What works for a family movie night can be different from what you need for a backyard party or a camping trip. With that in mind, here are the top 10 outdoor projectors from the best brand, Nebula.
Check Nebula Outdoor Projectors
Why Trust Nebula? Quick Facts
The most popular item in Nebula’s collection is Capsule, which received a $1.7 million investment in 2018 and transformed to the Capsule II - the World's first mini projector with Android TV.
Since 2020, Nebule has been in the field of Around-the-Home Series, the most advanced portable projectors you can confidently use in the open air.
Top 10 Outdoor Projectors by Nebula
If you're choosing a portable projector for the first time, technical specifications and features can be overwhelming. To make it easier for you, here are the top 10 outdoor projectors from Nebula that are worth considering.
Capsule | Mini Projector for Home Entertainment
Specifications:
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Projection technology: DLP
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Brightness: 100 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 854×480 (16:9)
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Projection size: 40-100 in: 100 in @2.87m; 80 in @2.29m; 60 in @1.72m; 40 in @1.14m
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Speaker: 1× 5W (360°)
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Video playtime: Up to 4 hours in battery mode, up to 2.5 hours in standard mode
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Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Screen Mirroring
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Focus: Manual
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Size: 2.7 x 2.7 x 4.7 in / 68 x 68 x 120 mm
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Weight: 1.0 lb
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Color: Black, Red
Description:
The Capsule mini projector is designed for home entertainment, making it perfect for outdoor movie nights. The soda-can design makes it comfortable to take with you with no bulky parts.
Its 100 ANSI lumens brightness and DLP technology can project images up to 100 inches in size with clear and vibrant colors. The built-in speaker provides a 360° sound experience, ensuring everyone can hear the movie and even the smallest sound effects.
With up to 4 hours of playtime on battery mode and multiple connectivity options, you can enjoy movies in your backyard or at the park without worrying about cords or outlets. The manual focus also allows you to adjust the image for the best viewing experience.
The resolution of 854x480 (16:9) ensures you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows in high definition. The compact size of 2.7 x 2.7 x 4.7 inches and weight of only 1 pound makes it easy to carry around, whether for outdoor movie nights or indoor home entertainment.
The Capsule mini projector also comes in black and red colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your style. With its sleek design, impressive features, and portability, the Capsule is a top contender for outdoor projectors from Nebula.
Apollo | Small Portable Projector for Home
Specifications:
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Projection technology: DLP
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Brightness: 200 ANSI lumen
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Resolution: 854×480 (16:9)
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Projection size: 40-100 in: 100 in @2.87m; 80 in @2.29m; 60 in @1.72m; 40 in @1.14m
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Speaker: 6W
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Video playtime: Up to 4 hours
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Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Screen Mirroring
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Focus: Manual
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Size: 2.6 x 2.6 x 5.2 in / 65 x 65 x 131 mm
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Weight: 1.3 lb
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Color: Black
Description:
An extremely convenient pocket projector with compact sizes of just 5.2 inches tall and weighing only 1.3 pounds, the Apollo is your ultimate portable home theater projector. This mini projector boasts an impressive brightness of 200 ANSI lumens and a maximum projection size of 100 inches, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor movie nights or gaming sessions.
One of the standout features of the Apollo is its remarkable battery life, with up to 4 hours of video playtime on a single charge. No need to worry about running out of power in the middle of your favorite movie or game! And with multiple connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and screen mirroring, you can easily connect all your devices for seamless streaming.
In addition to its impressive technical specs, the Apollo boasts a sleek and modern design with a transparent navigation panel allowing easy and intuitive control. You can swipe your hand over the panel to adjust volume, rewind or fast-forward your content, and even access smart TV apps like Netflix and YouTube.
The Apollo's speaker is also worth mentioning. It has a built-in 6W speaker that provides high-quality sound for an immersive viewing experience. If you prefer to use your own external speakers, the projector also has a 3.5mm audio jack for easy connection.
