Categories
COMPARISONS

Epson 3800 vs Optoma UHD38

Home » COMPARISONS » Epson 3800 vs Optoma UHD38

A projector that can provide 4k resolution will change the way you and your family watch your favorite movies and shows and also provide an enhanced way to play video games. Choosing between the Epson 3800 vs Optoma UHD38 can be a challenge since these two projectors have similar specs and are similarly priced.

We found that the Optoma UHD38 slightly edges out the Epson 3800 because it offers better clarity and an intensely bright picture (>>> Check on Amazon). Either of these projectors will work great for most people, but we believe you’ll get more enjoyment from the Optoma UHD38. Below, we will share some of the reasons why we think so.

Epson 3800 vs Optoma UHD38 Specifications:

Epson 3800Optoma UHD38
Resolution1920x1080
4K w/pixel shifting
3840x2160
Contrast Ratio100,000:11,000,000:1
Brightness (Lumens)3,000 ANSI4,000 ANSI
Throw Distance6.2' - 28.8'4.0' - 32.7'
Screen size40" - 300"33" - 300"
Internal Speakers10.0 Watts × 210.0 Watts Mono
Price

Find on Amazon


ProjectorScreen.com


Bhphotovideo.com

Find on Amazon


ProjectorScreen.com


Bhphotovideo.com

Contrast and Lumens

Two of the most important aspects of any projector are the contrast and the lumens. These two details indicate how clear a picture will be and how bright the image will be. A higher lumen count means you’ll have a better image in lighted areas and higher contrast ratios mean that you’ll see richer blacks and lifelike colors. The Optoma wins out in both categories, providing 4,000 lumens over the Epson’s 3,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 versus the Epson’s 100,000:1 ratio.

Winner: Optoma UHD38

Resolution

Today, more and more content is being released that is filmed in 4k ultra-high definition. To take advantage of the stunning definition, you’ll need a projector that displays 4k images. While both of these projectors advertise 4k resolution, only the Optoma offers true 4k native resolution. The Epson uses pixel shifting technology to transform its native 1920×1080 resolution into 4k quality.

Winner: Optoma UHD38

Lamp Lifespan

One of the things that you’ll need to do with any projector is periodically replace the bulb. Bulbs can be expensive, so you want a device that will last as long as possible without needing constant maintenance. Here, the Optoma UHD38 wins out again with a lamp that will last 4,000 hours on full brightness against the Epson’s 3,500 hours at the same setting. At low light settings, the Optoma will last 15,000 hours, but the Epson will last only 5,000 hours.

Winner: Optoma UHD38

Throw Distance

One important consideration for any projector is the minimum and maximum throw distance required to generate the size of image you desire. Both of these projectors can generate images up to 300-inches, though best picture quality will require somewhat less. The key is that you’ll need to know how far the projector must be mounted in order to get the picture size you want. The Optoma UHD38 can be mounted anywhere from 4-32 feet to generate an image of 33”-300” while the Epson can be mounted from 6.2 feet to 28.8 feet for the same image size.

Winner: Epson 3800


Epson 3800

Epson 3800

The Epson 3800 projector is marketed as an excellent choice for consumers looking to outfit their home entertainment theater room with a high-quality, 4k projector that doesn’t cost a fortune. We will take a look at some of the tech that makes this projector a good choice.

3LCD Pixel-Shifting Technology

The Epson 3800 upscales a native 1080p resolution to provide 4k images using a technology called pixel shifting in which the smaller density of pixels are rapidly moved in a pattern to provide the impression of a more pixel-dense image. This allows for the Epson 3800 to give you the depth and clarity you expect from a 4k projector and will also handle standard high-definition content with ease.

Enhanced Content Viewing

The Epson 3800 provides HDR image quality using a full 10-bit processor that captures 100-percent of HDR data to faithfully and accurately produce high-quality images. A 12-bit digital-to-analog video processor ensures that the images are smooth without banding, blocking, and other visual defects that can happen when translating lots of information on-screen.

3D Support

The Epson 3800 will provide 1080p resolution of 3D content using optional active 3D glasses. This tech allows you to get the most realistic and intense experience from your favorite content that is produced with 3D technology.

Built-in Speakers

The speakers are rear-firing designs that help to eliminate tinnyness that is often associated with small speakers. They offer 10 watts each and both speakers provide aptX Bluetooth compatibility.

Pros

  • Excellent projector for watching 2k native movies and playing video games
  • Plenty of adjustment range allows the projector to compensate for less-than-ideal mounting solutions

Cons

  • Pixel-shifting technology to upscale image quality can introduce artifacts that are viewable
  • Lower lamp life and overall image brightness and quality mean you’ll need to spend more on bulbs and ensure a properly designed room for watching content


Optoma UHD38

Optoma UHD38

THe Optoma UHD38 is marketed as a lower-cost option for buyers who demand the best technology and want the ultimate in home entertainment options from a projector. It has numerous features that set it apart from other options on the market, including native 4k resolution at a 2k price.

Optimized Gaming Mode

The Optoma UHD38 includes specific gaming modes that provide an enhanced console gaming experience, offering image resolution up to 4k at 60 hz or 2k at 120 hz for the ultimate in smooth graphics and gameplay. PC gamers can take advantage of blazing 240 hz speeds. Optoma says that some features of the projector are not available when using gaming modes.

Audio Specs

Dual 10 watt speakers provide ample sound quality for most viewing enjoyment. The speakers are complemented by the addition of a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones and dual HDMI ports to connect to a full home theater audio system. Relevant comparison: Optoma UHD38 vs UHD55

Video Playback Enhancements

Most movies are shot at 24 frames per second and to get the most out of the video quality, the Optoma UHD38 provides the same replay rates. This ensures that you see the movie the way the director intended and provides the type of theatrical experience that sets a projector apart from a big-screen TV.

Additional features include a unique color management system and Rec.709, the internationally-accepted gamut for ensuring smooth, lifelike color and image quality. The extra-high 4,000 lumens ensures that you can see the image clearly even in daylight. Built-in technology also adjusts the color profile to correct for different colors of walls.

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use with above-average lumens and tech to ensure great visibility
  • Excellent gaming mode provides performance for the latest consoles and PC gaming

Cons

  • Lacks support for many common 3d formats
  • Some reliability issues reported


Conclusion

Both of these projectors make for excellent choices, but in our testing, the Optoma UHD38 clearly exceeded our expectations, while the Epson 3800 merely didn’t disappoint. We would recommend the Optoma for most buyers (>>> Find on ProjectorScreen).

REFERENCES: