Last updated on July 5th, 2023 at 05:23 pm
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Short throw projectors are great for sewing, but does the AAXA P400 work as a sewing projector? In this review, I go through calibrating and projecting to see how well it can be used in sewing.
I have probably reviewed more projectors than any sewist should ever need to! I have found many mini projectors, and short throw projectors, such as the Optoma ML1050ST, that work well for sewing. Is the AAXA P400 one of them?
The price seems right, but some important features are missing.
*Updated 7/5/23
AAXA P400 Review Summary
AAXA P400 Projector for Sewing
The AAXA P400 is a budget short throw projector. The price, size, and throw ratio are just right. However, the image quality and brightness might leave you wanting for more.
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![[BATTERY] AAXA P400+ Short Throw Native 1080p...](https://projectorsewing.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TkRFd05FOTJiMUJ0VDB3dVgxTk1NVFl3WHk1cWNHYz18MTczMjQxNzY3OQ=)
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[BATTERY] AAXA P400+ Short Throw Native 1080p… | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I can only recommend the AAXA P400 for projector sewing, with some reservations. The best part of this mini projector is that it’s a short throw projector (0.7 throw ratio) for well under $300 new!
The pico size is also great coming in at 19.8 ounces and 4.5”x4”x2.3”. It runs on a 2-hour battery if you’d like to have one less cord running from your projector.
AAXA P400 Review for Sewing Results
As I said before, I was really rooting for this projector to work well. It is one of the cheapest short throw projectors on the market and a great pico size.
When I originally reviewed this projector, digital keystone and wi-fi capabilities did not exist. Now, these options have been added!
If you sew in a dark environment and need a large image size, this projector could work in a pinch.
Keystone and Calibration
The keystone correction is one of the features that was added to this projector. Make sure to purchase one that includes digital keystone correction!
Without keystone, calibrating was a little bit difficult to get just perfect. All corrections to the tilt of the projector had to be spot on! While I did finally get it calibrated enough to sew on without using keystone, it took me longer to calibrate than any other projector I have calibrated before. Even then, the calibration was slightly off. See the image below.
With the added feature of digital keystone, I am confident that calibration will be much easier!
Brightness and Contrast
Next, brightness and contrast.
With only 400 LED Lumens, I knew the picture would not be very bright. However, other non-bright projectors have surprised me in the past. I was hoping the native 1080p would give enough detail to see the pattern lines well.
The low brightness combined with a low contrast ratio of 1000:1 (the Acrojoy 9000 mini projector has 10,000:1 contrast), made the image difficult to see for the home sewist.
The pattern lines were hard to see. I had the light on and one window open in a basement room.
By turning off the lights, I was able to see the lines well enough to cut and could make the image work.
If you choose to buy this projector for sewing, make sure you are able to project in a dimly lit or dark room.
Connections
The AAXA P400 has the necessary HDMI connection port and has recently added the capability of Wi-Fi. (Make sure you are buying the P400 with keyston correction and Wi-Fi).
With Wi-Fi you can mirror the screen of your device.
Most often I choose to just use an HDMI cable to avoid connection issues.
Focus Dial
The projector included a focus dial near the HDMI port. However, it was finicky to use and get the focus just right. In the sample pictures, this is as focused as I was able to get the projector.
Sewing Projector Alternatives to the AAXA P400
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
My recommendation to most sewists would be to only get the AAXA P400 if you really need a portable, short throw projector, and have a dark sewing space. For the price, the AAXA P400 isn’t bad!
It’s small size and portability are great for mounting on a tripod, tension rod, or ceiling.
However, if you can save up for a different short throw projector or find a used one, you would be happier with the image brightness and quality.
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[BATTERY] AAXA P400+ Short Throw Native 1080p… | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for the top Short Throw Projectors for Sewing? Don’t forget to check out our curated list of the tried and true best short throw projectors!
Happy Sewing!
