How to choose the best Projector for Art ■ Tracing Masterpieces

[@karenbanko895]

I can’t even begin to articulate my gratitude for this educational video. After many, many hours of research, you have provided me with a solid foundation on which to purchase exactly what I need. Nothing more. Nothing less. Bravo!

[@mr.vancando4849]

It's been two years, but I've been researching for 3 months. I just can't mess this up. Can you tell me which one you went with? I look almost buy one and see if I can use my phone, or if the focal layout is okay. So many people are just after these for watching TV or playing games. I want an been looking for one like his using, but any info you can help with would help me so much. 😊

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

I saw someone use a projector and I was just going to grab one. You’ve saved me a lot of heartache and amazon returns. Amazing tip about distance and fade. Thanks so much. I’ve only watched 10 seconds of this. I’m going to fire up the coffee maker and watch the full video. Many thanks.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

You're welcome! :)

[@castingallstations4707]

Two years after posting this, it's still super helpful. thanks!

[@li-bo-5537]

And after four years, it is still super helpful!

[@TheCopperFrog]

Hi, I tried to find info like this several years ago and couldn't and then today, I see this video is from 2019 and just now finding it. haha Thanks for the help!

[@dahlenejames1160]

I bought the Lucy and I could not see I could not line it up I had no light!!! I was disappointed so thank you!

[@lionelheisler4887]

I have wanted to work on canvases with acrylic for a while now but I'd like to project images of my drawings or photographs so I have a base to work off of. Thank you for explaining the throw distance. I probably would have had the same experience as you with your first projector had I not watched this video!

[@tracingmasterpieces]

You're welcome!

[@jimbotski]

You just saved me a grand on an uneducated guess. Sending love to you buddy.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Glad to have helped! :)

[@ashkanbayati4933]

What brand and model did you buy? I need one so i can trace images on a medium sized canvas

[@petertoilolo5253]

This video is two years old.. still relevant. Would you suggest any updates for better projectors out ? Your video here is dope , your straight to it no fluff.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I think these small sized projectors generally don't change much based on what I've seen. You just have to look at the specs and make sure you know what you are getting. It also helps to find an online manual for the projector to get a sense for its features and how it can be used.

[@themfu]

This video helped me shop for an art projector. Please add affiliate links to the products, rather than just product names. Like for the Manfrotto arm, the projectors, etc. Look forward to future videos.

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

I really appreciate these tips buddy. You’re awesome. Thanks a lot.

[@matttheking1655]

Ink work was dope...nice,. you've earn a sub..

[@paulblake8664]

Excellent Video TM, I was having difficultly until you clarified everything, "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"

[@tracingmasterpieces]

You're welcome!

[@artissins]

Thank You so much for this.. Very Very Informative!!!

[@noam6249]

This was very helpful! I was in a daze about how to trace with a projector and this simplified it. Yay! Thank you!

[@joewahrerMotorcycleMan]

Thank-you very much and keep up the good work...beautiful art work!

[@maryannewolter-pryke2450]

Thanks very much for sharing this helpful information.

[@RobJohnstonArt]

Yea I was literally about to leave my house in the morning and go spend easily more than a few hundred. Thanks a ton man

[@artandcraft1422]

OK sir

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

Hey buddy. I wanted to drop a comment to say a huge thanks. I need a unit for art and your tips were amazing. I purchased and I can’t thank you enough for the tips.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Glad I could help

[@nancyaubert]

Bonjour ou trouver le projecteur ? merci

[@artisticc]

Awesome! I was looking for a compact NON Tracer kind of projector,.. Thanks!

[@Millime1968]

Thanks very much for sharing. Very helpful. I’d say I’ll gave more questions once I investigate more 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@cedillosn1]

Thank you! Thank you! Very informative, budget friendly considerate, and spot on what i was researching for! Subscribed and look forward to your videos! Thanks again!!!

[@tnh4235]

Very informative! I appreciate all the info. I was completely lost to which projector to get but you helped a great deal! Thanks!

[@kathryndohring5481]

Yes!! Thank you so much! I've been trying to figure out how to do this. I really appreciate you doing this video. Now I just have to figure out where to get the Manfrotto arm.

[@pollyester6627]

Try B&H Photo, they have everything.

[@neilmutch70]

Excellent video. Thanks so much for your help.

[@valeriechristoffel6869]

Awesome job! Just the info I've been searching for! Thanks

[@cf9061]

This was so helpful thank you so much!!

[@Candy-h5t]

Awesome!! I was looking for one that supports my iPhone. Thank you.

[@sinaimuse6562]

Thank you for this, it helped alot.

