Last updated on July 17th, 2023 at 09:02 pm
*This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them.
Most sewists want a projector that produces a large image size in the least amount of vertical space, for the best price. This Sovboi projector review will let you know if this projector is the right fit for you!
Here at Projector Sewing, we value honest and in-depth reviews so you can find the best projector for you and get back to sewing! If this is your first time hearing about sewing with a projector, make sure to check out the Get Started page.
The Sovboi projector caught my eye when it mentioned that it produced a 40” (100 cm) image in just 2.5 feet (0.76 meters)! That would put it square in the range of a short throw projector for only $90 with a coupon at the time of this review! The cheapest short-throw projector I have ever seen!
However, it does not produce a 40” image at 2.5ft. Even the pamphlet inside the package states that it is 40” at 3.67ft, which is closer to reality.
However, the Sovboi projector still is a good candidate for sewing. Read on to see if it is the right one for you!
- 【Mini Palm-Sized & Short Distance 5G Wi-Fi…
- 【9000L Native 720P Resolution & Full HD…
- 【Sealed Dustproof Design & Advanced Cooling…
- 【Diffuse Reflection Protects Eyes & HiFi…
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sovboi 720p Projector
On the cusp of being a true short-throw projector, the image size of this projector won’t disappoint! In a budget price range, you will find the Sovboi has a good balance of features. I recommend having at least 55″ (140cm) from ceiling to table for an A1 (36in x24in or 90cmx60cm) mat image size.
Overall Thoughts and Impressions
When I first opened the Sovboi projector, I love the nice compact and light design. It is easy to maneuver and handle at only 1.3 lbs. (0.59 Kg).
The image size at first glance was large compared to other “mini” Amazon projectors that I have reviewed.
The 720p Native resolution worked for sewing, but the brightness and contrast weren’t anything special. The image clarity was okay for a mini projector.
The clarity was not the best I’ve seen in this price range, but decent enough to work with.
Throw Ratio and Image Size
For the Sovboi projector review, I set up the projector at a distance of 62” from lens to table. At that distance I got an image of 28.25” x 50”, well over the size of an A1 mat (24”x36”).
This was large enough to fit the 5x size Laundry Day Tee from Love Notions. This is also long enough to fit most pants patterns and many dresses.
The throw ratio I calculated using the diagonal width was 1.08. The horizontal throw ratio is 1.24. Very close to being a short-throw projector!
This is the best image size that I have found so far in this price range.
The minimum focus distance stated on Amazon is 2.5ft (30”). However, I found the projector didn’t produce a clear focus until 32 inches (about 81cm). Still great for a “mini” projector class. The image size was only 29” at this distance (advertised as 40”).
To produce an image size that A1 mat size (24inx36in or 90cmx60cm), you will need at least 45” (119cm) from lens to table.
The higher you can mount, the large the image will be!
Ease of Calibration
I found this projector only slightly harder for a beginner to calibrate. That is because this projector does not have any keystone correction.
Even though there is a keystone button on the remote control, it doesn’t operate the keystone on the projector because there is no manual or digital keystone installed.
However, I was able to adjust the projector making physical tilts and movements to calibrate it.
The lack of keystone adjustments may make this a harder projector to calibrate for someone calibrating the first time. Take a deep breath! Ask for help if you need!
The offset of the projector is “inside”. The image is centered right below the lens.
So, you will need to mount the projector directly above your cutting surface. The ceiling will be the best mount option, the but wall can work if you use an extension arm.
If you don’t have the projector far enough from the wall, your image will hit the wall. Make sure to turn on your projector and hold it where you are going to mount it before installing a mount.
Using a Windows 11 laptop, I was able to calibrate the Sovboi projector in Adobe with a 27.9% calibration zoom.
Brightness and Contrast
The brightness and contrast of the Sovboi projector were okay.
The stated brightness is 8000 lumens and the contrast ratio is 8000:1. This is less than the popular Alvar mini projector.
It was bright and clear enough to see pattern lines, but not the best in the price range I have seen.
Joval is a projector that has a brighter and clearer picture.
The Optoma ML750ST and ML1050ST is a short throw projector with a much brighter and clearer picture, but also costs a lot more.
Connectivity
The Sovboi projector has all the connection options that you could want in a sewing projector, including HDMI and Wi-Fi connections.
The projector needs to be connected to your home Wi-Fi. Then, it can connect to any computer or phone connected to the same Wi-Fi signal using screen mirroring/Miracast.
I tested connections using HDMI, iOS screen mirror, and Miracast. The connection was straight-forward and the signal seemed strong. The image size was consistent across all connections.
The manual recommends having Wi-Fi-connected devices within 3 feet of the projector. I had no trouble connecting to my laptop across the room at 10 feet.
However, if you don’t have a very strong Wi-Fi signal in your sewing room, you might have difficulties.
Body Design
Compact and light are how I would describe the Sovboi projector. It is 6.5in x 5.25in x 2.75 inches and weighs only 1.3 lbs.
HDMI and other connections exit the side of the projector.
The power cable is a different design than most other projectors I have reviewed. It attaches to the back of the projector.
I recommend ordering or having an extension cable hand in order to set up the projector.
The included power cable is too short unless you have a plug in the ceiling!
How to Mount
The Sovboi projector has a single-point mount hole on the back of the projector. You can use a DIY mount or any universal single-point projector mount.
You will also need an extension cable for mounting this projector since the included power cable is quite short.
Ignore that suggestion if you have a plug in your ceiling!
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
YiePhiot Mini Ceiling Wall Projector Mount… |
$8.09 |
Buy on Amazon | |
|
NIERBO Universal Projector Wall Ceiling Mount… |
$23.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Recommendation
I do recommend this projector for sewing! While its brightness and contrast are not amazing, the image size is!
The image is still bright and clear enough to see pattern lines in a dim room. Don’t expect the clarity and brightness of more expensive projectors.
The Sovboi projector produces the largest image of any of the mini projectors that have been reviewed.
If you need a short focal projector, check if this budget projector will work for you!
Measure the distance you have from ceiling to table. Subtract about 8 inches for mounting. This will be your “throw distance”.
Throw distance ÷ 1.24 (throw ratio of Sovboi) = image width (A1 mat is 36”)
For the price and image size, the Sovboi projector is a highly recommended projector for sewing!
A good price range for this projector is $90-$150. I probably wouldn’t spend more than that on this budget short focal range projector.
- 【Mini Palm-Sized & Short Distance 5G Wi-Fi…
- 【9000L Native 720P Resolution & Full HD…
- 【Sealed Dustproof Design & Advanced Cooling…
- 【Diffuse Reflection Protects Eyes & HiFi…
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Are you looking for a budget projector that gives you are large image? Look no further than the Sovboi projector.
In this Sovboi projector review, I showed you that this projector has an amazing throw ratio of 1.08. However, I was not impressed with the brightness, contrast, and lack of keystone.
I recommend using this projector for patterns in a dim room, with the projector mounted on the ceiling directly above your cutting surface. You will need at least 47″ from lens to table to get an image the size of an A1 mat (24″x36″).
If you have any questions about this projector, be sure to leave a comment below!
