Epson VS250 vs Pro EX7280: Which HDMI 3LCD Projector Is Worth Your Investment?

Amanda Brown

Active member

Introduce​

Parameter
Epson VS250​
Epson Pro EX7280​
Picture​
EpsonVS250.jpg
EpsonProEX7280.jpg
Reference Price​
$499.99​
$508.99​
Recommended Uses​
business presentations, classroom presentations, home theaters​
Office, Home​
Built-In Media​
Quick Setup Sheet, computer cable (VGA), batteries, User Manual CD, VS250 projector, projector remote control, power cable​
Pro EX7280 projector, power cable, projector remote control, batteries, Quick Start Guide​
Highlight​
Brightness: 3,200 lumens
Fan Noise: ECO mode 28 dB, Normal mode 37 dB
Resolution: SVGA (800 x 600)
Projected Distance: 30 inch to 350 inch (0.88 to 10.44 m)
Compatibility: PC, Mac, iProjection App
F Number: 1.44
Focal Length: 16.7 mm
Digital Zoom Ratio: 1.0 to 1.35
Pixel Number: 480,000 dots
Power Supply Voltage: 100 to 240 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: ECO mode 211 W, Normal mode 296 W
Temperature Range: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
Speaker: 2 W (Mono)
Connectivity: HDMI
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: up to 16,000:1
Warranty: 1-year limited, full-unit replacement, lifetime technical support
Picture Skew Sensor: Automatically corrects vertical keystone
Setup: Built-in speaker for easy video and audio setup
Resolution: WXGA
Brightness: 4,000 lumens (color and white)

Unboxing Experience​

Epson VS250:​

The Epson VS250 projector exudes a sense of quality right from the moment you hold it in your hands. Its sleek design and well-constructed surface provide a satisfying tactile experience, and even simple actions like opening and closing the lens cover feel gratifying. The attention to detail in its design is evident in features like the focusing adjustment knob, which has been thoughtfully crafted for ease of use. The overall aesthetic is modern and professional, making it a fitting addition to both home and office environments.

Epson Pro EX7280:​

The Epson Pro EX7280 projector boasts a sleek and modern design that stands out in any setting. Its compact form makes it portable, allowing for easy transport to various locations, whether for work presentations or outdoor movie nights. The thoughtful placement of video outputs and vents on the back enhances its aesthetic appeal while ensuring functionality. However, the remote control's outdated design slightly detracts from the overall modern feel of the device.

Display​

Parameter
Epson VS250​
Epson Pro EX7280​
Screen Size​
30 Inches - 300 Inches​
33 Inches - 320 Inches​
Throw Distance​
-​
1.3 Meters - 1.56 Meters​
Contrast Ratio​
15000:1​
16000:1​
Maximum Resolution​
800 x 600​
1280 x 800​
Native Resolution​
SVGA - SVGA (800 x 600) (native) / 1400 x 1050 (resized)​
1280 x 800​
Brightness​
3200 Lumen​
4000 lumen​
Display Type​
LCD​
LCD​
Picture Enhancement​
-​
3-chip 3LCD technology, dynamic contrast ratio adjustment​

Viewing Experience​

Epson VS250:​

The viewing experience with the VS250 has been impressive, especially considering its price range. The brightness is robust enough to deliver clear images even in moderately lit rooms, and the color fidelity is vibrant, enhancing movie nights and presentations alike. While the resolution of 800 x 600 might not meet the standards of high-end projectors, I found that it sufficed for streaming videos and casual viewing. The image remains sharp from a distance, though I did notice some graininess when sitting too close for text-heavy content. Nonetheless, the projector handles video and games exceptionally well, making it a solid choice for entertainment.

Epson Pro EX7280:​

The picture quality is nothing short of impressive, providing bright and vibrant colors, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I enjoyed using it for everything from drawing and presentations to gaming and movie nights, with family and friends. The projector excels outdoors, delivering a clear image even as the sun begins to set. However, the built-in audio leaves much to be desired, often necessitating the use of external speakers for a better sound experience. Despite the occasional fan noise, the clarity and sharpness of the visuals make it a worthwhile investment.