Overall, the Nebula Apollo is a must-have for anyone looking for a compact and versatile projector with stunning visuals and impressive functionality.
Capsule 3 (New) | Mini 1080p Projector for TV
Specifications:
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Projection technology: Intelligent Environment Adaptation Technology
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Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumen
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Resolution: 1080p display
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Projection size: 120-inch screen
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Speaker: 8W
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Video playtime: Up to 2.5 hours
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Connectivity: WiFi
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Focus: Autofocus
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Size: 78*78*160 mm
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Weight: 0.85 kg
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Color: Black
Description:
50% smaller than compatible projectors, the Nebula Capsule 3 Mini 1080p projector is perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Whether you're traveling, camping, or just need a compact option for your home theater setup, this mini projector packs a punch in terms of performance.
Equipped with Intelligent Environment Adaptation Technology, the Capsule 3 automatically adjusts the brightness level and color saturation to provide optimal visuals in any lighting condition. And with a brightness of 200 ANSI lumens and a full HD display resolution, you can expect crisp and clear images even on larger screens up to 120 inches.
But don't let its small size fool you - the Capsule 3 is also packed with features that make it stand out from other mini projectors. The video playtime of up to 2.5 hours allows you to enjoy multiple movies or TV shows without worrying about charging. Plus, the 8W speaker delivers high-quality sound for a truly immersive viewing experience.
This projector is also perfect for some self-organized music nights with its 10-hour music playback time.
With HDMI 2.0 and <20 ms input lag, you can easily connect your gaming console for a lag-free and high-performance gaming experience. And with WiFi connectivity, you can stream content from your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube directly to the projector.
Capsule 3 Laser | Mini Portable Laser Projector
Specifications:
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Projection technology: DLP 0.23 DMD
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Brightness: 300 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 1920×1080
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Projection size: 16:9
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Speaker: 8W
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Video playtime: 2.5H in Battery Mode, 10H in Bluetooth Speaker Mode
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Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 / USB-C / AUX-OUT
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Focus: Auto Projection
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Size: Height: 6.7 in / 170 mm, Diameter: 3.3 in / 83 mm
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Weight: 2.1 lb / 0.95 kg
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Color: Black
Description:
Being laser-powered, the Capsule 3 Mini Portable Laser Projector offers superior image quality and a longer lifespan than traditional LED projectors. It's almost twice as bright as current LED projectors, so you can use it even in well-lit weather. Plus, the DLP technology ensures accurate and vibrant colors for a truly immersive viewing experience.
The Capsule 3's compact size makes it easy to carry around and set up anywhere. It's 90% smaller than traditional projectors, making it perfect for on-the-go entertainment. You can easily fit it in your bag or luggage when traveling, and you can even use it for outdoor movie nights with friends and family.
The Capsule 3 is not limited to projecting videos and movies but also boasts a 10-hour music playback time. The 300 ANSI Lumens laser light source delivers 1080p HD resolution, making it perfect for streaming your favorite music videos on YouTube or listening to a Spotify playlist. You can also wirelessly connect your phone or laptop via Bluetooth and use the projector as a speaker.
With its built-in 8W speaker, you don't need any external audio devices to enjoy high-quality sound. However, if you prefer headphones or external speakers, the Capsule 3 has an AUX-OUT port for easy connectivity. It also has USB-C and HDMI ports for connecting devices such as gaming consoles, laptops, and more.
Mars 3 Air | Portable Google TV Projector
Specifications:
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Projection technology:
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Brightness: 400 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 1080p
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Projection size: 150-inch screen
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Speaker: Dual 8W
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Video playtime: 2.5H
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Connectivity:
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Focus: Autofocus
Description:
Welcome to the World's first Google TV projector, which comes with a built-in Netflix. The Mars 3 Air has an advanced Intelligent Environment Adaptation Technology 3.0, which means you don't have to waste time on long manual setups. It automatically adjusts the projection size and displays a clear image no matter where you are.
The 400 ANSI lumens brightness delivers stunning picture quality with vibrant colors, even in low-light settings.
