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Epson EX3280 Projector

$499.99 at Amazon.com

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SUMMARY: The Epson EX3280 is a no-nonsense portable projector tailored for business and educational use. It combines Epson’s 3LCD technology with straightforward setup and durable design, delivering color-faithful images in moderate ambient light. While it accepts high-definition inputs, its XGA resolution focuses on presentation clarity rather than cinematic detail. Basic manual adjustments and a single-speaker audio system emphasize practicality over entertainment features. Overall, the EX3280 prioritizes consistent, fuss-free performance in professional environments without overpromising beyond its core capabilities.

Best Used For: K-12 education and corporate/business presentations

Released: 2021

Brand: Epson

Specification	Details
Brightness	1950 lumens
Resolution	1024 x 768 (XGA)
Contrast Ratio	290:1 (native)
Throw Ratio	1.46
Min/Max Throw Distance	0.85m-10.34m (30''-350'')
Lamp Life	Up to 6,000 hours (Normal), 12,000 hours (ECO)
Connectivity	1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x USB-B
Keystone Correction	Manual Vertical ±30°, Manual Horizontal ±30°
Zoom Lens	Digital Zoom 1.0–1.35
Input Lag	Not specified
Audio Output	2 W mono speaker
Aspect Ratio	4:3 native, supports 16:9 and 16:10
Weight (kg)	2.36kg
Lens Shift	Not available
Controller Type	Remote Control
Noise Level (dB)	37 dB (Normal), 28 dB (Quiet)
Size of Projection	30''-150''

Highlights

The Epson EX3280 3-Chip 3LCD XGA Projector is positioned as a portable solution tailored for business and educational environments. Boasting 3,600 lumens of brightness and XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, it promises clear visuals for presentations. Yet, independent assessments suggest that some of these claims require closer scrutiny to understand real-world capabilities.

Brightness stands as a flagship feature, with the projector advertised at 3,600 lumens in Normal mode for both color and white output, hinting at suitability for well-lit rooms. However, tests conducted by RTINGS.com reveal a measured output of approximately 1,920 lumens, likely in a calibrated or ECO mode setting. This gap indicates that performance excels in dim conditions but may falter where ambient light is prevalent.

The native XGA resolution of 1024 x 768 aligns with its intended use for standard slideshows and basic video playback. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, it meets the needs of traditional presentation formats but struggles with modern widescreen content, such as HD videos, where downscaling or letterboxing becomes necessary, reducing its versatility for multimedia applications.

Contrast is marketed at an impressive 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, suggesting rich blacks and vivid imagery. In practice, independent measurements peg the native contrast at around 290:1, revealing that the dynamic feature exaggerates actual depth. This lower contrast impacts shadow detail, making it less ideal for cinematic experiences in darker settings.

Setup relies on a fixed throw ratio of approximately 1.46:1, requiring precise placement—about 2.95 meters for a 100-inch diagonal image. The digital zoom range of 1.0 to 1.35 offers some flexibility, but as a digital rather than optical adjustment, it crops the image, potentially compromising clarity at higher zoom levels.

Alignment is aided by manual keystone correction of ±30° vertically and horizontally. This feature proves effective for correcting distortions when the projector is positioned off-center, facilitating quick adjustments in diverse room layouts commonly found in classrooms or meeting spaces.

Connectivity options include 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, and 1x USB-B ports, covering essentials for connecting laptops or legacy devices. While sufficient for straightforward setups, the absence of multiple HDMI ports or wireless capabilities limits its adaptability in more advanced or multi-device configurations.

Audio comes via a 2 W mono speaker, providing basic sound for small, quiet rooms. Its output lacks the depth or volume needed for larger venues or immersive viewing, prompting recommendations for external audio solutions to enhance the experience.

The lamp’s longevity is advertised at 6,000 hours in Normal mode and 12,000 hours in ECO mode. This lifespan holds up as a reasonable expectation, though real-world duration hinges on usage habits and proper maintenance, aligning with industry norms for projectors in this category.

Portability is a strength, with the unit weighing 2.36 kg (5.2 lbs). Its lightweight design simplifies transport between locations, a practical advantage for professionals or educators frequently on the move.

Operational noise is specified at 37 dB in Normal mode and 28 dB in Quiet mode. In quiet settings, the fan’s hum may be perceptible, potentially distracting during soft-spoken presentations, though it remains within acceptable limits for its class.

