Projectors have been around for quite a long time now. You will find applications for projectors in homes, schools, offices, or even churches nowadays. A projector is a simple optical device that projects an image or digital content over a larger screen.
To do that, projectors create an image by transferring light through a small, transparent lens. As for a slide projector, there are many different types of options available in the market like manual, motorized or digital slide protectors. Before you decide to get one for yourself, here are some things that you need to keep in mind.
- Type of Slide Projector: As we mentioned earlier, there are different types of slide projectors that you can find on the market. The most common options are manual projectors that require manual operation to change the slide. This action is motorized with remote access in automatic projectors. So, you should choose the proper option in your budget based on its type.
- Display Quality: The main reason people buy projectors is to watch the content on a larger display. In the case of a slide projector, it simply allows you to watch the content like B/W films before you develop them on an onboard display. You should check the size and resolution of this display to get an idea about the quality of the slide projector.
- Power Type: You should also check the power type of the slide projector you are buying. While many options operate on a standard AC wall outlet, a lot of compact and portable options operate on replaceable AA or AAA batteries. IF you are going with a portable unit, you can carry these projectors with you on a trip and use them without any hassle.
If you are interested in buying a slide projector for yourself or a loved one, you have arrived at the right place. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best options available in the market for a slide projector. We have selected these options based on the parameters explained above. But while you are choosing one, you should also know some additional qualities of a slide projector which we will discuss in detail in our Buying Guide for the best slide projectors.
Best Slide Projector 2024
| Best Slide Projector | Media Type | Light Source | Supported Size | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rybozen LED Lighted Illuminated Slide Viewer | Slide | LED | 35mm | Check On Amazon |
| KODAK Mini Digital Film & Slide Scanner | Negatives, Slide, Photo | --- | 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 & 8mm Film Negatives | Check On Amazon |
| DIGITNOW 35mm Slide and Film Viewer | Negatives, Slide | LED | 35mm | Check On Amazon |
| Porta Slide PS-3 Slide Viewer | Negatives, Slide, Photo | LED | 35mm | Check On Amazon |
| Vivitar 3000AF Carousel Slide Projector | --- | --- | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Pana-Vue 6566 Automatic Slide Viewer | --- | --- | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Vivitar 5000 AF Slide Projector | --- | --- | --- | Check On Amazon |
Best Slide Projector Reviews
1. Rybozen LED Lighted Illuminated Slide Viewer
A lot of you might be looking for a compact and portable slide projector for using outdoors. Therefore, we are starting off our list with one such option from Rybozen.
The Rybozen LED Lighted Slide Viewer is the best option we have on our list today for outdoor usage. This is the cheapest option we have for a soldier projector. Thus, it is compact and operates on replaceable batteries instead of an AC outlet. This slide projector is suitable for 35 mm slides only, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.
Even though it is a cheaper option, it still features a high-quality glass lens to maintain the quality of the projection. Since this is a small projector, you will only have about a 2x magnification option for projection. Rybozen LED Lighted Slide Viewer also comes included with the 2 AA batteries in the package so that it is ready to use right out of the box.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Supports 35 mm slide size
- 2x magnification is offered
Pros
- Best option for outdoor usage
- Operates on replaceable batteries
- Lightweight and portable slide projector
Cons
- Battery backup isn’t that great
2. KODAK Mini Digital Film & Slide Scanner
It would be wise to pick up a slide projector from a brand that is proficient in digital image technology like Kodak. Kodak has been offering professional-grade cameras and accessories for decades now and you can expect the same quality from this slide projector.
In 2nd place, we have the Kodak Mini Slide Scanner. This is also a compact option designed for professional cameramen and photography enthusiasts that are usually outdoors with their cameras. Instead of just a slide projector, the Kodak Mini Slide Scanner is also a miniature digital image converter. It is capable of converting a variety of old slides like 135, 126, 110, and Slides into 22 MP high-resolution digital images.
