Optoma HD23 Projector - Image Quality

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Art Feierman

A lot of processing goes on from the start of a photo shoot until you are viewing the Optoma HD23 images on your computer screen. As a result, these images are reasonable indications, but not accurate enough for truly comparing color, saturation and other aspects. Note: Selected images relating to shadow detail, and especially black level performance can be somewhat effective at demonstrating how the HD23 compares to other home projectors. Different computers, browsers, displays, graphics cards, and software affect how the image looks on your screen. The HD23 images came out looking very good, although when viewed on my Macbook Pro screen, a slight bit oversaturated. If you think these pictures look good, just wait until you take an HD23 home.

Optoma HD23 Out of the Box Picture Quality

Not an ugly mode in the group, all the preset modes vary from pretty good to exceptionally good. Cinema mode, for example, is nice, a bit cool, but with otherwise pretty well balanced color. This is a mode you can watch anything on. Reference (or User mode) is not as bright, but a little more natural - a "best mode" as we refer to it.

If you become a real enthusiast, you can get the HD23 calibrated. Less expensive, try our settings, but even the "right out of the box" settings will not offend. They always look at least as good as you would expect from a good LCDTV.

Click Image to Enlarge

Optoma HD23 Projector - Flesh Tones

Using the HDMI inputs, there's no access to the color or tint controls. With that the case, skin tones sometimes seem to have a bit too much red, due to color saturation, with no ability to conveniently reduce them. For a family room projector, picture quality (notably skin tones), are very pleasing. I've found the HD23 to rather forgiving when viewed.

Optoma HD23 Image Quality Slideshow

Skin Tones

Leeloo (The Fifth Element) demonstrated the really good skin tones. There's a bit of a natural feel and texture. The HD23 really looks incredible similar to the HD33 when it comes to skin tones.

Skin Tones

full sunlight

Skin Tones

HD 23 filtered sunlight

Skin Tones

Here's the same Bond image from the HD33 below. They truly are strikingly similar, although the HD23 image is a touch darker due to the exposure differences