Last updated on December 13th, 2023 at 08:51 pm
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Are you looking for a projector for sewing? Looking for a review of the Apeman LC350? Then, you have come to the right place.
Here at ProjectorSewing.com, we focus on honest reviews of projectors used for sewing. We only recommend ones that are guaranteed to work for sewing needs.
Make sure to come back to learn how to calibrate and digitally alter patterns!
Apeman LC350
The Apeman LC350 is a native 480p projector that works well for sewing needs! It’s 10000:1 contrast ratio creates crisp lines and the “flip” button on the remote is handy. Apemans can also be found Canada and the UK where other popular mini projectors may not be found.
Overall Thoughts and Impressions
Overall, the Apeman LC350 is a decent mini projector for sewing. This is a mini projector type, meaning it is mounted directly above your cutting surface. The image size is decent and relatively the same as other projectors in the class. There were no issues when calibrating. I also recommend that it be used in a dim environment for optimal use.
The Apeman LC350 and LC550 are great choices for those in Canada and the UK that are unable to find other recommended projectors.
Basic Niche also custom makes mounts for these projectors and ships worldwide.
Throw Ratio and Image Size
The throw ratio of this projector is good for a mini projector. I was able to get an image size of 41 3/4” x 25 ¼” when the lens to cutting surface was 59”. Which was larger than the counter part to this projector the Apeman LC550.
A typical A1 mat used for sewing is 36”x24”. This image size is suitable for children’s clothing, accessories, and some adult clothing.
The absolute minimum distance from ceiling to cutting surface is 46”. At this distance, you will be able to focus the projector. However, to get an image size closer to an A1 mat, I recommend at least 53” from lens to table (most mounts take 7-10”) or about 60+ inches from ceiling to cutting surface.
Ease of Calibration
Calibration was easy to reach with the Apeman LC350. There are many aspect ratio options on the projector. At first, I worried that I would have aspect ratio issues, but when I change the projector aspect ratio to point-to-point it calibrated perfectly!
I connected using an HDMI cable to a Windows 11 laptop using the point-to-point aspect ratio.
To rotate the image go to Menu>Option>Panel Flip Rotate. Or push the “flip” button on the remote. Cycle through front, rear ceiling, front ceiling, and rear until the image is right-side-up for you.
Interestingly, you can use the “flip” button to mirror pattern pieces if you desired.
The focus and keystone dials are manual operation around the lens, so be sure to have a step stool or ladder during calibration. Keystone should only be used as a last resort to put final touches on calibration.
I was able to calibrate the Apeman LC350 without using any keystone and just adjusting the position of the projector.
Brightness and Contrast
The Apeman LC350 has a native resolution of 480p which is usually not recommended for sewing. Many 480p projectors have unsolvable aspect ratio issues. However, using point-to-point there was no issue.
The contrast ratio is 10,000:1 which is better than the Apeman LC550.
So, although it was only 480p, the contrast made the pattern lines easy to see.
The brightness seemed to be similar to other mini projectors in the class. It is slightly less bright than the Acrojoy 9000, but not by a lot.
This projector is best used in a dim environment. With lights off and blackout curtains on the windows, I was able to see even projector files with thin lines.
However, in a room with one window open in the middle of the day and lights on, lines were difficult to see. The lines are especially hard to see on dark and patterned fabric in a light room.
*Please ignore that the projector wasn’t fully leveled and calibrated in the images below. 😉
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Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Connectivity
HDMI, VGA, USB, TF, AV, and audio are all the connection options of the Apeman LC350. There is no option for screen casting or mirroring to devices such as phones and tablets. You would need to get a casting device, such as Google Chromecast, to cast wirelessly to any device.
The projector comes with an HDMI cable that is the standard 6ft. I recommend getting a longer HDMI cable and power cord for mounting to the ceiling.
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Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Body Design
The body design of the Apeman LC350 is great for sewing. All cables (except VGA), exit the sides of the projector. The power cable is on one side and HDMI on the other.
Just slightly bigger than the Vivimage Explore 2, Acrojoy 9000, and Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro; it is still very compact and small. The small size and weight are great for mounting high.
How to Mount
The Apeman LC350 using a single-point mount. Any universal single-point projector mount should work for this projector.
However, my favorite mount for this projector is the Basic Niche mount designed for this projector.
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Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Recommendation
I do recommend the Apeman LC350 for sewing. It is a budget-friendly mini projector with great body design and basic features needed for sewing.
Although it is a native 480p projector, it is one of the 480p projectors that work for sewing. The higher contrast ratio still makes pattern lines clear and visible.
Where to Buy
The Apeman LC350 is best found on Apemans.com. I have found it on the US, Canada, and UK sites.
Native 480p projector with 10000:1 contrast. Good mini projector for sewing. Available in US, Canada, and UK.
Don’t forget to add these items to your shopping cart for an easy setup experience!
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|
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Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable, A Male… | 533,815 Reviews |
$17.63 |
Buy on Amazon |
|
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Ipax Black 15 Feet Extra Long Two Prong AC… | Buy on Amazon | ||
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NIERBO Universal Projector Wall Ceiling Mount… |
$23.99 |
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Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alternatives to the Apeman LC550
Not sure if the Apeman LC350 is the right projector for you? Then, you might be interested in checking out other top mini projector picks below.
Read the review on the counter part, the Apeman LC550. You can also check out the most updated top picks on the Projectors page
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Portable Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and… |
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Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good projector for sewing, then you should consider the Apeman LC350. It is a mini projector that is mounted directly above the cutting surface.
There is no wireless connection ability with the Apeman LC350, so I recommend looking at an alternative option if that is important to you.
Happy sewing!