The Kodak Mini Slide Scanner ships with multiple adapters so that you can experience a fast and flawless performance from the scanner. It also has many built-in image editing features like brightness, contrast, color, and other quality settings. And to get a preview of your work, you can use the onboard 2.4 inches LCD display present right on the Kodak Mini Slide Scanner. For storage, the Kodak Mini Slide Scanner supports up to 32 GB of SD cards, which should be sufficient for most users.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Supports 35 mm slide size
- 3-in-1 international adapter
Pros
- Best option for professionals
- Supports up to 32 GB SD cards
- MAny image editing options are present
Cons
- A bit expensive for casual users.
3. DIGITNOW 35mm Slide and Film Viewer
Up next, we have yet another highly affordable selection for a slide projector. The following option is made by DIGITNOW which is also a brand that designs various content I/O devices like live streamers, turntables, earbuds, etc.
In the 3rd position on our list of the best slide projector, we have the DIGITNOW Slide and Film Viewer. It is also a portable device powered by 4 AA batteries so that you can use the projector anywhere, anytime. However, it is not like other portable devices since it offers 3X magnification along with LED illuminated magnification. It also offers a USB-powered connection so that you can use the projector even without the batteries.
This can also work as a desktop portable image viewer as it has an eject button on the slider tray for quick and easy operation. As the size of the DIGITNOW Slide and Film Viewer is pretty good, you will experience a larger field of view. And with a bright background LED light, it also offers a clear view in broad daylight.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Supports 35 mm slide size
- Offers 3x magnification
Pros
- Easy to use and carry
- Offers both battery and USP powered connection
- Ultra bright LED light for daylight view
Cons
- Does not project content over a wall
4. Porta Slide PS-3 Slide Viewer
While we are on the topic of affordable slide projectors, let us introduce you to the following option made by Porta Slide. Unlike other brands, Porta Slide only focuses on slide projectors to deliver the best quality products.
Up next, we have yet another budget-focused option for a slide projector which is the Porta Slide PS-3 Slide Viewer. This unit has a 4 inches display on the front that offers a pretty great preview of your slides. It is designed for 2×2 sliders that can be magnified by a 3x scale for better perception. And the LED light powering the 4 inches display is ultra-bright, further improving the viewing experience on the Porta Slide PS-3 Slide Viewer.
There are also a handful of additional features present on the Porta Slide PS-3 Slide Viewer that usually attract a lot of viewers. For example, it has a USB adapter that can power your unit even without the dual AA batteries. Or you can get a 3rd party 6 volts DC cable adapter for a more reliable power source. The Porta Slide PS-3 Slide Viewer also comes with a micro-fiber cloth which you will definitely need for maintaining your slide projector as well as your camera and other accessories.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Supports 35 mm slide size
- Features multiple power options
Pros
- Designed for traditional 2×2 slides
- Large 4 inches display with bright LED source
- USB and battery power option for portable usage
Cons
- Screen quality could have been better
5. Vivitar 3000AF Carousel Slide Projector
If you are not satisfied with the specifications of the slide projectors mentioned so far, you probably want a standard projector like the one designed by Vivitar. Such options allow you to project your content on the wall for a more enjoyable experience.
Moving on to the premium range of slide projectors, we have the Vivitar 3000AF Carousel Slide Projector. This is a large slide projector measuring about 16 x 16 x 16 inches in size. Thus, portability isn’t a strong suit for this slide projector. However, it triumphs when it comes to the projection quality as it has a built-in automatic focus functionality. It offers sharp projections over any surface irrespective of the distance between the projector and the wall.
You will also get a remote control included with the projector so that you can control the projector without leaving your seat. It also has the popular s-100 Tray included with the projector that has a capacity of 100 slides. It also has numbered slots for easily referring to your slides.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Standard size projector.