The Mars 3 Air also has a unique keystone correction feature that allows you to adjust the image distortion to fit perfectly onto any surface. This makes it ideal for outdoor movie nights, presentations, or gaming sessions with friends. You can easily connect your phone or laptop wirelessly via Bluetooth or use the HDMI port for seamless connectivity.
One of the standout features of this projector is its built-in Netflix app, giving you access to thousands of movies and TV shows without needing an external device. It also has Google Assistant built-in, allowing you to control the projector and other smart home devices with just your voice.
With a compact and lightweight design, the Mars 3 Air is highly portable and perfect for on-the-go entertainment. The dual 8W speakers deliver rich, immersive sound, making it perfect for movie nights or parties.
Did we mention it allows for multiple Netflix profile logins for all family members?
Capsule II | Mini HD Projector with Android TV
Specifications:
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Projection technology: DLP
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Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 1280×720 (16:9, HD)
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Projection size: 40-100 in: 100 in @2.87m; 80 in @2.29m; 60 in @1.72m; 40 in @1.14m
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Speaker: 1× 8W (270°)
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Video playtime: Up to 2.5 hours in battery mode, up to 2 hours in standard mode
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Connectivity: HDMI and USB, or wirelessly over WiFi, Bluetooth, and Chromecas
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Focus: Automatic (1 second)
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Size: 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.9 in / 80 x 80 x 150 mm
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Weight: 1.6 lb
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Color: Black
Description:
This outdoor projector provides you with Premium Scan-Speak transducers that reproduce every moment in crystal-clear sound, emitting 360° of immersive audio. The Mars 3 Air also has a long-lasting battery life of up to 2 hours in standard mode, or you can easily connect it to a power source for endless entertainment.
There are around 40 hours of game time, so your outdoor gaming smartphone is guaranteed to succeed. The brightness of the Mars 3 Air is rated at 200 ANSI lumens, providing vibrant and clear images even in low-light conditions.
In addition to its powerful projection capabilities, the Capsule II runs on Android TV OS, giving you access to over 5,000 apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu. With a built-in Google Assistant, you can control your entertainment experience with just your voice.
The Capsule II's compact size and lightweight design make it easy to bring it along for outdoor movie nights or gaming sessions with friends. Its versatile connectivity options allow you to easily connect to any device, whether it be through HDMI or wirelessly via WiFi or Bluetooth.
Don't just take our word for it; the Nebula Capsule II has received rave reviews from tech experts and customers alike.
Mars 3 | Portable Outdoor Projector for Day and Night
Specifications:
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Projection technology: DLP
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Brightness: 1000 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (16:9, FHD)
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Projection size: 30-200 in: 150 in @13.85 ft; 120 in @11.09 ft; 100 in @9.22 ft; 80 in @7.38 ft; 60 in @5.54 ft
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Speaker: 40W 3-Way Speaker with Dolby Audio
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Video playtime: 5H In Eco Mode 2H In Stantard Mode
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Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Chromecast
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Focus: Autofocus
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Size: 6.3 x 10.2 x 9.8 in / 160 x 260 x 250mm
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Weight: 9.9 lb
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Color: Grey
Description:
Here's a high-quality and durable outdoor projector. Mars 3 comes with IPX3 water resistance, 0.5 m drop resistance, and 0.7 mm dust resistance, so it can withstand any environment. The exclusive RoamPower™️ technology supports 185Wh capacity and can serve as a power bank for your mobile device in an emergency.
Not only is Mars 3 perfect for outdoor use, but it also offers an exceptional viewing experience indoors. With its 1000 ANSI lumens brightness and 40W 3-way speaker system, you can enjoy vibrant colors and clear audio from anywhere in the area. Its advanced autofocus feature ensures the image is always sharp and focused, even when projecting onto uneven surfaces.
The AI automatically adjusts screen brightness for the best viewing experience, and the 1920 x 1080 resolution provides a crisp and detailed image. With the ability to project up to 200 inches, Mars 3 is perfect for movie nights with friends or family gatherings.
