Last updated on August 2nd, 2022 at 02:27 pm
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Are you looking for a sewing projector? This Vankyo Leisure 470 review will help you determine if it is the right projector for you!
There are many options out there when looking for a projector for sewing. However, some will just leave you disappointed! Don’t get stuck with a DUD!
Here at Projector Sewing, we only recommend projectors that have been tested and actually used in sewing situations. Skip the frustration and find the right one for you!
Don’t miss out on an exclusive 10% off coupon below especially for ProjectorSewing.com readers! Plus, where to get free shipping!
Vankyo Leisure 470 Review Summary
The Vankyo Leisure 470 is a good projector for sewing, but doesn’t have what it takes to be the best. However, if you have high ceilings, the maximum focal length makes this a great choice!
First Impressions
As I opened the Vankyo Leisure 470, the first thing that caught my eye was the nifty carrying case. Most mini projectors in the same price range do not come with carrying cases. While this is not really needed for sewing purposes, it would be nice to have if you were frequently putting the projector away or carrying it to different locations.
The overall design of the Vankyo Leisure 470 projector is great. All the necessary cables and air intakes are located on the sides of the projector. This means you do not need to make room for cords coming out the back of the unit. It can be mounted flush with the ceiling if needed.
The focus and keystone dials are manual operation. Most mini projectors are, so it was not a surprise. Just keep in mind, that you will need to use a ladder during calibration to get it focused and the keystone adjusted.
This projector weighs about 3 lbs. (1.35kg). And its body design is a little bit bigger than some of the other mini projectors.
The speakers on this projector are quite impressive. The sound was loud and clear. The speakers are better than some of the other mini projectors that I have tried. So, if you are planning on using this one for movies as well, this is a great sound option!
Without further ado, let’s dive into more specifics!
Specs
| Vankyo Leisure 470 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Light Source | LED |
| Lumens | 120 |
| Native Resolution | 1280×720 |
| Unit Dimension | 221 x 168 x 84 mm (8.7 x 6.6 x 3.3 in) |
| Keystone | ±15 ̊ |
| Net Weight | 1.35 kg (2.98lbs) |
| Connection Types | HD, USB, AV, VGA, SD card, Wi-Fi |
| Throw Ratio | 1.49 |
| Contrast | 3500:1 |
Throw Ratio and Image Size
Throw ratio is basically the relationship between the distance the projector is from the screen and the size of screen that is achieved. The lower the throw ratio, the closer the projector can be to the screen and still create a large screen. For example, ultra-short throw projectors have a throw ratio 0-0.4. Mini projectors are typically in the range of 1.3–1.5.
The mini projector on our recommended list with the lowest throw ratio is the Yaber V2, with a throw ratio of 1.29. The throw ratio of the Vankyo Leisure 470 is 1.49. In comparison, the popular Acrojoy 9000 Lumens (Sunspark 500W) and Vivimage Explore 2 have a throw ratio of 1.3.
According to the Vankyo website the focusable distance is between 4.27 feet (1.3m) to 26.57 feet (8.1m). This means that you need at least 51” from lens to cutting surface. To make room for mounting, we recommend at least 62 inches from ceiling to cutting surface. At the minimum distance, you would get an image that is about 34 inches by 19 inches (39” diagonal).
The maximum distance is pretty impressive! It is better than many mini projectors in the same market. The maximum distance makes this a great projector for those with very high ceilings. Most mini projectors cannot focus past 10-12 feet.
If you like watching movies with your sewing projector, this one can create an image that is 250 inches (diagonal) big!
Actual Setup Image Size
While doing the review, we set up the projector using a Basic Niche mount that was made for the Vivimage Explore 2. (It didn’t quite fit this model of projector, so I don’t recommend using the Basic Niche mount that was designed for a different model.) You can use a 3-point mount or a single point mount like the one HERE.
The Vankyo Leisure 470 projector was 62 inches from lens to table. At this distance, we got an image that was 40.25” x 22.75”. This was just slightly smaller than the Vivimage Explore 2 at the same distance which got 43.5”x24.625”.
This image size was large enough to cut out the largest pattern size for a shirt cut on the fold and a pant leg. The width did not fit the largest sizes for a circle skirt. But the fabric can be easily shifted to cut something larger than the projected image.
If you are not typically cutting large sizes or full dresses, then this image size should work great for you. Remember if you have less vertical height between your lens and cutting table, your image will be smaller. The only way to increase the size of the image is to increase the distance (i.e., cut on the floor) or try a mirror setup.
