Last updated on January 3rd, 2023 at 01:04 pm
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The Apeman LC550 is long been a go-to mini projector for sewing, especially for those in Canada and the UK. Let’s find out if it is the right sewing projector for you by doing a complete Apeman LC550 review!
If you are in the United States, I suggest checking out the Acrojoy 9000, Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro, or Yaber V2 mini projectors.
Apeman LC550 Review Summary
The Apeman LC550 is a typical mini projector with the basic needs for sewing. It can be hard to find in the United States, but easily found in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Overall Thoughts and Impressions
Overall, the Apeman LC550 is a decent mini projector for sewing. This projector can be difficult to find in the United States, but is commonly found in Canada and the UK.
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.
Throw Ratio and Image Size
The tested horizontal throw ratio of this projector is about 1.5. I was able to get an image size of 40” x 22 ¼” when the lens to cutting surface was 60”. A typical A1 mat used for sewing is 36”x24”. This would be 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 LC550. There are many aspect ratio options on the projector if you need to cycle through to find one that works best for you. I connected using an HDMI cable to a Windows 11 laptop using the 16:9 aspect ratio (default).
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 LC550 without using any keystone and just adjusting the position of the projector within 10 minutes*.
*It may take someone calibrating for the first time longer to calibrate this projector.
Brightness and Contrast
The Apeman LC550 has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 and 3000:1 contrast ratio. The brightness and contrast 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. The lines where not quite as crisp as other top mini projectors, but definitely visible.
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 were especially hard to see on dark and patterned fabric in a light room.
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Last update on 2024-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Connectivity
HDMI, VGA, USB, TF, AV, and audio are all the connection options of the Apeman LC550. 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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Body Design
The body design of the Apeman LC550 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.
There are no separate mounting holes on the Apeman LC550. The height adjuster knob will need to be removed before mounting using a single-point mount like the one below. Or, to make calibration a breeze consider getting the Basic Niche mount designed for this projector by a fellow sewist!
This mount designed by Basic Niche is made to point the projector straight down to the cutting surface. Leveling screws make calibration a breeze!
This projector mount can be attached to the wall or ceiling and point the projector to the cutting surface.
How to Mount
The Apeman LC550 has a single-point mount option. On the back, you will need to unscrew and remove the height-adjustment screw. This is the hole you can mount using an universal projector mount. However, for the best calibrating experience, it is worth checking out the Basic Niche Mount that is available for this product. Basic Niche is a company owned by a fellow projection sewist. She designs mounts to be used for sewing.
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Last update on 2024-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Recommendation
I do recommend the Apeman LC550 for sewing. It is a budget-friendly mini projector with great body design and basic features needed for sewing.
Where to Buy
The Apeman LC550 can be difficult to find in the US, but is more readily available in Canada and the UK. It is not available on Amazon in the US. Make sure to check out the websites for each country:
Alternatives to the Apeman LC550
Not sure if the Apeman LC550 is the right projector for you? Then, you might be interested in checking out other top mini projector picks below.
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Last update on 2024-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
I hope you found this Apeman LC550 review helpful! If you are looking for a good projector for sewing, then you should consider the Apeman LC550. It is a mini projector that is mounted directly above the cutting surface. There is no wireless connection ability with the Apeman LC550, so I recommend looking at an alternative option if that is important to you.
Happy sewing!