Features​

Parameter
Epson VS250​
Epson Pro EX7280​
Other Features​
Portable, Lightweight​
Built-In Speaker​
Video Encoding​
-​
H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or VP9​
Lamp Wattage​
200 Watts​
200 Watts​
LightSource Life​
6E+3 Hours​
4000 Hours​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Button Control​
Control Method​
App, Touch​
Remote​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI
USB, HDMI
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Gaming Console, Smartphone, Tablet​
Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, Speaker​
Wattage​
2 watts​
3 watts​
Mount Type​
Tabletop Mount​
Tabletop Mount​
L x W x H​
11.9"L x 9.2"W x 3.2"H​
15.5"L x 15.2"W x 6.75"H​

System Experience​

Epson VS250:​

Setting up the VS250 was a straightforward process that I found incredibly user-friendly. It integrates well with various devices, including laptops and media players, allowing for easy connection via HDMI. The projector's intuitive controls made it easy to navigate through its features without needing to consult the manual extensively. I appreciated the option to use a USB thumb drive for PC-free presentations, which eliminated the hassle of lugging around my laptop. However, I did have to purchase a separate HDMI cable, but that was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise smooth setup experience.

Epson Pro EX7280:​

Setting up the projector was straightforward, though I encountered some initial challenges with app installations and connectivity. I discovered that bypassing the app by using the HDMI input simplified the process significantly. The projector connects effortlessly to various media sources, such as my phone, iPad, and gaming consoles, making it versatile for both work and leisure activities. While the projector does require some distance for optimal image projection, the range of adjustments available makes it adaptable to different environments.

Conclusion​

Epson VS250:​

Pros:
• High build quality and design
• Brightness suitable for various lighting conditions
• Quiet fan operation compared to previous projectors
• Good color accuracy and contrast
• User-friendly setup and intuitive controls

Cons:
• Limited resolution of 800 x 600
• No audio output port for external speakers
• Lack of wireless functionality
• Mounting thread not universal, complicating tripod usage

Overall Impression:
Overall, I am thoroughly satisfied with the Epson VS250 projector and consider it a worthy investment for both home theatre setups and business presentations. While it does have some limitations, like the resolution and audio output options, the quality of the image, ease of use, and brightness more than compensate for these drawbacks. It offers excellent value for its price, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an affordable yet effective projector for casual use or professional settings.

Epson Pro EX7280:​

Pros:
• Amazing picture quality with vibrant colors.
• Versatile connectivity options for various devices.
• Impressive brightness even in daylight.
• User-friendly setup and operation.
• Lightweight and portable design.

Cons:
• Built-in audio is inadequate for larger gatherings.
• Fan noise can be distracting, especially in quiet settings.
• Some initial setup challenges with app connectivity.
• Limited HDMI inputs may require additional adapters for multiple devices.
• Not ideal for very small spaces due to projection distance requirements.

Overall Impression:
Overall, the Epson Pro EX7280 projector is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a reliable and high-quality projector for both work and play. It offers excellent image quality and brightness, making it suitable for a variety of viewing scenarios, including outdoor movie nights. While it falls short in audio quality and has some minor setup inconveniences, the strengths of this projector far outweigh its weaknesses. For those looking for a dependable and vibrant projector, this model certainly earns my recommendation.
 
Epson VS250 broke just a month after the 2-year warranty ended, and that’s a bummer for a pricey gadget. We use it for school about 9 months a year, not even daily. We’ve bought 7 in total, and the other 6 are doing great!
 

jcwillia1

New member
I got the Epson VS250 for my old slide projector screen, but it’s more square like those old monitors, not the wide movie style we’re used to. It’s super bright with great colors! My son has this tiny Optoma projector that’s not as bright but looks better at night.
 
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