Sony VPL-VW90ES Projector - Image Quality - 2

Shadow Detail Performance

When it comes to shadow detail, the Sony VPL-90ES is superb. My favorite image for dark shadow detail is the night train scene from Casino Royale. Further down, you'll see how the Sony handles that dark shadow detail on the darkest of scenes, as well, as how many competitors do on the same frame. Before we get to those, some other images though. Direct comparison side by side images will be added when ready: The first set of comparison images, is a scene with Clint Eastwood from Space Cowboys. This is a very dark scene, intentionally overexposed (from Blu-ray disc). Look for the blacks in the shades, and the details in those shades in the form of the white trim. (At this level of overexposure, don't even worry about the skin tones, as in these type of photos they always look terrible, and way over the top). First image is the VPL-90ES, followed by the lower cost Sony VPL-VWPro1: Sony, VPL-HW15, Sharp XV-Z17000, Optoma HD8200, Epson Home Cinema 8700ub, JVC DLA-RS15, and the Panasonic PT-AE4000. The VPL-90ES does extremely well in shadow detail on our Clint Eastwood dark scene from Space Cowboys:

Again, from Space Cowboys, this is a cropped image. The right side is very bright (so dynamic irises will not be effective). The VPL-90ES seems darker than some in the satellite on the right, but the detail is there. Next to it on the first row, is the Sony VPL-VWPro1. Those images are followed by the Epson 8700UB, and the JVC DLA-RS15 (second row). The third row is the Runco LS10 (left), and the Optoma HD8600 on the right.