May 15, 2006

Hi folks,

We have just completed and posted two of the four SXGA+ reviews in the schedule. In our opinion, the Optoma EP910 is a remarkable accomplishment that sets a new price/performance standard in the SXGA+ category (see review). Meanwhile, the aggressively priced Dell 5100MP represents an exceptional value in being the first of the SXGA+ projectors to go under $3,000 (see updated review).

In a side-by-side comparison, the EP910 outperforms the 5100MP in three vitally important attributes of image quality: sharpness, contrast, and black level. Between the two, the EP910 would be my personal choice for the presentation of high resolution digital photography. For those unaffected by 2x speed DLP color wheels, the EP910 is the better alternative for large scale 4:3 home theater as well.

However, if you are looking for a projector to present detailed computer data such as text documents and financial spreadsheets, the Dell 5100MP come close to matching the EP910's sharpness with a native data signal (the difference is only visible in a side by side examination). Furthermore, the 5100MP is somewhat more compact, two pounds lighter, and about $1,000 less expensive. It will be the better choice for those who want a good, solid SXGA+ projector for business use, and who are less interested in paying a premium for maximum image quality in photography and video.

This week we will continue the SXGA+ review process with the projectiondesign evo2sx+, and upon completion of that review we will provide a more extensive comparison statement between the three.

Based on the initial schedule we were to have included the Canon SX60 as well. However, Canon has pushed back the introduction of the SX60 in the United States until he later part of May. We will review the SX60 as soon as we get one.

Thanks for using ProjectorCentral,

Evan Powell