What's up everybody? It's Brian with Next Projection and ProjectorScreen.com here today with another video in our 4k ultra short throw projector shootout series. We're going to be taking two different Ultra Short Throw projectors and pitting them head to head against each other.

We will be playing the same delicious looking content through both projectors with each unit set to the most comparable picture mode.

Please keep in mind that what you're seeing in this video is a number of steps away from the in-person experience. So take into account:

  • We're projection experts, not videographers.
  • We're projecting a 4k HDR source.
  • We're filming the reflection off of the screen with a 4k camera that does not record an HDR.
  • We're compressing the video and uploading it to YouTube.
  • You may or may not be watching this on a 4k display.

If you want to get further into the visual nuances of each projector, check out the links in the description below.

This shootout video today is going to be pitting the number one best-selling UST out there, the Optoma P2 CinemaX up against a relative newcomer, the Epson LS500. Now both of these are single laser-based units. While this utilizes a DLP chip set and the Epson utilizes a three LCD chip set. The Epson also comes in both a white chassis and a black chassis and has bundling options with both a 100 and 120 inch projector screen.

All of this is going to take place. He's here in our well-lit showroom up against this 100 inch diagonal Grandview dynamic UST ambient light rejecting projector screen.

So with no further ado...

In this corner weighing in at 3000 lumens, we have the Optoma CinemaX P2. In this corner weighing in at 4,000 lumens, we have the Epson LS500.

All right, projectors, let's keep it clean, let's get your corners. And let's do it!

Optoma P2 vs Epson LS500 Side by Side Comparison

We’re watching the LS500 in bright cinema mode and a P2 in standard mode. We chose these modes for the shootout because they’re the most comparable in terms of lumens and brightness.

Right off the bat, you can see that the LS500 has a brighter, more vibrant image. While the P2’s colors look a little bit more subdued. This is partially due to it being in bright cinema mode, which slightly over saturates the colors in order to get that brighter image. We can see that the colors just pop more on the Epson. The colors appear to be brighter and more vibrant.

However, on the P2 you can see a sharper image, while the LS500 is just softer.

The close up of the lobster is a prime example of the differences between the DLP chip technology of the Optoma P2, and the LCD chip technology of the Epson and LS500

In a scene like this with the water boiling over, you have light in the background and dark in the foregrounds. You're going to see more information in the shadow details on the CinemaX and that's thanks to the DLP chip.

Both of these projectors are doing a good job out of the box in terms of color accuracy, but the edge does go to the Optoma image in this scene, the skin tones on the other hand, no pun intended, look very natural on the P2 while on the LS500, they just have this bit of a yellow push.

Gosh, both images look good in the shot of the lobster and asparagus on the plate, though the Epson is definitely more vibrant. One thing I notice is that there's some banding on the bottom of the plate from the Epson’s image, and then there's just this splotchiness to it, where the P2 just seems to have better gradations.

With the sauteeing veggies on the Epson look extra vibrant because we're in the bright cinema mode. It's the colors on the P2 that just look significantly more accurate.

With the wine being poured, you can see that there is a clear difference in brightness in this scene. Again, we're seeing much more vibrant colors coming from the Epson and then the Optoma, but by the converse, we're seeing a higher level of detail on the P2 specifically noticeable in the embosser ridges on the plate.

The scene with the green sauce being poured over the lobster has a certain wow factor from the Epson. You have the white background being handled very well and not blowing anything out while in the darker foreground the Epson is still presenting a lot of pop, With the Optoma, you're getting a little sharper line detail, but when you do the AB comparison with the P2, the colors just look muted.

The sharpness of the Optoma’s DLP chip really shows its superiority in the ice and in the caviar on the Epson, those two elements just somewhat blend together.

The motion handling of both of these ultra short throw projectors is really good.

It feels like the scenes where there are vibrant colors, the Epson is handling them better. While with the more muted scenes the Optoma has the edge.

In this scene, with the chocolate dessert, both UST projectors are doing an excellent job with all of the textures, but I still have to give the nod to the Optoma in terms of overall level of detail.

The LS500 definitely has more of a wow factor here in terms of the color in the shot with the berries on the tart. However, with the Optoma and its higher level of detail, you can more clearly see the individual pieces of fruit.

Contrast is looking good on both of these.

The vibrancy of the Epson UST really gives more life to this image in the scene with the spinning orange.

Epson LS500 and Optoma P2 Spec Comparison

All right, so now let's compare the specs.

Brightness

When it comes to brightness, the LS500 absolutely has the edge. It beats the Optoma P2 by 1000 lumens and dominates the entire class out, shining all of the other USTs out there.

Winner: Epson LS500

Throw Ratio

When it comes to throw ratio, the Optoma absolutely wins this. What does that mean? Well, it means the Optoma can be positioned much closer to the screen than the Epson to make the same image size.

Winner: Optoma P2

Chipset

One of the main differences is that the P2 uses a 0.47 inch DLP chip. While Epson's image is powered by a three chip LCD. I give the P2 the edge here because the DLP offers a sharper image. However, if you are at all susceptible to the rainbow effect, then the Epson absolutely is the way to go.

Winner: Optoma P2

Light Source

Both projectors are using a single laser light source so neither one really has an edge in this regard.

Winner: Draw

Colors

While it may not be evident in the video that we shot when it comes to color, the LS500 is good, but just not as good as the P2 UST

Winner: Optoma P2

Contrast

We measured a significantly better sequential contrast on the Epson LS500 than on the Optoma P2. When it comes to darker scenes and better black levels, this will certainly give the Epson an edge.

Winner: Epson LS500

Built In Audio

When it comes to the sound the P2 wins hands down. Epson's tiny 10 watt speakers just sound anemic compared to the full range, 40 watt speakers on the Optoma. If you plan on using the Epson UST, I would absolutely suggest using an external sound system.

Winner: Optoma P2

Price

When it comes to price the Optoma again has the edge with an MSRP of $3299. It's $700 less expensive than the MSRP of $3,999 on the LS500.

Winner: Optoma P2

Which is better, the Optoma P2 or the Epson LS500?

So now it's time for the million dollar question, which ultra short throw projector wins this shootout?

While both projectors have their pros and cons, I am ultimately going to give the nod to…

The Optoma P2!

The P2 has a sharper image, wider color gamut, shorter throw distance, better audio, and a lower price tag.

That being said, there are many circumstances where the LS500 would be the better choice for some people. It's brighter, can do a larger image and has better contrast. The Epson LS500 is also the ideal UST for serious gamers as it has the lowest lag time of any of the USTs out there right now, clocking in at under 17 milliseconds.


We know which one we like best, but we want to hear what you think. So please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Also be sure to like our video and subscribe to our YouTube channel for notifications of all of our new upcoming videos. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at ProjectorScreen.com.