- Comes with an s-100 Tray
Pros
- Standard wall slide projector
- Automatic focus option
- Remote control is available
Cons
- It is not a portable slide projector
6. Pana-Vue 6566 Automatic Slide Viewer
Maintenance is very important, especially for a slide projector that has fragile lenses susceptible to damage, even due to residue dust and dirt. But, options like the one offered by Pana-Vue are certainly an exception since it comes with a dedicated cleaning kit.
Unlike most other options on this list, the Pana-Vue 6566 is a slide projector that comes with its own cleaning kit which you can use for maintenance of this slide projector as well as other crucial accessories such as the camera, lens, mounting equipment, etc. This is an automatic slide viewer that can stack up to 36 slides at once for an easy viewing experience, It also offers an easy push-pull type operation along with an onboard 2⅝ inches display.
The Pana-Vue 6566 also offers 4x slide magnification which is unavailable even with some premium choices. On top of that, it is still a portable slide projector that can be used even outdoors since it is powered by 2 ‘D’ batteries apart from the standard AC inlet. The Pana-Vue 6566 set also includes a Pana-Vue transformer that ensures the safety of your device when it comes to electrical input problems.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Automatic slide projector
- Comes with a dedicated cleaning kit
Pros
- The included cleaning kit is a helpful accessory
- Powered by 2 ’D’ batteries or standard wall inlet
- Pana-Vue transformer included for safety of the device
Cons
- It does not project slides on a wall
7. Vivitar 5000 AF Slide Projector
If you didn’t like our last pick from Vivitar, we have one more standard projector from Vivitar that you may find interesting. It is also a premium quality slide projector which is perfect for homes and offices.
For the last position on our list of the best slide projectors, we have preserved the Vivitar 5000 AF Slide Projector that is also a standard wall projector designed for slides. Since it is also a premium option, it includes features like automatic autofocus and remote control to make the device easier to use for everyone.
The Vivitar 5000 AF Slide Projector also has a Low-voltage quartz lamp that ensures the longevity of the slide projector. These lamps are made up of fused silica with a very high melting point so that high operating temperature does not have an adverse effect on the projector. On top of that, it also manages to deliver a cool and quiet operation, suitable for such projectors.
Best Features
- Supports slides for projection
- It has an LED light source
- Automatic focus supported
- Standard size wall projector
Pros
- Standard wall slide projector
- Automatic focus option
- A remote control is available
Cons
- It is not a portable slide projector
Buying Guide For The Best Slide Projector
A slide projector can be a handy tool if you own a traditional film camera. Since a lot of users prefer using vintage film cameras for photography, a slide projector is a must-have accessory for such users.
The slide projectors allow you to insert various types of films into the projector and watch a preview of the end result on a compact onboard display. Since you can even find battery-powered options for a slide projector, it can also work as a portable accessory for professional photographers. But before you choose a slide projector, make sure you check out the buying guide present here.
1. Type of Slide Projector
Before you decide which side projector you are going to buy, you should first understand the types of slide projectors present in the market. The most basic and affordable options are the manual slide projectors that require you to manually change each slide once you have inserted the film in the projector.
These options are quite simple in terms of design. Some advanced options feature a motorized motion for the films, allowing you to control the slideshow via remote control for ease of usage. Other than that, there are a few premium choices that support digital input so that you can watch content that you have captured in a digital format. Amongst these options, you can choose the most suitable option for your application under your budget range.
2. Display Parameters
Since you are buying a slide projector to watch your captured images or old photos on a digital screen, you should make sure that the display available on your slide projectors offers decent quality. The display parameters which affect the performance, in this case, are display size, resolution, brightness, contrast, and type of display available with the unit.
As you can imagine, the quality of the display will be better with premium options since such slide projectors introduce a larger and high-resolution display. If you are going with a budget option, you will have to settle with a smaller, lower-resolution display. Even then, you can still customize the display quality as per your requirements if the slide projector offers brightness and contrast settings.