[@MC-rq9bd]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@twopencilartacademy]

beautiful very nice

[@painterinoil]

Thank you! I found your video very helpful!

[@daizybugs219]

Thanks for sharing!! Much appreciated and helpful

[@louiskelly422]

Thank you so much, this was very helpful to me and my hobby / career!

[@kaheaisaac1]

Did you transion to full time artist? I. Want to

[@marcozamudio100]

Thx man u saved me by telling my about the dlp no projectors said anything about that I thought I was on game with the native resolution little did I know haha I got the kodak luma 450 thx bro !!!!

[@MarcoTrillion]

Awesome video, thanks!.

[@PetePalacios-f9t]

Would like to get it, one question, can pictures from an Android phone be transferred to the projector

[@tylerwilson8243]

Great video nice review vey useful

[@ArtbyCannell]

Very informative video thank you! Love your art as well

[@martinkilpert933]

Thank you. THIS is the best advice I have been looking for for months. More Please! Looking for minimum focus as opposed to maximum like so many other digital art projector reviews talk about. Seems you are saying that DLP is the way to go for focusing.

[@firebug1892]

Hi, nice work! What projector do you recommend now in 2024?

[@clairebourbonniere6937]

Where do you place the image from iPad or iPhone that is to be projected ?

[@TERENCERIMMER]

I need advice on the best art projector , with all the relevant extra's this site is the BEST I have seen, also the apparatus needed to enable it to LOOK DOWN ONTO the canvas

[@inspirationsframing6961]

Many thanks, good advice and great ink work.

[@whitespirit921]

awesome video brother!!!

[@maggiemizrachi513]

Ty very informative!

[@kairus1]

What a great cube projector

[@JessicaRobinson-m7j]

Hi, your video is fantastic so thank you. I'm new to all of this so trying to work out which DLP is should buy. I cannot track down an Elecwave DLP, what else would you recommend? Thank you for your time.

[@kmlund42]

I have been so frustrated on finding a way to transfer my drawings to canvas. I hope this works. Is it a Elecwave video projector? I want to buy the same one you show.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Yes, that's the one I have, but you can find it under different brand names. I made a video that shows other projectors that are exactly the same: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWKZmGWnnr6qbdk

[@kingofsleightscardmagic1296]

I was looking for this, thanks!

[@Cmonman441]

Hi! I want to project art work on a 4’x8’ piece of plywood! Can you advise me on what to go with? I was going to purchase an overhead projector like the ones they used in school rooms! Thank you ahead of time!

[@MyQuitters]

Would you please make a tutorial for how to set it up for iOS? I'm not very tech savvy but I am really depressed that I can't get much help from Tenker or Apple. I need help.

[@davidholter735]

It's 2022 now and I'm looking for this projector but the one I found is under a different name now. With the projectors that are out there now, do you have any recommendations? Thanks for any info.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I haven't been keeping up to date with projectors, but I would think I'd still look for the same features if I was buying one today. If you are projecting smaller images/short distances with dlp technology, the lowest resolution projectors work just fine. If you are projecting larger images at greater distances (like beyond 4 or 5 feet or so away from the canvas), then you may want something with higher resolution and brightness.

[@davidholter735]

@@tracingmasterpieces Thank you very much for the perspective and for your informative videos.

[@amanazar2597]

This one is really use full for artists . I would like to get one of this from where would i get this from.is this available to india by any online mode ?

[@barbaramcallister8234]

Hi I am looking at buying the Tenker S6. My goal is to do art on canvases. Will this be similar to the one you are demonstrating with in the video?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Yes, that should be exactly the same. :)

[@ken2tou]

I realize this is three years ago, but Amazon won’t show the Mico Camera. I’d like to know what product came in 2nd place. Thanks.

[@paulbushjr8335]

Very informative video....Ive been using an opaque projector for may years to lay out images for me to paint/airbrush. ..Im looking at a projector right now that has kwysone correction, is dlp and can flip images. My question is where it reads that the picture size is 32-120 inches, I sometime images small enough to paint on a blank car tag..Will this still be able to project that small??? Thanks in advance.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Hi, It might depend partly on the lens it has. if you let me know the name of the projector I can then maybe make a better judgement- but based on the one that I use, the smallest size image I can project with it is 2 inches in diagonal. Any smaller than that and it is blurry regardless of how it is focused. I know that companies sometimes don't list how small it can be projected because they expect people to want to project as big as possible- so they usually focus more on how large it can project. I would be wary about it giving a minimum range, as that suggests there is a limit- but I've seen my own project advertised with a range higher than what it actually can do.

