Casio XJ-S57 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Art Feierman

Casio XJ-S57 Portable Projector: Pros

Good brightness, almost 3000 lumens
Good zoom range (2X)
Power zoom and focus
Excellent overall image with any resolution
Very lightweight and compact – 3.97 lbs. And only 1.7” thick
No dust filter to maintain
Ability to display presentations without a computer via a USB storage device
Optional wireless networking for presentations from up to 4 computers
Can be set to turn on when plugged in

Casio XJ-S57 Portable Projector: Cons

Colors are somewhat muted and inaccurate
Somewhat noisy in high brightness mode
Puts out a lot of heat close to the projector
Remote has too many buttons the same size and is hard to read in low light
Full user manual provided only on disc or download

Additional Models

Casio also makes seven other projectors in the “Super Slim” series. There are essentially four different models, each with a companion model that is identical except for the ability to present or network via USB. These models are as follows:

The XJ-S52 at $1199.99: The XJ-S52 is the non-USB equivalent of the XJ-S57. It offers the same 3000 lumen rating, with a $100 lower MSRP.

The XJ-SC215 at $1199.99 and XJ-SC210 at $1099.99: The XJ-SC215 and SC210 are basically identical to the XJ-57 and S52 respectively, but sacrifice brightness (rated at 2500 lumens compared to 3000) in exchange for greater color accuracy. This is achieved though the use of an improved, multi-segment color wheel and Casio’s high-fidelity color rendering light engine algorithm . As with the S57 and 52, the XJ-SC215 has USB presentation ability while the XJ-SC210 does not.

The XJ-S47 at $1099.99 and the XJ-S42 at $999.99: The XJ-S47 and S42 have all the capabilities of the XJ-S57 and S52 respectively. The difference is that the XJ-S47 and 42 are rated at 2700 lumens, 300 less than the XJ-S57 and 52.

The XJ-S37 at $899.99 and the XJ-S32 at $799.99: The XJ-S37 and S32 have all the capabilities of the XJ-S57 and S52 respectively. The difference is that the XJ-S47 and 42 are rated at 2300 lumens, 700 less than the XJ-S57 and S52. Assuming performance of the XJ-S37 is identical to the XJ-S57 (and there’s no reason to believe otherwise), it offers terrific value at its price for those who don’t need the higher lumen output of the XJ-S57.