Connectivity
The Vankyo Leisure 470 projector for sewing has all the important ways to connect. The most common connections used are HDMI and Screen Mirror (both for wired and wireless connections). The most common method for connecting to a projector for sewing is by HDMI from projector to computer.
How to connect wirelessly to Vankyo Leisure 470
This projector creates its own Wi-Fi signal. Select the “input” button (S) on the projector or remote. To connect your phone or tablet to the projector, you will first need to disconnect from your internet connection.
Then go into the setting and find the network titled “Leisure470-xxxxxx”. Select connect. Then go to your screen mirror menu and click it on. Your phone or tablet screen will now appear on the projected image. Remember to rotate it into landscape mode once you have opened a PDF reader such as Xodo.
You will not be able to access the internet while connected to the Leisure signal, but there is a work around. It can be connected directly to your router, then you can connect your device to your router. Detailed instructions are included in the user manual that comes with the projector or is available online HERE.
If you connect using HDMI, I strongly recommend getting a longer HDMI cable when you get your projector. Measure the distance from your ceiling to the location of your computer to determine the length you actually need.
Don’t forget a longer power cable as well! You will need to reach from the ceiling to the nearest outlet. Unless you have a plug in the ceiling you will need to use an extension cord, or (my suggestion) get a cheap power cable that is the right length!
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Ease of Use
The projector was basically “plug and play”. When it was powered on, it searched for a signal and found my computer when I connected the HDMI cable.
There was no “Home” screen, but the menu can be accessed from the remote or projector.
It was easy to change the input source by pressing input on the remote or “S” on the projector.
In the menu, I was able to easily cycle through the projection modes to find the one that made the image right side up.
You will need to use a ladder during setup to access the manual focus and keystone dials.
Brightness and Contrast
The Vankyo Leisure 470 projector uses LED with an LCD display. It is measured at 120 Lumen. The contrast is 3500:1.
It wasn’t quite as bright as the updated Acrojoy 9000, but about the same to the naked eye for the Vivimage.
I was able to see the pattern lines with the lights on and curtains open, but the image was definitely better in a darker room.
Calibration
Calibration for sewing with the Vankyo Leisure 470 review when smoothly. With the projector pointing straight down onto the sewing table, I had no trouble zooming to the correct percentage.
I did use keystone to fine tune the corners and ended with a calibration zoom of 35.2% at 62 inches between lens and table.
Calibration took less than 5 minutes. (Keep in mind that I am experienced with calibrating. So, don’t feel bad if it takes you longer your first time!)
Recommendation on Vankyo Leisure 470 Review
Our final recommendation on the Vankyo Leisure 470 review is that it does work for sewing. It has a 720 native resolution and decent image brightness and contrast. It was easily calibrated correctly.
This projector is especially good for those with very high ceilings, since this can focus at 26 feet!
However, it does have a longer throw ratio (1.49) than other recommended projectors such as the Yaber V2 (1.29) and Acrojoy 9000 (1.37).
If you are unable to find the other projectors or you find the price on the Vankyo better, then I do recommend picking one up. It may be more readily available than other models outside of the US.
Always measure the distance from ceiling to table top. Subtract about 10-11 inches for mounting. This will give you the distance you have to “project” your image.
The absolute minimum requirement from ceiling to table is 62 inches. This will give you the necessary 51 inches for the minimum focus distance of the projector.
Where to Buy
Are you ready to check out the price and start your comparison? The Vankyo Leisure 470 can be purchase on Walmart or the Vankyo website.
The Vankyo website has free shipping and free returns for all items.
I recommend just checking where you can get it cheaper! If you don’t have Walmart, use the Vankyo website to check shipping availability.
If you purchase from the Vankyo website, you can use my coupon code for 10% off!
Use my 10% off coupon code “projectorsewing”.
How to Mount
The Vankyo Leisure 470 can be mounted using any universal projector mount or a single-point mount such as the Vankyo PM60. The Vankyo PM60 has good grip on the 360 degree ball head that will prevent slipping.
Conclusion
During this Vankyo Leisure 470 review, we learned that this projector does calibrate and work for sewing. Make sure you have the distance to give a good image size for cutting.
This projector is especially recommended for those will high ceilings due to its ability to focus at 26 feet!
If you are just beginning your research, then make sure to check out the Best Mini Projectors for Sewing. Or if you think a short throw might suit your space better learn about the top recommended short throw projectors.
As always, happy sewing!
Buy the Vankyo Leisure 470 Today.
With a high maximum throw distance, this is a great choice for those will high ceilings! The speakers are also perfect for movie nights!
* Don’t forget to use the coupon “projectorsewing” for 10% off!
*Disclaimer: Vankyo sent me a free projector to review, but all opinions and ideas are my own.
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