Casio XJ-S57 DLP Data Projector Review

Casio XJ-S57 Projector Highlights

Casio XJ-S57 Projector Overview

The Casio XJ-S57 is at the top of Casio’s “Super Slim” series of projectors. It is a lightweight portable XGA (1024 x 768) DLP projector that allows for PC-free or wireless presentations. Weighing in at less than four pounds and only 1.7 inches high, the XJ-S57 should be a favorite of the “road warrior”. Its USB input allows for presentations directly from a USB thumb drive and, with the optional wireless adapter, can be networked to present from up to 4 computers. It has specified output of 3000 lumens and features power zoom (2X wide angle) and focus. In addition to its light weight and low profile, the XJ-S57 is also smaller than a sheet of letter-sized paper, making it easy to fit in a briefcase or laptop bag. It is able to handle high resolution (1080i/p) multimedia input and has an RS-232 input for serial control. Other features include a built-in one-watt speaker and stereo output, as well as automatic keystone correction for quick setup. For those who desire the high brightness of the XJ-S57, but have no need for USB PC-free or wireless presentations, Casio makes the XJ-S52 projector, which is otherwise identical to the XJ-S57, but is available for $100 less. Descriptions of the other models in the line-up appear at the end of this review. The Casio XJ-S57 comes with an excellent three-year parts and labor warranty (180 days on the lamp) and has an MSRP of $1299.99.

Special Features

The XJ-S57 projector has a number of interesting, but not necessarily unique features. As such, we'll just mention some of them here:

First, for such a compact projector, having a motorized zoom lens is impressive (and power focus), but more impressive still, is that the lens has a 2:1 zoom ratio, allowing for tons of placement flexibility, far more than most competitors.

There is also a pointer button on the remote, that can bring up several different "pointers" (arrow, hand, etc.) that can be moved around the screen (with the remote's arrow keys) to highlight what you want to point out.

In addition, there is an underline "pointer" that comes in short horizontal line, or full screen width line.

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And, as already mentioned, the Casio XJ-S57 portable projector can go PC free, The Casio can accept content to its USB port, from flash drives, assorted devices, or, even from a PC. USB support as an input source, has been gaining popularity, but most projectors still don't offer it. This feature is discussed further on the Performance page of this Casio review.