Gaming suitability remains uncertain, as input lag is not disclosed by Epson nor independently verified. Without this data, assumptions lean toward it being unoptimized for fast-paced gaming, better suited instead for static or slow-moving content like slideshows.

Advanced positioning features like lens shift are absent, as the EX3280 offers no lens shift. Adjustments require physically repositioning the unit, a limitation typical of budget-friendly portable projectors but notable for users needing precision.

Control is managed through a standard IR remote, offering basic functionality consistent with expectations for this price range. It provides convenience for operation without additional complexity.

Projection size spans 30 inches to 350 inches diagonally, achievable within the specified throw distance range. This flexibility accommodates various room sizes, though larger projections demand significant space, aligning with its fixed-lens design.

In essence, the Epson EX3280 excels as a practical tool for basic presentation needs in controlled lighting. Its portability and ease of setup cater well to business and educational users, yet the lower-than-advertised brightness and limited resolution highlight trade-offs. For those prioritizing affordability and simplicity over premium multimedia performance, it delivers reliably within its scope.

Amazon Price History

Date	Price (USD)
2025-06-11	349.99
2025-07-07	362.94
2025-07-11	349.99
2025-07-15	499.99
2025-08-01	499.99
2025-08-02	499.99

Since 2025-06-11

Auto Product Comparison

Product	Epson EX3280 Projector	AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro Projector	Aurzen Boom Mini Projector	DBPower N5 Projector
Image
Badges		Best Deal
Price	$499.99 at Amazon.com	$2,449.00 ~~$3,999.00~~ at Amazon.com	$349.99 at Amazon.com	$159.99 at Amazon.com
Brand	Epson	AWOL VISION	Aurzen	DBPower
Check Details		Check Details	Check Details	Check Details
Brightness	1950 lumens	2000 ISO Lumens	500 ANSI Lumens	300 ANSI Lumens (advertised)
Resolution	1024 x 768 (XGA)	4K UHD (3840x2160)	1920 x 1080 (Native), 4K supported via HDMI	Native 1080P
Contrast Ratio	290:1 (native)	2500:1 native (advertised)	1000:1	<1000:1
Throw Ratio	1.46	0.25:1	Approximately 1.36	1.25:1
Min/Max Throw Distance	0.85m-10.34m (30''-350'')	For 80": ~1.5', For 150": ~2.7'	1.2m-6m	100" diagonal (width ~2.21 m), max distance is ~2.76m
Lamp Life	Up to 6,000 hours (Normal), 12,000 hours (ECO)	25000 hours	30000 hours	30000 hours
Connectivity	1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x USB-B	3x HDMI (1x eARC), 2x USB 2.0, 1x LAN, 1x S/PDIF, 1x AV In, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (2.4G & 5G), USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Jack	HDMI, USB, 3.5mm audio out, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6
Keystone Correction	Manual Vertical ±30°, Manual Horizontal ±30°	8-point	Real-time Keystone Correction	Auto 6D keystone correction
Zoom Lens	Digital Zoom 1.0–1.35	fixed focal length	No optical zoom; digital zoom only	Digital zoom 50%-100%
Input Lag	Not specified	15ms (4K@60Hz), 8ms (1080p@120Hz)	No specific	Not specified
Audio Output	2 W mono speaker	36W stereo, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual X	20W (2x10W speakers)	Built-in speakers, 3.5mm audio out, Bluetooth
Aspect Ratio	4:3 native, supports 16:9 and 16:10	16:9	4:3/16:9/Auto	16:9
Weight (kg)	2.36kg	12 kg	3.4 kg	not specified
Lens Shift	Not available	not available	not available	not available
Controller Type	Remote Control	Remote control (IR & Bluetooth)	Dual-mode (Bluetooth & Infrared) remote	Remote Control (IR)
Noise Level (dB)	37 dB (Normal), 28 dB (Quiet)	27 dB	36 dB	Not specified
Size of Projection	30''-150''	80" to 150"	40"–200"	Up to 200''
Connectivity	1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x USB-B	3x HDMI (1x eARC), 2x USB 2.0, 1x LAN, 1x S/PDIF, 1x AV In, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (2.4G & 5G), USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Jack	HDMI, USB, 3.5mm audio out, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6