[@paulbushjr8335]

I need one that can go from about 5inches up to a small wall sizes....the link is one that i am looking at getting.

[@KayMusso]

Can you please recommend a model of projector that I can connect to my android phone gallery to use to project an image (from the phone) for tracing/sketching a rough outline onto sketchpad or canvas?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I haven't used any phones with a projector- I'm not familiar with how that works.

[@funnylclipz6353]

Will this work on darker fabric such as denim ?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Depending on how dark it is, it might be difficult to see the image.. That's because it has to be able to reflect light.. So the darker the material, the more it will absorb the light and create a dimmer image. I just tested it on some denim, and it illuminates it okay.. If you are projecting a dark image, then the projector will project less light so it might be difficult if you are using dark images.. but if your image is bright and the material isn't too dark it should be okay I think.

[@Hayk_empty_cloud]

What you think about DLP projector Akiyo Z9 ? Thank you

[@MoontariArt]

Thanks man, been researching for hours now wondering if I could get a slightly better one to use it also for some movies sometimes but looks like the smallest, crappiest projector would work better since I mostly want to use it on some small objects or canvases.

[@JD-zh2os]

Hello, where can you get it, it is worth it to draw, it has good resolution, greetings

[@mvanarsd1]

Great video! Your review is awesome. But, could you share the projector brand and model number? My digital artograph doesn’t work anymore and artograph went out of business.

[@tinderbox218]

How do you get the images into the projector? SD card? Cable to a computer? Wifi? Bluetooth?

[@nerdzombiegoddess3407]

This is a great question that I also had but was never answered.

[@ratchetleague1285]

THAT'S SO AWESOME!! can anyone tell me the exact name of the product?

[@CraftsANDartsyStuff]

There are some cool apps out there like Da Vinci Eye that do this too, they use AR to virtually project an image. All you need is a phone and a cup to rest your phone on.

[@rossymaldonadob.3971]

Gracias por tu recomendación, necesito comprarme uno que se ajuste a mi presupuesto.

[@janedav7310]

This projector gets the job done pretty well. kzbin.infoUgkxS9P8zTOcmQg-hH0QeUi3dspOLyYgQ6dH Bear in mind it's a mini projector but all things considered the picture quality is pretty good. The attached photo is of the projector projecting onto my white closet doors. I still have not messed with the settings but I can't wait for our first family movie night on a larger scale. If you have issues with volume not working with your firestick, go into volume settings and you will find your solution there.

[@jens9692]

Wonderful video. Just what I was looking for and so well demonstrated. Thank you...subscribed! Update: I can't find it for sale anywhere! :'(

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Thanks- yeah, it is an older model. I will make an effort to compile a list of projectors this week that I can recommend.

[@jens9692]

@@tracingmasterpieces Thank you! I will check back later. The tabletop set-up is what I am hoping for. I really liked the light, compact design of this one. Pretty neat!

[@Jkw211]

Tracing Masterpieces this was a great vid. Very informative. Can’t wait to see your new recommendations vid. Is there anything out there right now in the $250 max range that you could recommend?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

@@Jkw211 Thanks- It's difficult to make specific recommendations since I haven't personally tried a lot of projectors. However, I made a video that looks at how this particular projector that I use can be found under different brand names: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWKZmGWnnr6qbdk It's kind of interesting. There is a Kodak version of this projector that is available on amazon for $200. I also made a video where I try to look for projectors, etc. But maybe I can create another video that picks specific ones. It's just difficult for me to recommend specific ones without having personally used them. I will try to see if I can create a more specific list though.

[@jens9692]

I did end up finding the same one you have for $115 on Ebay. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for your help!

[@ameenatippie8308]

Could you provide the brand and types of each piece you're using

[@eleanorking8491]

I love your video. you are calm and clear in your explanations. one question which may be silly: Where are you getting your images from? is this projector wireless??

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Yes, the projector is wireless in that it uses a battery (but it can also be powered by a cord). I use a micro sd card to transfer images from my computer onto the projector.

[@linhueichen849]

Hi Thanks for sharing! I tried to look for this projector but it seems like they don't see it anymore. Do you know other alternatives? I am looking for a pico beamer that can have short throw distance and "ideally" can have the 1:1 image size or something not to far away from it. Thanks!

