Casio XJ-S57 DLP Projector - Review Summary
A summary of the Casio XJ-S57 projector's pros, cons, and notes on related Casio Super Slim projectors with different feature sets.
6-1-09 -Mike Rollett
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Casio XJ-S57 Projector: Bottom Line
The Casio XJ-S57 is a very attractive option for the business traveler. Its diminutive size, light weight and easy setup makes for hassle-free presentations on the go. While the color reproduction of the XJ-S57 is not up to the standards the LCD competition in this price range, its text presentation at any resolution is flawless. It has a greater zoom range than many projectors in this price range and its power zoom and focus are handy features that are seldom found in its competitors.
The XJ-S57 comes with a protective soft sleeve that holds the projector, but not much else. (There is a second smaller bag for cables.) The small size, and especially the low height of the projector makes it easy to carry in a briefcase or small laptop bag, unlike almost any other portable projectors almost all of which are at least an inch and a half taller. It can also be permanently mounted, though it’s unlikely that anyone would buy this projector for that use.
If you’re in the market for a highly portable, easy to setup data projector, you could do a lot worse than the Casio XJ-S57.
Editor's note: Perhaps the three most outstanding aspects of the XJ-S57 portable projector are its thinness which allows it to fit in a briefcase, its brightness, and the placement flexibility allowed by 2:1 zoom range of its motorized lens. It really is a fraction of the bulk of most other projectors claiming 3000 lumens. The combination of all three strengths is impressive, but ultimately, the "slimness" of the Casio is what really separates it from the competition, and that aspect of its portability is really the primary key to the XJ-S57 winning one of our Hot Product awards. -art
Casio XJ-S57 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities
Casio XJ-S57 Portable Projector: Pros
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Good brightness, almost 3000 lumens
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Good zoom range (2X)
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Power zoom and focus
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Excellent overall image with any resolution
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Very lightweight and compact – 3.97 lbs. And only 1.7” thick
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No dust filter to maintain
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Ability to display presentations without a computer via a USB storage device
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Optional wireless networking for presentations from up to 4 computers
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Can be set to turn on when plugged in
Casio XJ-S57 Portable Projector: Cons
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Colors are somewhat muted and inaccurate
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Somewhat noisy in high brightness mode
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Puts out a lot of heat close to the projector
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Remote has too many buttons the same size and is hard to read in low light
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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.
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