Still had to do a bit of balancing on a stool, adding books for height to get the teeny Genie lined up with my large wooden, easel. Because I have no free wall space, this floor-standing easel is my only option for securely placing any blank canvas which can be challenging to say the least! But with no cables to deal with, trip over or find sockets or extension leads for (unlike ALL of my previous projectors) the Genie rules supreme! Must admit, when using it first time, I could not get the image to go very big. Don't get me wrong, it was big enough for my requirements but I was a bit disappointed, thinking surely this can't be the max enlargement? Then, when using one hand to reposition the 'cube' the projected image suddenly went huge! I must have accidentally pressed a button or something and changed the setting! I was so happy, thinking wow - that's more like it! Could not figure out what I did but sooo glad it happened, lol! I'm still getting to know my Genie without using much in the way of instructions, tuts or vids or anything, but my thoughts so far = this projector is fantastic! I keep asking myself how the heck did it take me so long to find this little beauty and how did I manage without it? Over the years I have spent a fortune in my quest for a decent projector. I've tried ALL of the basic 'opaque' ones (the ones you place a physical image in) like Artograph Tracer and EZ Tracer (and another that is tall and image goes on base. Can't recall name but it cost £140 second-hand!) I've tried several digital recommendations in the £50 - £70 price range. I even had an old over-head projector at one point! All of these just didn't quite hit the spot (but that's another story). There was always something lacking or annoying enough to keep me searching for something better. And at last I think I've found it - my ultimate personal projector, the Pico Genie. I charge it up, insert my memory stick with reference images on then line it all up! Keep in mind that so far I haven't used any clamps or rigs yet. However I now intend to coz this wee gem is worth it. It was a bit pricey at the time and def a big outlay for me but considering the money I have spent - wasted even - on various other projectors, well.. what can I say. Plus, based on the artwork I have produced in the short time I have used it, the Pico Genie Impact 2 has already paid for itself! An amazing buy and worth every penny. I hope I have answered your question! ☺

[@kalilavalezina]

Wow, thanks for the review! Glad it's working out so well for you! Happy creating! :D@@MissIdolize

[@MissIdolize]

@@kalilavalezina You are most welcome, and thank you! I had actually planned to share my experience of the PGI2 anyway but wanted to use it a bit more first. Then I saw your comment and decided now is as good a time as any! I hope my input helps folks who are thinking about buying this - or any - projector!

[@MissIdolize]

update: The one I couldn't remember is KopyKake 300.

[@terrismith5649]

hi Bonny, Omg I have 3 picos and this looks so great because to don't need to have a resize app. Could you explain your overhead rig? Thank you for sharing this!

[@oaroar3956]

Hello... I have purchased Pico Genie 2.0, I am struggling to get it to work via the HDMI port. I have it connected either to a Samsung S21 mobile or a Samsung Tab 7 tablet. Neither (with the correct cables) are picked up by the projector, it states 'no signal'. Is there software that needs to be put on the projector to make it connect? I see it works easily with Apple tablets. Connecting with a USB stick works fine, WiFi and Bluetooth work as well....but not HDMI connection. Thanks.

[@LisaZoe86]

Can you make the projection of a picture bigger or smaller with this projector?

[@lucadesantis9161]

hi I wanted to know where I can buy the projector support in the video thanks

[@elsajones1218]

May I ask what that device used to hold the PICO onto the pole?

[@islandersean2213]

Thanks for sharing 👍 do you know any tiny pico project are wireless?

[@birgitludwar5174]

Dear Bonny, I'm having problems with the projector settings. The images are always distorted even though I did the keystone correction. What did I miss? I use a Samsung smartphone.

[@heidib8146]

Can you please advise could this projector be used for wall mural enlargement size artwork tracing?

[@arieltaylor1155]

What is the arm rig u attached the projector to I want to find one

[@Cyranowan]

What kind of clamp do you have or rig to hold projector?

[@cyrilpreece2658]

Bonny, can you give details about your overhead mount for thr Pico as I can’t stand to draw any outlines on vertical surface.

[@danclark9987]

Decent video, but would have been MUCH better is an overall shot of the entire setup with the projector stand was included

[@einarjungmann273]

Hello, quick question. I bought this Micro projector. It has WiFi but don't have keystone. So If I understand correctly, I have to manually set this grid and calculate each cm from the sides, right?

[@kairus1]

I’m trying to get one. For oil painting.

[@nv7287]

Do you have any recommendations to the type of canvas that you draw onto (tooth and preparation) Do you use masking? Also I do love your rig!! - I did find the Manfrotto 035 Universal clamp (apparently 35 fits with camera, but i'm not sure what size you have, or what fitting sizes it would need to fit the projector) but I did wonder what you are attaching it to also - I know you mention Pixapro, but it is a little hard to see what it is? Sorry! but do you mind to explain more on this? it just seems a very good setup. I love your art

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I tend to use pastelmat, drafting film or hot press papers for my work. I don’t mask anything. Yes the clamp should work - the little screw seems to be a universal size. I think what I have is classed as an overhead lighting rig 🥰

[@rob-in-the-marsh5311]

A very useful video. I sometimes need a very small display size (10" x 12") Will this projector focus this small?