This outdoor projector is compatible with Android TV 11.0, unlocking 400,000+ movies and shows and 7000+ apps. This means Mars 3 is not only a projector but also a smart entertainment center. You can easily connect to the internet via WiFi or Ethernet and stream your favorite content through platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. With Chromecast built-in, you can also mirror content from your phone or laptop onto the big screen.
Mars II Pro | Portable Bluetooth Projector
Specifications:
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Projection technology: DLP
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Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 1280x720 (16:9, HD)
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Projection size: 40-100 in: 100 in @2.65m; 80 in @2.13m; 60 in @1.59m; 40 in @1.05m
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Speaker: 2× 10W
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Video playtime: Up to 3 hours in battery mode, up to 1.5 hours in standard mode
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Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Screen Mirroring
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Focus: Automatic
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Size: 7.0 x 4.8 x 5.2 in / 178 x 122 x 133 mm
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Weight: 3.9 lb
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Color: Black
Description:
Dimmer environments are never an obstacle for Mars II Pro. With 500 ANSI Lumens and DLP technology, this portable projector offers bright and clear images even in low-light situations. The 1280x720 resolution provides a high-definition viewing experience, while the built-in speakers deliver powerful sound quality.
The Dual 10W audio drivers work together to create a cinematic sound experience, providing you with every single detail, even the slightest. Whether you are watching a movie, playing games, or streaming videos on your phone, the Mars II Pro offers an immersive and engaging experience.
The projector is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and set up anywhere. Its projection size is 40-100 inches, allowing you to create your own home theater wherever you are.
Its compatibility with other devices is a notable advantage. You can plug any HDMI and USB 2.0 devices - laptops, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc. This means you can use your own devices to stream content on a larger screen. Additionally, the Mars II Pro offers WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as screen mirroring, making it easy to connect and share from your phone or tablet.
The automatic focus feature eliminates the hassle of adjusting the lens manually. This means you can set up the projector and start enjoying your content in no time.
Cosmos Laser 4K | Portable 4K Laser Projector
Specifications:
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Projection technology:
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Brightness: 2200 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 3840 x 2160
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Projection size: 60-150 in: 150 in @13.85 ft; 120 in @11.09 ft; 100 in @9.22 ft; 80 in @7.38 ft; 60 in @5.54 ft
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Speaker: 10W
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Focus: Seamless Autofocus
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Size: 10.4 x 8.1 x 6.5 "
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Weight: 10.7 lb
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Color: Dark Grey
Description:
Intense 2200 ANSI Lumens allows you to watch a movie with this projector even when the outdoor lights or curtains are on. It projects a resolution of 3840 x 2160, four times the quality of full HD. This makes for sharp and detailed images, bringing your content to life.
With a projection size of 60-150 inches, the Cosmos Laser 4K can transform your backyard into a full-fledged outdoor theater. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry and set up anywhere.
The built-in 10W speaker provides clear and loud sound, making external speakers unnecessary. However, if you prefer a more immersive audio experience, the projector also has an HDMI output for connecting to external sound systems.
Similar to the Mars II Pro, this projector offers WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Screen Mirroring for added convenience. It also has seamless autofocus, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Overall, the Cosmos Laser 4K is a powerful and versatile portable projector that delivers high-quality visuals and audio in any setting. Whether you're watching movies outdoors or giving a presentation at work, we recommend you consider this option for your projection needs.
Cosmos Laser 4K (Refurbished)
Specifications:
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Projection technology:
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Brightness: 2200 ANSI Lumens
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Resolution: 3840 x 2160
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Projection size: 60-150 in: 150 in @13.85 ft; 120 in @11.09 ft; 100 in @9.22 ft; 80 in @7.38 ft; 60 in @5.54 ft
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Speaker: 10W
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Focus: Seamless Autofocus
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Size: 10.4 x 8.1 x 6.5 "
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Weight: 10.7 lb
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Color: Dark Grey
Description:
And last but not least, we have the Cosmos Laser 4K (Refurbished) from Nebula. This projector offers all the features and capabilities of its brand-new counterpart at a discounted price.
