Are you thinking of investing in an art projector? Keep these points in mind before you purchase one for yourself.
Have you ever used a projector to trace an image on A4-size paper? It may sound a little weird, but it is true.
Over the years, art projectors have gained immense popularity among artists because they are specially designed to enlarge and project complicated images so they can be traced easily on paper.
Many artists use art projectors to enlarge and trace images on their canvases.
If you are fond of painting and are thinking of tracing your favorite painting on a canvas, you can use art projectors.
In this article today, I will discuss what art projectors are. How are they different from ordinary projectors, and if you are planning to buy one for yourself, what are the factors you need to keep in mind?
What is an art projector, and how is it different from a regular projector?
An art projector is merely a digital projector specially designed for artists to enlarge art and trace it easily.
If you are wondering how it is different from a regular projector,
You would be surprised to know that it’s quite similar to a regular projector in features. However, most art projectors allow better image proportions than regular projectors, along with grid layouts that can be customized according to the artist’s requirements.
As a result, when you transfer images on a canvas from an art projector, you get more accurate results, and tracing becomes a piece of cake for artists.
Another added advantage of using an art projector is that you can easily flip or rotate an image at your discretion. On top of that, the specs offer the images to be brighter in color and contrast than normal projectors.
This means you get clear, detailed images projected on your canvas.
But does that mean you cannot use a home theatre as an art Projector?
Most people today already have a home theatre in their homes. So, if you have second thoughts about replacing your home theatre with the latest art projector, wait a minute.
It does not mean you need to buy an art projector to trace images. A home theatre can be used to trace images. If you already have a home theatre and your kid is taking art lessons at home, he can also use the home theatre to enlarge images and trace them.
The best thing about home theatres is that they are designed to project images from any digital source, whether a computer or a smartphone.
Types of projectors for tracing art
If you are specifically looking for a projector that can help you trace images and at the same time lets you enjoy your favorite shows, you can pick any one of these four types of projectors.
Digital Projector
Digital projectors are the most common type of projectors that people widely use to watch movies and television shows. They are portable, pocket-friendly, and widely available.
But there is also an added advantage of these Projectors that few people are aware of. And that is these projectors can also be used to enlarge images and trace them on either paper or canvas. Therefore, if you are interested in art and already have a digital projector at home, you can use these projectors to trace your favorite art form without spending any extra bucks.
Related: Best Digital Projectors
Opaque Projectors
If you are thinking of tracing opaque objects on a canvas, say, for example, your fingers, you can use opaque projectors.
These projectors are specially designed to project the shadow of any opaque object, whether it’s a ceramic doll or your fingers. So that you can trace the object on the canvas, these projectors work best in dark rooms. So, if you plan to invest in an opaque projector, place them in a dark room.
Since these projectors operate on mirrors and prisms, they can give you a detailed projection of an image.
Slide Projectors
The overall mechanism of a slide projector resembles that of a film projector to a great extent. The only difference is that in film projectors, images are projected at 24 frames per second, and in a slide projector, you can project a single image at a time, one after the other, at your speed. So tracing an image using these Projectors becomes extremely easy. You don’t need to rush after the images while tracing them.
Overhead Projector
These are very similar to slide or opaque projectors. The difference is that in overhead projectors, instead of transparent film slides and opaque photos, you can use A4 plastic bond papers. Just paint or print on the plastic and place it on the surface of the overhead Projector so that the image can be projected on a canvas. You can also choose to draw on a sheet of plastic. It becomes easy for artists to trace the images.
Are there any drawbacks to art projectors?
When you think of investing your hard-earned money to buy an art projector to pursue your love for painting, you must consider both the advantages and disadvantages of buying an art projector. It lets you make an informed decision, and you won’t regret your buying decision afterward.
Speaking of drawbacks, there is just one minus point of buying an art projector, and that is the cost factor. These projectors are generally more expensive than normal digital projectors. So, I can say if you have the budget, go for it.
Related: Best FullHD Projector Under 200
Things to consider when buying an art projector
Here are a few things to remember when buying an art projector.
As we have mentioned above, four kinds of projectors can be used as art projectors, but there are certain things you should keep in mind while operating with these projectors to get the best results, apart from the price of the Projector.
- For example, you need a transparent sheet which should be the size of bond paper, to print images to trace them when using an overhead projector.
- If you plan to use an opaque projector to trace images, ensure you sit in an extremely dark room that does not allow a ray of light.
- In the case of slide projectors, you will need film slides for flawless projection and tracing.
- Most importantly, whichever Projector you use for tracing should be light and handy.
Why are digital projectors considered the best art projectors?
If you ask me which is the best art Projector, I would recommend digital projectors for the following reasons.
1. Digital Projectors do not require additional support
Digital projectors do not require additional support to enlarge images for tracing like films and plastic sheets. They can project images using any digital source, from computers to smartphones.
2. Digital projectors are easily available
The second and most obvious reason digital projectors are being used as art projectors lately and gaining popularity among artists is that they are readily available. You don’t need to go searching for them.
3. Digital projectors are cheap
As I have stated earlier, art projectors specifically designed to trace art are extremely expensive. On the contrary, digital projectors are available in different price ranges. So, if you think your art Projector would be out of your budget, try buying digital projectors instead. They are available in various ranges so that everyone can afford them. You get to watch your favorite shows and trace art simultaneously without making any additional investments.
4. digital projectors can project images in any size of the canvas.
This is one of the greatest benefits of using a digital projector for tracing. You can use any size of the canvas to trace the images. No matter how big your canvas is, you don’t need to worry about projection.
5. You don’t need to sit in a dark room for better image quality
With digital projectors, switching off the lights in a room is unnecessary for better projection, as is required in opaque projectors. You can trace images even in a lighted room.
Conclusion: So, what are art projectors?
Therefore, I can say that art Projectors are widely popular among artists because they can help you enlarge images and trace them on your canvas. But if you do not have the budget for an art projector and are searching for a cheaper option, I suggest using digital projectors.
They are handy. They do not require external appliances like a plastic sheet or a film to project images. Most importantly, these projectors are easily available in the market and are cheaper than art projectors.
You can also use opaque, slide, and overhead projectors for tracing if you do not have a digital projector at home.
They have their own set of advantages. Make sure whichever Projector you choose should meet your specifications and fit your budget. I hope I have cleared your mind regarding which type of art projector you should buy.
If you have any further clarifications feel free to reach out to me.