How to choose the best Projector for Art ■ Tracing Masterpieces

There are many things to consider when choosing a projector for your art. The most important thing to keep in mind is the projector's throw distance as well as the throw ratio. Since you will be using it for artwork, in many cases you will want it positioned near your drawing canvas or paper. Many projectors can't be positioned too close otherwise they can't focus the image. You will want a projector that can focus at any distance. A DLP projector can do that. There may be LED projectors, such as Pico projectors that can also do that, so make sure to check the throw distance. When you find a projector you are interested in, try to find the online manual so that you can look through the specifications and features, you'll need to make sure that it supports images besides video. Also check youtube reviews to see them in action and get a better feel for the overall product. I bought mine off of Ebay for $34, and you can find other great deals if you know what to look for and have patience.
There are also a lot of gear and equipment you can use to setup and mount the projector. You can use clamps, articulating arms, tripods, selfie sticks, or anything else you can think of that have a quarter inch tripod screw that can screw into the projector. The projector will need to be small, compact, and lightweight so that it can be suspended up and angled at whatever direction you need it to be. It should also be portable and run off of a rechargeable battery so that you aren't tethered to any cables. In this video I show many great ways to setup the projector to create art. Once setup you can lightly draw over the details in the image onto your canvas making the whole process very simple and easy.
The equipment used in this video:
Elecwave Micro Projector Model:S6
Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm with Camera Bracket
Manfrotto Super Clamp 035
Vivitar Tripod Model 1100
Weber Quattro 4 Legged Easel
Yi Selfie Stick
11" Inch Articulating Magic Arm + Super Clamp Crab Plier Clip

[@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. 😊

[@castingallstations4707]

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

[@li-bo-5537]

And after four years, it is still super helpful!

[@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! :)

[@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

[@paulblake8664]

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

[@tracingmasterpieces]

You're welcome!

[@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.

[@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

[@Millime1968]

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

[@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!

[@noam6249]

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

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

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

[@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!

[@maryannewolter-pryke2450]

Thanks very much for sharing this helpful information.

[@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.

[@artissins]

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

[@matttheking1655]

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

[@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

[@MC-rq9bd]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@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!!!

[@neilmutch70]

Excellent video. Thanks so much for your help.

[@daizybugs219]

Thanks for sharing!! Much appreciated and helpful

[@tnh4235]

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

[@joewahrerMotorcycleMan]

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

[@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.

[@Candy-h5t]

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

[@artisticc]

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

[@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!

[@twopencilartacademy]

beautiful very nice

[@painterinoil]

Thank you! I found your video very helpful!

[@valeriechristoffel6869]

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

[@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

[@MarcoTrillion]

Awesome video, thanks!.

[@cf9061]

This was so helpful thank you so much!!

[@kairus1]

What a great cube projector

[@sinaimuse6562]

Thank you for this, it helped alot.

[@maggiemizrachi513]

Ty very informative!

[@ArtbyCannell]

Very informative video thank you! Love your art as well

[@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 !!!!

[@inspirationsframing6961]

Many thanks, good advice and great ink work.

[@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.

[@kingofsleightscardmagic1296]

I was looking for this, thanks!

[@tylerwilson8243]

Great video nice review vey useful

[@ronaldbrech1531]

Thank you

[@firebug1892]

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

[@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.

[@whitespirit921]

awesome video brother!!!

[@clairebourbonniere6937]

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

[@antoinetteneethling8657]

Thsnks❤

[@mohamedzaeem8191]

Very good

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@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.

[@onedollarvideo9248]

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

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Thanks, I will work on that. :)

[@PetePalacios-f9t]

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

[@JD-zh2os]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@dawncoffinberry1469]

Okay I asked too soon....thank you so much

[@jackm2293]

thank you :)

[@ratchetleague1285]

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

[@einarjungmann273]

What you think about DLP projector Akiyo Z9 ? Thank you

[@miquelangellc2234]

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

[@luismsanchez8242]

Projector great

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@edreiss3637]

I am checking out Ansee and Akaso. I like Akaso because it is made in America. It seems to do what I want it to do. You may have to resize a picture before you can get the right size if mounting on a apparatus.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Those should work just fine I think :)

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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.

[@ameenatippie8308]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@JackSmith-ud9bg]

I looked this projector up. The cost was $184.95. Am I looking in the wrong place?

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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),

[@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 ☺

[@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?

[@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.

[@yosimadsu2189]

I think you should try app called Pixel Painting Projector from windows store

[@tracingmasterpieces]

That looks interesting. I have had a similar idea in the past.

[@twopencilartacademy]

👌👌

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@enrinev7380]

I would like this thing for my kids. Unless there is something better.

[@tracingmasterpieces]

most of these small dlp projectors perform very similar to each other due to the same internal hardware they use. I look for 5 things.. physical buttons, tripod mount socket, battery powered, a way to transfer image files, and dlp technology that allows focusing closely.

[@enrinev7380]

@@tracingmasterpieces Found it. It's called Smart Skecter Projector for kids. It is awesome works with app also. Thanks

[@artandcraft1422]

Praise

[@theanaloguefix]

Is this good for 20x30 canvases

[@tracingmasterpieces]

Yeah, that size is good.