The refurbished option is perfect for those looking to save money without compromising quality. Nebula has tested and certified it to ensure it meets their high standards, making it a reliable choice for your projection needs.
Despite being refurbished, this projector still boasts impressive specs such as 2200 ANSI Lumens brightness and 3840 x 2160 resolution. Its compact size and light weight are unchanged - easy to carry with all your other equipment. Plus, its dark grey color has a sleek and modern look that will fit seamlessly into any environment.
What to Consider When Buying Outdoor Projectors?
After viewing the top-notch projectors, you can consider your specific needs and environment before investing in one. Below are some factors to keep in mind when buying an outdoor projector.
Lumens
Lumen shows the visible light produced by a projector, and it's crucial to have a high lumen count for outdoor projectors. Outdoor spaces are often bright and sunny, so a higher lumen count is necessary to overcome the glare and produce a clear image. As seen above, most outdoor projectors have high lumens ranging from 2000 to 4000 ANSI Lumens.
Stand
The built-in stand helps quickly set up the right angle for your projector and enables easy height adjustments. For outdoor projectors, it's preferable to have a stand as it will save you from the hassle of searching for a flat surface or bringing extra equipment. Otherwise, you may have to invest in a stand separately or use any flat surface, which may not always be stable.
Setup
You may choose between a permanent and ad hoc setup. Permanent setups are best when you have a dedicated outdoor space and plan to use the projector frequently. In contrast, ad hoc setups work well for occasional outdoor events as they require less time and effort to set up.
You should differentiate between the two because a permanent setup may require additional installation and wiring work, as well as weather-resistant housing. On the other hand, ad-hoc setups can be as simple as setting up a tripod and plugging in your projector.
Image Size/Brightness
A minimum 80-inch screen size is recommended for outdoor projectors. The larger the screen, the brighter your projector must be to produce a clear image. If you plan on projecting onto a larger screen or in a bright environment, it's best to go for a higher lumen count.
Additionally, some outdoor projectors come with features like keystone correction and zoom function, which allow you to adjust the image size without physically moving the projector.
Throw Distance
The throw difference refers to the distance between the projector and the screen. This is an essential factor to consider when choosing an outdoor projector, as it determines the size of your projected image and how powerful it is to transfer the content to the desired surface.
The main options you have for this are the following:
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Standard Throw: 10 feet to the screen with a 90-inch image
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Long Throw: Farther from the screen but with a 90-inch image
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Short Throw: Closer than 10 feet to the screen
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Ultra Short Throw: Just inches away from the screen
Determine beforehand how far your projector will be set up from the screen, and choose a projector with the appropriate throw distance.
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels an outdoor projector can throw to create an image. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer your image will be. Most outdoor projectors have a minimum of 1080p resolution, which is suitable for outdoor use, but there are also ones with 720p, which is not necessarily bad, as it depends on the size of your projected image.
The Video Source
Lastly, you should choose which video source will be used with your outdoor projector. Most projectors nowadays come with multiple input options, such as HDMI, USB, and VGA. Make sure to choose a projector that has the necessary inputs for your desired video sources.
Additionally, some projectors have built-in media players or WiFi capabilities, allowing you to stream content from online platforms directly or insert a USB drive with pre-downloaded videos.
You can also connect your outdoor projector to a laptop, DVD player, gaming console, or streaming device for more versatility in content options.
Conclusion
Outdoor projectors are the must-have accessory for any outdoor event or gathering. With the right throw distance, resolution, and video source options, you can create a cinematic experience under the stars.
Nebula is your go-to for all outdoor projection needs, offering a wide range of high-quality projectors to suit any occasion. With our tips and recommendations, you can easily find the perfect outdoor projector for your next adventure. So start planning your movie night or backyard party now and make it an unforgettable experience with Nebula projectors!