[@mohamedzaeem8191]

Very good

[@fish4trout1]

Hi I have watched your video and now have bought the Pico mini projector cube but want to get the mannfrotto articulating arm, can you please tell me the size as in the UK they only sell up to 11 inches. I really hope you can help. Thanks so much.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Hi- where are you shopping for it? It should be available on amazon if you can't find it anywhere else: www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-Variable-Friction-Arm-Bracket/dp/B000J4FONU/ There's also the clamp for it too: www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-Super-Clamp-without-Stud/dp/B000JLM4XG/ Manfrotto is kind of pricey, but the quality is good. It can support a lot of weight. Since the projector is portable and light, you could probably find a cheaper one that would hold it just fine, but you'd have to make sure it is the right length (a lot of the cheaper ones, maybe all of them, are much shorter). You could use other equipment besides an articulating arm too. Let me know if you need more help with anything.

[@joeblak125]

Hey bro, Can u recommend another brand of projector? They don't seem to have the elecwave on ebay anymore. Couldn't find it on amazon either.

[@paulsharm7410]

Hey, what kind of projector would You suggest for mural/street artists, or bigger pieces itself for painters? (Could vary from 2 up to 10 meters),

[@bryanvera4940]

Can't find this projector anywhere 😪 I want it for image transfers to canvas. Has everything I need

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I made a video that shows you the same projector that you can find under different brand names: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWKZmGWnnr6qbdk

[@dawncoffinberry1469]

This is awesome but my question is...where does the pic sit?

[@satchelyork]

It's all digital either transfer from the card or hdmi cable

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@onedollarvideo9248]

An inking tutorial (supplies included) would be very helpful as well. Giving this video a like.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Thanks, I will work on that. :)

[@ronaldbrech1531]

Thank you

[@docter_memory]

here's a question for you: can i project a google image onto the wall through my android phone and how? thank you in advance.

[@stephanwerick5495]

Thank you for the Demo however , where do you get the image to project?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I use my computer to put the image file onto a sd card that then goes in the projector.

[@SylviaCrixell]

I am a retired (age 67), amateur watercolor artist. I have been painting about 2 years. This is my first time to explore the use of projectors that will allow me to draw an outline (of mostly birds) on watercolor paper. This is my dream. With respect to the projector, I want to be able to alter the size a bit. It appears that the mount should be flexible enough to move up and down. So, I think I get the details. Are there recommendations for the projector and the mount? I realize this could be a constraint, but asking hopefully before I got down too many rabbit holes.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I think most of these small dlp type projectors are relatively the same. The biggest differences will probably be the software that is running on them and how you interact with it. Usually the features for them are more catered to movie watching, so you usually don't get much to control the images. So I'd try to find online manuals for any projectors you're interested in and read through them and see how they operate. Build quality is probably an important factor for the mounting device. You'll want something very sturdy and not prone to falling over or wobbling or being too loose, etc.. The issue with extending the project out far on some sort of mount, is that it needs to be very strong where it pivots, otherwise it may not support the weight or torque on it, especially if you accidentally bump it or something. The articulating arm that I use is made for camera equipment, and built strong to support things very sturdily.. so I wouldn't just get something cheap in that area- it will really make things more comfortable if you can easily mount the projector without worrying about it falling. As far as projectors.. I haven't been keeping up with the latest projectors, but I know of people that have bought the kodak luma projectors, and also the vankyo burger 101 projector. Always good to search around and look through the specifications, manual, etc.. They are all very similar to each other, but the biggest differences will be the software/system on it and how you interact with it. Hopefully this helps.

[@SylviaCrixell]

@@tracingmasterpieces This is so very helpful. Coming tomorrow, an ELEPHAS 1080P mini projector and an Arkon Pro phone and camera stand. Fingers crossed!

[@tracingmasterpieces]

@@SylviaCrixell I don't think that is a dlp projector, so you might have trouble focusing it at close distances. Most projectors are designed to be set further away from the surface, but dlp usually can focus closer.

[@SylviaCrixell]

@@tracingmasterpieces Hi, it is a dlp projector and after about 2 hours, we got it to work by mirroring my iPhone or iPad.! The stand was not strong enough, but I had an old camera tripod in storage and it is very stable and works beautifully. The focus is close enough to use at a table, and the iPad allows for larger projections. Thanks so much for your tutorial! It helped me figure out what to look for!

[@tracingmasterpieces]

@@SylviaCrixell Oh ok. I was confused because when I searched for it I somehow looked at the wrong projector. But now I searched again and I can see the correct projector, and it looks good. Glad to hear that it is working well for you! Sorry for my confusion.

[@DUGGANMUSIC]

Wondering where you put the photo for the projection of the bird?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I put it on a micro sd card from my computer. Then I just put it in the projector and use the menus to access it and display it.