[@mikeware-lane1347]

yes. I have easily focussed down to 2"x3" with excellent sharpness to see how small it will go. I usually work at 11"x15" for watercolour paintings.

[@divanshibansal3303]

Hi Bonny I love your video and I want to purchase decent quality coloured pencils which are cheap any recommendations?? Love fron india

[@si91je]

Hello Whats the name of your overhead mount for this?

[@sam_millen]

Can you flip the image vertically (in the software)? e.g if you had the projector mounted so the image was natively upside down.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Yes 🥰

[@Pipermaid]

Bonny, I love your set up. Can you tell me where I can get and what kind of rig you use? This little projector would be awesome for my commission work. Thank you so much for your information! Rachel from Tennessee.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Hi Rachel - yes I use, I think it's a lighting rig - it's made by Pixapro - basically two struts floor to ceiling and a pole in the middle. I then have a manfrotto super clamp that I use to attached my camera and projectors :)

[@kalilavalezina]

Super-helpful! Thank you so much! After two years, do you still recommend it?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Yes 🥰Glad you found it helpful

[@MrJammyandsammy]

Great video! may I ask where you got your clamps and poles from to hold up the camera ?

[@MrJammyandsammy]

jus realised someone else already asked!

[@gillinacook1477]

If you want your line drawing larger or small due to the paper size, how would you adjust it please?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

You’d move the projector closer or further away 🥰

[@LindaD2023]

Which pico would you recommend for sizes as small as 8x8 or as large as 16x20? Also can you use a USB or do you need to connect to an ipad or phone? Easiest to use???

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I’d go for the 2

[@WendyMoule]

I have a cheap projector and it distorts the image. Im tempted to but this piece of kit now you have reviewed it.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

yes that's a real pain

[@catrionawalker483]

Hi Bonny. I don't have a lot of space, tending to draw on my lap. I do have access to a flat table (not tiltable) and a good camera tripod. Do you think this would be workable with the significant scew I would expect to see with this setup? Since you have the ability to have the projector at a similar angle to your drawing table you didn't need to make much adjustment on your video so I don't know how far you can go with it. Thanks 😊

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Oh yes definitely - it's short throw so you can have it very close to your paper or further away :)

[@birdseyevistas3191]

I bought one the other day, not used it for art yet but had it setup to watch a movie. The projector was completely off to the left but the keystone is excellent, still got a nice squared up image. Its brilliant 👏

[@barbduimstra254]

What is yours mounted to?

[@patriciawilson5289]

After watching this I was very excited as my husband bought it for my birthday last week and a new version (Elite ) had come out that day so got that. But now at my wits end as even after a week I am unable to get Keystone and then a photo as Bonny does in the video. I have tried everything but no luck and being a techniphobe doesnt help. If any one has any advice it would be so appreciated. You can use a HDMI cable and get a mirror of the photo off my laptop and I can get the keystone. But its one or other. After contacting the company I have been told to put the photo i want on a memory stick inot the projector but with all its features surely thats not the only option. Thinking of returning it.

[@Mixcky_Shadow]

The mastering realism course link doesn't work for me it says its blocked and sometimes it says the page is no longer available? Same with the coloured pencil downloads

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Hmm not sure what's going on there I will check :) Thank you for flagging

[@JasonVarricchione1]

Hello! What kind of stand are you using for that (or any projector)

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

You can use a tripod as long as it has the camera mount screw 🥰

[@joemas1060]

Trying Amazon in the u.s. and cannot find that particular one. Suggestions for an alternate???

[@kevinwatkins3856]

Same here in Canada. Similar options, but not that exact one.

[@ievamikalauskaite2152]

This is amazing, but can I get good quality large picture? I wanna do big canvas 🤔

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Yes 🥰 I now project my line art rather than the photo

[@ArsPraestigium]

What armature are you using to hold your projector?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I have a manfrotto super clamp

[@ClariceAust]

Can you enlarge though, to fit your canvas/paper size?

[@PersonalProjector]

Hi, you can enlarge the image up to 120" in size and as small as a post-it note

[@davidrowlands8451]

I have bought the genie it is awesome where did you purchase the rig to hold it and what is it called??

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I would opt for a scissor arm 🥰

[@olivialee1762]

Hey Bonny, would I be able to trace photos that are larger scale than yours?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Yes course. Easiest way is to add graphite or pastel to the back of a print out and then trace over the top 🥰

[@SalomesView]

Hi Bonny, I have been trying to use your links above and Safari can't open them. It give the notation of "invalid address". Please help. Thank you!

[@clairepenny247]

If you go to Bonny’s website she has inks to all art materials inc projectors and discount links there so could try those.

[@kairus1]

How much does it cost?

[@jmsa7970]

I have an important question: is the aspect ratio of the projected image the same as that of the original picture?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

You have to be careful when you’re projecting and use the keystone settings.

[@jmsa7970]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy Thank for replying so quickly. I mean, I am looking for a projector without aspect ratio (usually 4:3, 16:9), because I want the image to be projected exactly as it is.

