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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
2025-07-30	499.99
2025-07-31	499.99

Since 2025-06-11

Auto Product Comparison

Product	Epson EX3280 Projector	YOWHICK DP06 Projector	NEBULA Cosmo 4K SE Projector	Agreago N1 Projector
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Price	$499.99 at Amazon.com	$168.99 ~~$229.99~~ at Amazon.com	$1,299.99 at Amazon.com	$139.99 at Amazon.com
Brand	Epson	YOWHICK	NEBULA	Agreago
Check Details		Check Details	Check Details	Check Details
Brightness	1950 lumens	350 ANSI Lumens	~1200-1450 ANSI Lumens	~200 ANSI Lumens
Resolution	1024 x 768 (XGA)	Native 1080P (1920x1080), supports 4K	4K UHD (3840x2160)	Native 1080P
Contrast Ratio	290:1 (native)	1000:1	400:1 (advertised, native)	10000:1 (dynamic, advertised)
Throw Ratio	1.46	not specified	~1.2	not specified
Min/Max Throw Distance	0.85m-10.34m (30''-350'')	not specified	1.69m-5.3m (60-200 inches)	3.28 ft to 19.68 ft (33-300 inches)
Lamp Life	Up to 6,000 hours (Normal), 12,000 hours (ECO)	30000 hours	30000 hours	60000 hours (advertised)
Connectivity	1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x USB-B	WiFi6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, 3.5mm audio	HDMI 2.1 (eARC), USB-A, 3.5mm AUX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	WiFi 5G, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, AV, USB, USB-C, Audio
Keystone Correction	Manual Vertical ±30°, Manual Horizontal ±30°	±15°	Auto keystone with IEA 4.0 technology	±15°
Zoom Lens	Digital Zoom 1.0–1.35	50-100% digital zoom	fixed lens	50%-100% digital
Input Lag	Not specified	not specified	~ 18.5 ms for 1080P/4K@60Hz	Not specified
Audio Output	2 W mono speaker	Built-in HiFi speaker	2x15W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio	Built-in 2x5W dual stereo Hi-Fi speakers
Aspect Ratio	4:3 native, supports 16:9 and 16:10	16:9 / 4:3	16:9 native	4:3/16:9
Weight (kg)	2.36kg	~1.62 kg	4.5 kg	0.44 kg
Lens Shift	Not available	not available	Not available	Not available
Controller Type	Remote Control	remote control	Bluetooth remote with backlight, Nebula Connect app	Remote control
Noise Level (dB)	37 dB (Normal), 28 dB (Quiet)	not specified	30-35 dB	< 39 dB
Size of Projection	30''-150''	100-150 inches (recommended)	Up to 200 inches	33-300 inches
Connectivity	1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x USB-B	WiFi6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, 3.5mm audio	HDMI 2.1 (eARC), USB-A, 3.5mm AUX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	WiFi 5G, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, AV, USB, USB-C, Audio