NEBULA Capsule 3 Projector Review: Is This Budget Laser 1080p Worth It?

Ok_Camel

New member

First Impressions​

The Anker Capsule 3 Laser offers a highly portable design that enhances its usability for on-the-go entertainment. With features like auto keystone correction and autofocus, users can easily set up the projector with minimal hassle, allowing for a seamless viewing experience. The built-in battery, lasting approximately 2.5 hours, adds to its convenience, making it suitable for short presentations or movie sessions without being tethered to a power source. Its DLP technology and laser light source ensure longevity and maintenance-free operation, promising around 20,000 hours of use. Overall, the Anker Capsule 3 Laser is a user-friendly, reliable option for those seeking a compact projector with minimal setup time and impressive durability.

Introduce​

Parameter
NEBULA Capsule 3 Projector​
Picture​
NEBULACapsule3Projector.jpg
Reference Price​
$499.99​
Recommended Uses​
Indoor/Outdoor​
Built-In Media​
Remote​
Highlight
Screen Size: Up to 120 inches
Display Resolution: 1080p
Brightness: 200 Lumens
Battery Life: 2.5 hours of video playback, 8 hours of music
Setup Time: 3 seconds (includes auto keystone correction and autofocus)
Design: Ultra-portable
Platform: Google TV, licensed by Netflix

Display​

Parameter
NEBULA Capsule 3 Projector​
Screen Size​
120 Inches - 120 Inches​
Throw Distance​
1 - 1​
Maximum Resolution​
1920 x 1080 Pixels​
Native Resolution​
1920 x 1080​
Brightness​
200 Lumen​
Display Type​
DLP​
Viewing Experience
The Anker Capsule 3 Laser presents challenges in brightness, even after calibration, making it less suitable for enjoyable movie-watching experiences on larger screens, particularly in low-light conditions. While it excels in brightness uniformity, the overall brightness levels for both colors and whites are insufficient. The contrast is acceptable, with decent black levels in dark environments, but the lack of brightness in whites diminishes the overall visual impact. The color gamut is adequate, covering most of the Rec. 709 color space for SDR content, but it falls short of displaying a wider range, limiting its versatility for various content types.

Features​

Parameter
NEBULA Capsule 3 Projector​
Video Encoding​
MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVC, HEVC​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Lamp Wattage​
3 Watts​
Wattage​
24 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI, potentially others​
Hardware Connectivity​
HDMI
Compatible Devices​
Smartphone, Laptop​
Other Features​
1080p, Projector Mode, Bluetooth Speaker Mode, Auto (vertical ±40°), Auto (horizontal ±40°), Offcial Google TV, Built-in Netflix​
L x W x H​
3.15"L x 3.15"W x 6.3"H​
System Experience
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser offers a user-friendly experience with its Android TV 11 interface, providing access to a wide range of streaming apps for effortless content discovery. Its USB-C port serves dual purposes for charging and data transfer, though utilizing it as a data port restricts usage to its built-in battery pack. Overall, the product combines convenience and functionality, making it an appealing choice for on-the-go streaming.

User Feedback​

Pros:
• Compact size allows for easy portability.
• Good picture quality in dark environments and decent in dimly lit rooms.
• Built-in speaker is surprisingly loud and clear for its size.
• Battery life lasts around 2-4 hours, suitable for movie watching.
• Automatic keystone correction and focus adjustment make setup simple.
• Supports a variety of apps, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
• Can connect to external devices via HDMI and USB, and supports wireless streaming.
• Durable design that withstands minor drops.

Cons:
• Low brightness (100 ANSI lumens) limits daytime use; best in dark settings.
• Requires a dongle for USB connectivity, leading to a cluttered look.
• Remote control is necessary for operation; lacks sufficient controls on the device itself.
• Limited internal storage (8 GB) without expandable memory options.
• Some apps may not function properly or require workarounds to install.
• Fan can be noisy, especially during quiet moments in videos.
• Setup can be complicated by the need for an app for certain functionalities.

Overall Impression:
The Nebula Capsule 3 is a well-designed portable projector that excels in providing a convenient movie-watching experience, especially in dark environments. While it has some limitations regarding brightness and app functionality, its compact size, decent battery life, and good sound quality make it a solid choice for those seeking a portable entertainment solution. However, users should be aware of its shortcomings in bright settings and the reliance on a remote control for operation. Overall, it's a worthwhile investment for casual use, family movie nights, or outdoor gatherings.
 

mvppaulo

New member
I tried a cheaper one but sent it back right away for this one. Super easy to set up and it works like a charm! We use it in our Bean Trailer and it projects perfectly on the back wall. The picture is super sharp and clear!
 
We've camped on the back deck, in a tent, and even inside a yurt, and the kids loved every minute! The video quality is awesome, sound's good too, but connecting to your phone is kinda odd. My wife isn't a fan of the iPhone app; she finds it frustrating, and setting everything up can be a hassle.
 
Top