[@JMMCAArt]

Do I need to purchase a UK to USA power plug converter for this?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I am pretty certain that if you ship to the US it will come with a converter - that's the feedback I've had.

[@JMMCAArt]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy thank you, 😊

[@PersonalProjector]

if requested a USA lead can be included :)

[@sbourgie14]

Hi Bonny, Can you please give me the clamp model that you are using for your Pico projector. I saw it on your video and it look solid and good quality. I bough the projector today and now I am looking for the arm. If you can details all the parts because my understanding it looks like it is not coming in a kit but multiple parts. Thank you.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

HI Stephen, I don't use a clamp I use a huge floor standing rig that has my lights, camera and projector attached - it's called a pixar pro but is huge. I would suggest a scissor arm :)

[@sbourgie14]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy Thank you for your answer.

[@marypartridge5154]

Does it enlarge and does it only enlarge from computer pictures. Does it work on ordinary photos not from computer.

[@mikeware-lane1347]

Mary, It does not work on ordinary photos, you will need to either scan the photos and save to either a memory stick or computer or far easier take a photo on your smartphone or tablet and link to the projector via a cable or eshare. Much easier than it sounds. Hope this helps.

[@sactownj6559]

Are there more affordable options you can suggest for a beginner projector?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

There are some very cheap ones but the problem is the quality is poor. Try the da Vinci app / that’s supposed to be very good 🥰

[@AvidReader88]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy That app only works with an I-phone . could you suggest something else or a cheaper projector please ? The projectors in this are fantastic but way over my budget .Starting out, i just want something that will give me a clear basic outline at an affordable price under £100 ideally £50 as I won;t be using it that much . I've watched and read SO many reviews yet most don't say the minimum size of projected image ..im looking for minimum 10" or 12" , something that i can project onto A4 / A3 . Thanks

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

@@AvidReader88 sadly with good clear image comes a higher price. I’ve tried a few lower costs ones and they’re just not worth it.

[@coolrunnings3]

@@AvidReader88 Tracer

[@tilliefowler7963]

Do they still make this projector? I have not seen it on Amazon

[@mikeware-lane1347]

yes. Not on Amazon - use Bonny's direct link above (the site is where you apply the discount code)

[@adrianhudson7181]

Hi can you please tell me what kind of overhead rig you use ?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Mine is a pixapro 🥰

[@adrianhudson7181]

Thank you very much

[@Polecat54941]

The VANKYO Burger 101 pocket Projector DLP has auto keystone and is about half the price of this one ::)

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I’ve tried the vankyo and it is not nearly the same quality 🥰

[@Polecat54941]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy Good to know! teach me to be a cheapskate :)

[@sniperwipers]

They're not cheaper now! Just over £400 now on amazon pfffff

[@zd1159]

where is your promotion code I cant find it

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

BSNOWDONIMPACT 🥰

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

How big of an image can you project?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

As big as you like 🥰

[@ehtishamirfan393]

Hi how mach

[@arieltaylor1155]

Does it have bluetooth

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Not sure I attached mine

[@PersonalProjector]

It does have bluetooth which will connect to wireless speakers. You can also connect to mobile devices wirelessly via screen mirroring

[@deniseveyvodamaddsfaamp3359]

Why can't I see the reply from Bonny?

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Not sure I’ve replied?

[@deniseveyvodamaddsfaamp3359]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy I’m trying to read replies and it is blank. I’m trying to see what you said your overhead setup is. The bar the projector is attached to

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

@@deniseveyvodamaddsfaamp3359 I guess it's a youtube glitch - I make all my comments public so not really sure. My rig is a pixapro studio lighting rig - it's big, has two struts that go from ceiling to floor and a bar that goes in between that I can move up and down :)

[@miquelangellc2234]

Yo,como dibujante de la vieja escuela, bueno para el dibujo desde muy pequeño, pensaba que en KZbin solo se mostraba a persona que son muy buena en el dibujo, inclusive mejor que yo que he dibujado toda la vida, jajajaja.. ahora entiendo, jajajaja....

[@elysegalloway]

Does this create a fish-eye effect at large sizes? That's something I've experienced a lot with other projectors.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

No 🥰

[@sydmichel]

No links or discount code

[@mikeware-lane1347]

Just purchased the Impact 2 using Bonny's code and worked fine? Code is at the top of the comments.

[@snooze0023]

Who needs to learn these days when you have technology do it all for you.

[@mikefreebyrd471]

no explanation of zooming abilities.... sigh

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

I don’t think there is one with this - you move it closer or further away 🥰

[@anidaralopez5676]

Jeezus...over $300 bucks for something I only need for tracing images onto a canvas. No thanks.

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

There are many roads to Rome ❤️

[@Blobby192]

no thanks it costs a fortune

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

Well it doesn’t lol

[@Blobby192]

@@BonnySnowdonAcademy well did you look at your own links, most people haven't got nearly 300 pounds for a projector

[@tinalandrey5104]

its a piece of shid dont work

[@BonnySnowdonAcademy]

It does work and many have it. Have you followed the instructions?