TK H-H
Well-known member
- Messages
- 205
Maybe you guys can help point me in the right direction? I completely forget if I've posted this before. I don't see it on the forums though, so I'm thinking I didn't.
I'll start by admitting that I'm not very tech savvy. So I'm having trouble finding what I'm looking for. I've been hunting around online, but I think I'm having trouble finding something with a relatively simple setup, that's also suitable for artwork rather than movie-theater sized wall projections.
I'm not particularly great at drawing on a larger scale. I also don't love doing my initial drawings larger when I'm developing concepts. I prefer to do them a smaller size so it's less work to make adjustments and whatnot, and so I'm not potentially damaging my final surface while I fiddle. Normally, once I've finished my concept sketch, I scan it into a computer, shrink it down to a size that fits within a 5x5" window, and print it out. That little printed copy then goes under my current projector, I blow it up to fit my larger surface, and then use that to transfer it over.
This is totally fine, however, there's some parts of the process that are annoyances at times:
- Size limits. I sometimes have to project just a part of the image, and then line up the other half properly, depending on the size of my surface. Between having to move the print itself, AND the projector to do so, this gets touchy.
- Projection isn't adjustable. I have to prop up the projector perfectly level with my surface to get the image in the right spot. This often requires stacking books/other objects to raise it up to level it with my easel. OR, it goes on the floor and so does my surface (propped against a wall). My knees are not really allowing this option anymore. There's also a lot of moving the object pile back and forth, because the projection size is limited. Because it projects from the small print being underneath it, an adjustable tripod is not an option. This is the most annoying part of the process.
- Overall image clarity isn't great. It's usually fine to get the rough concept moved over. But better image quality would be nice for more complicated subjects.
My hope was that I could upgrade my projector to a more digital option. My hope is for a small sized projector, that can plug into my laptop or tablet (Samsung. It's pretty old with very limited connection options though. So likely my laptop.) and project the image on my surface. USB would be preferable. It would be much easier to just adjust the drawing on the screen to fit the surface as needed, rather than fiddling with the projector itself and an image underneath it. I'm not as picky regarding image clarity. I usually just need my rough concept. But point #2 is the big one I'm hoping to solve with this. Basically eliminate the book piles and the touchy physical adjustments. If I could simply pop it on a tripod or set it on my desk, and do the rest digitally, that'd be so much easier.
I've looked at several options so far. I'm often finding that the projections are far too big (most of them are geared towards home-theater), or setup/connectivity is complicated. Or, incredibly expensive. I don't mind investing in it some if it'll help make this process easier for me. But I also don't need a top-quality movie projector...
The AuKing M8-F projector looks like a possible fit, and is inexpensive. However, it doesn't appear to be the most adjustable, and it sounds like it does some auto-sizing based on projection distance, which could potentially be problematic.
Overall, not entirely sure what I should be looking at here. I don't entirely understand techy things so some of this is just confusing to sift through.
Wondering if you guys have any suggestions?
Edit - Just noticed someone posted a thread recently about this subject. I'll check out the suggestions there as well!
I'll start by admitting that I'm not very tech savvy. So I'm having trouble finding what I'm looking for. I've been hunting around online, but I think I'm having trouble finding something with a relatively simple setup, that's also suitable for artwork rather than movie-theater sized wall projections.
I'm not particularly great at drawing on a larger scale. I also don't love doing my initial drawings larger when I'm developing concepts. I prefer to do them a smaller size so it's less work to make adjustments and whatnot, and so I'm not potentially damaging my final surface while I fiddle. Normally, once I've finished my concept sketch, I scan it into a computer, shrink it down to a size that fits within a 5x5" window, and print it out. That little printed copy then goes under my current projector, I blow it up to fit my larger surface, and then use that to transfer it over.
This is totally fine, however, there's some parts of the process that are annoyances at times:
- Size limits. I sometimes have to project just a part of the image, and then line up the other half properly, depending on the size of my surface. Between having to move the print itself, AND the projector to do so, this gets touchy.
- Projection isn't adjustable. I have to prop up the projector perfectly level with my surface to get the image in the right spot. This often requires stacking books/other objects to raise it up to level it with my easel. OR, it goes on the floor and so does my surface (propped against a wall). My knees are not really allowing this option anymore. There's also a lot of moving the object pile back and forth, because the projection size is limited. Because it projects from the small print being underneath it, an adjustable tripod is not an option. This is the most annoying part of the process.
- Overall image clarity isn't great. It's usually fine to get the rough concept moved over. But better image quality would be nice for more complicated subjects.
My hope was that I could upgrade my projector to a more digital option. My hope is for a small sized projector, that can plug into my laptop or tablet (Samsung. It's pretty old with very limited connection options though. So likely my laptop.) and project the image on my surface. USB would be preferable. It would be much easier to just adjust the drawing on the screen to fit the surface as needed, rather than fiddling with the projector itself and an image underneath it. I'm not as picky regarding image clarity. I usually just need my rough concept. But point #2 is the big one I'm hoping to solve with this. Basically eliminate the book piles and the touchy physical adjustments. If I could simply pop it on a tripod or set it on my desk, and do the rest digitally, that'd be so much easier.
I've looked at several options so far. I'm often finding that the projections are far too big (most of them are geared towards home-theater), or setup/connectivity is complicated. Or, incredibly expensive. I don't mind investing in it some if it'll help make this process easier for me. But I also don't need a top-quality movie projector...
The AuKing M8-F projector looks like a possible fit, and is inexpensive. However, it doesn't appear to be the most adjustable, and it sounds like it does some auto-sizing based on projection distance, which could potentially be problematic.
Overall, not entirely sure what I should be looking at here. I don't entirely understand techy things so some of this is just confusing to sift through.
Wondering if you guys have any suggestions?
Edit - Just noticed someone posted a thread recently about this subject. I'll check out the suggestions there as well!