[@naakiiyaa4878]

Where can I find this product? Thanks I can't seem to find the Electwave model 6 anywhere. Links are appreciated ☺

[@bronco51256]

I typically project onto 4'x8' pieces of plywood. I have a 4 year old projector. I have to work late at night when it gets dark. What projector would you recommend especially when I can use it in daytime with shades down?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I haven't worked at that scale, so I'm not sure. I usually do smaller sizes, which allows the projector to be closer to the surface. The closer it is, the brighter the image. At the scale you are doing it, I think the room would have to be pretty dim. Also, the pixels might be more noticeable with a larger image. Since you are projecting larger, I'd probably look for something with higher resolution ("native" resolution). Something with a higher resolution would probably have decent ligting too- at least I would think. I haven't kept up to date with latest projectors, so I don't really have any suggestions. I would just make sure you check all the specifications to know what you are getting.

[@gimmiericepuddinson]

wow thank you!!!! so helpful!! approximately how much is this whole set up? (with arms and everything)

[@tracingmasterpieces]

The manfrotto articulating arm, bracket, and clamp is about $130-$150. You can get the projector for $179.. The other type of equipment like the selfie stick and tripod are varied in price.

[@hugh_dancy]

dear tracing master pieces do you have any recs for projectors for dark canvases like black, i see most videos are just about white paper or white canvases thank you

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Projecting onto a dark canvas will be difficult, because darker surfaces don't get illuminated by light. The darker surfaces absorb the light and prevent it from reflecting into our eyes. It's probably not a viable solution to use a projector for dark surfaces.

[@SS-wu5du]

Where is the original bird image coming from? Is it a slide or does it get the image from a transparency? I had an old school one.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I downloaded it and put it on a micro sd card that I put into the projector and then projected it.

[@roproart6529]

Nice video bud. Do you have a video where you show us how to place a grid over an image being projected?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Thanks- I don't think I have a video like that, but I could probably make one. I'm assuming you want to add a grid to the image file using some software, right?

[@delmo879]

Hi, Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. I am searching now for Elecwave projector and can't see any! do you know if the name is changed? if not would you please send me a link to ebay seller who sells a projector like yours? Thanks a lot

[@tracingmasterpieces]

This projector can be found under various names, and also under no name at all: check this video I made that talks about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWKZmGWnnr6qbdk

[@davyjones2994]

I’ve got a 15 ft mural coming up, what would you recommend for that size?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

How dark is the work environment? You'll need a dark environment to be able to project at a larger scale as you'd need to position the projector further back, which would cause the projected image to become fainter. Another way would be to split the image into a grid of images, and project each one at a closer distance, moving the projector after you trace each section.

[@_chrisrobinson_]

Where is the actual bird image coming from? Did you digitally download that onto the little protector device ?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

yes, I downloaded it and transferred it onto the projector via a micro sd card.

[@_chrisrobinson_]

@@tracingmasterpieces thank you (: that helps a lot!

[@antoinetteneethling8657]

Thsnks❤

[@Phyto_Chemicals]

My question is: if the paper or the projector are skewed (not parallel to each other), does the projector software allow you to adjust the projected image so it is framed to the paper?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Not in this particular projector, no. Some projectors have that ability. The terminology used for that is "Keystone correction". There is a horizontal and vertical keystone.. some projectors only have one of those, some have both.. some have none.

[@Phyto_Chemicals]

@@tracingmasterpieces thank you so much for replying! I truly appreciate it! I had been struggling trying to find how to look for that feature, now I know what it’s called! Thank you! 😊

[@theanaloguefix]

Is this good for 20x30 canvases

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Yeah, that size is good.

[@regimusmaximusreviews1024]

I can not find this . Could you possibly add a link to the Projector . I've checked Elecwave & I get nothing

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Check this video out- I show how you can find this projector under different branding: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWKZmGWnnr6qbdk

[@sacredrose5477]

Do you have a 2021-2022 projector to recommend?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

I haven't been keeping up with the latest projectors due to being busy with other things. So I don't have any to recommend at the moment. Sorry.

[@miquelangellc2234]

Desde que la tecnología liberó la pesadilla del dibujo, ahora somos " Artistas " jajaja.. me di cuenta por los agradecimientos en los comentarios.

[@bryanvera4940]

Hi! My only question is, let's say I choose any picture from the internet and I want to project it towards a canvas to trace and then start painting. Can the projector alter the size of the image to fit the canvas as you want? Can you enlarge the projection to where you need it or does it have a limit on size enlargement?

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Some projectors have a way to resize in the software that it uses, so you'd have to check its manual. The one I use can resize the images, rotate, etc.. But you can also just physically move the projector to resize the projected image as well.