3. Power Type
The power type is also a matter of interest if you consider the portability of the slide projector. If you are buying a standard slide projector with an AC wall outlet as a power option, you won’t be able to use it outdoors since it is quite difficult to find a suitable AC wall outlet when you are on the go. Instead, you should prefer a battery-powered option that uses portable batteries like AA or AAA batteries.
Even though the battery backup is very limited for such products, you can always find new batteries when you are outside to replace the drained ones. You can also get a set of rechargeable batteries so that you won’t have to buy a new set of batteries every time. On the other hand, keep in mind that the display size and overall quality of the portable slide projector will be lower compared to plugged options. The smaller and low-resolution displays are introduced to save battery on portable slide projectors.
4. Weight and Size
Coming to yet another important feature, the weight and form factor of a slide projector. These aspects are important only if you are planning to use the slide projector outdoors. A lot of professional photographers require a handy slide projector to check the preview of captured photographs and make necessary changes before taking the next shot.
For such users, a compact and lightweight option will be a better choice since it can be packed along with the camera accessory kit with ease. On the other hand, if you are only going to use the slide projector indoors, you should go with one that requires an AC wall outlet. Even though these options are bulkier and heavier, it shouldn’t affect your application since you won’t be moving it around much.
FAQs
Q. How do slide projectors work?
Slide projectors use a strong light source to project the images or film over a screen or a wall. These files are usually B/W slides that are present on a thin transparent sheet generated inside the camera. To project these slides, you will first have to place the slides into the tray of the projector. Once the light passes through these films, the captured image will be amplified and appear on the wall or the built-in display of the projector.
Q. What are the advantages of using a slide projector?
Having a portable slide projector with you has its own advantages, especially for professional users. Here are some decent advantages of owning a slide projector.
- You will be able to view your slides anywhere, anytime.
- These projectors are easy to set up and pack.
- The speed of the slideshow is completely under your control.
- Portable options can be used outdoors thanks to replaceable battery options.
- Everyone can enjoy looking at the images if the projectors project the image on a wall.
Q. How to properly maintain a slide projector?
While buying a slide projector might be a difficult task, taking care of one is as easy as it gets. All you will have to do is follow a few tips given here and you can expect a long lifespan from your slide projector.
- Clean the lenses of the projector regularly with provided micro-fiber cloth.
- Make sure the projector is safe from external shocks and impacts.
- Make sure you are putting the projector in a cool and dry place that is not under direct sunlight.
- It would be a better idea to invest in a premium yet reliable option if you want a longer lifespan on your slide projector.
Conclusion
On this list, you are going to find the best options available in the market for a slide projector. Since there aren’t a lot of users who use traditional film cameras anymore, there aren’t a lot of options for a slide projector either. So instead of wasting hours and hours searching for a half-decent slide projector, you should consider going with one of the choices included in this list. You can understand the product completely once you read our review as well as the list of pros and cons presented with each of our choices. Alternatively, you can simply take a look at our top recommendations and choose the one that suits you the best.
Slide projectors can get very expensive, especially the advanced ones with digital content support. So, it can get a bit hard to find a cheaper option like the Rybozen LED Slide Viewer which costs a fraction of these premium options. This is the best option for portability as it is powered by 2 AA batteries instead of a wall outlet. However, keep in mind that this slide projector is designed only for 35 mm slides.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-end projector so you can enjoy the content over a wall with your family, you should go with the Vivitar 5000 AF Slide Projector. Even though this is a very expensive option, it is one of the few options in the market that offers automated functionality. It has automatic focusing and remote control to offer ease of access. Also, the overall operation of the projector is quiet and cool.
There are a handful of compact slide projectors like the KODAK Mini Digital Film & Slide Scanner that also offer great functionality and digital content support. The best feature of this scanner is that it can convert many types of images like 35 mm, 126 mm, 110 mm, 8 mm negatives, or slides directly into digital images having 22 Megapixel resolution. You will be able to watch these images on the 2.4 inches LCD screen, or your TV via the TV output port and cable.
