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Kodak Luma 500 Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£510
  • Avg. price in US: ~$700
  • ANSI lumens: 150
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 1.2:1

Kodak Luma 500 review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.7

Technical Score

10.0%

7.3

User score

Good
5.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

5.2

Image Quality

22.0%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12.0%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

6.7

Audio & Features

8.0%

6.7

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Design & Power

Good
7.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(21)
amazon
4.5
(16)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    8.7

    Input lag

    25.0%

    1.0

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    1.5

    Audio output power

  • 9.6
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    10

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    10

    Smart TV features

  • 6.2
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    1.0

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    7.2

    Audible noise

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Kodak Luma 500 is an ultra-portable 'palmtop' DLP projector featuring a native 1080p resolution with 4K input support and a rated brightness of 150–160 ANSI lumens. Its standout characteristics include an integrated Google TV 11.0 operating system for native streaming (including Netflix certification), a built-in 10,500 mAh battery providing up to 2 hours of playback, and advanced auto-focus and auto-keystone correction for rapid setup. Main pros include its highly compact 5.2" x 5.2" x 1.3" footprint, versatile connectivity via HDMI 2.1, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0, and a long-lasting LED light source rated for 30,000 hours. However, notable cons include its relatively low brightness which limits use to dark environments, weak 1.5W internal speakers, and occasional interface lag within the Google TV menus.

Technical Specifications of Kodak Luma 500

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

5.2

Image Quality

22.0%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12.0%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

6.7

Audio & Features

8.0%

6.7

Connectivity

6.0%

7.4

Design & Power

5.7
Kodak Luma 500 has a technical score of 5.73 points, which is lower than 55.5% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(21)
amazon
4.5
(16)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.3
Kodak Luma 500 has a user score of 7.26 points, which is lower than 78.3% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
4.3
Kodak Luma 500 has a popularity of 4.3 points, which is higher than 63.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

7.8

Price

6.5
Kodak Luma 500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

150
Kodak Luma 500 reaches 150 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 97.1% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

400:1
Kodak Luma 500 has a contrast ratio of 400:1, lower than 97.1% of projectors and equal to 1.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Kodak Luma 500 uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Kodak Luma 500 supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Supports 4K input.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.125 m
Kodak Luma 500 needs a minimum throw distance of 0.125 m, shorter than 97.7% of projectors.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

150 inch
Kodak Luma 500 supports projection sizes up to 150 inch, smaller than 67.7% of projectors and equal to 10% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
Kodak Luma 500 does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

21.7 ms
Kodak Luma 500 has input lag of 21.7 ms, lower than 59.4% of projectors.
At 1080P/60Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
Kodak Luma 500 does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
Kodak Luma 500 does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

2.1
Kodak Luma 500 supports HDMI 2.1, more modern than 82.3% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

18 Gbps
Kodak Luma 500 supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.1% of projectors and equal to 40% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

1
Kodak Luma 500 has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

yes
Kodak Luma 500 supports Wi-Fi. 47.4% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Kodak Luma 500 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), more modern than 55.6% of projectors and equal to 29.2% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

yes
Kodak Luma 500 supports Bluetooth. 50.1% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

5.0
Kodak Luma 500 supports Bluetooth 5.0, more modern than 62.9% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

yes
Kodak Luma 500 has smart TV features. 56.3% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

Google TV
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
Kodak Luma 500 does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
Kodak Luma 500 includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

led
Kodak Luma 500 uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.1% of projectors and equal to 39% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Kodak Luma 500 does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

30,000 hours
Kodak Luma 500 offers lamp life of 30000 hours, shorter than 68.9% of projectors and equal to 25.4% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

30,000 hours
Kodak Luma 500 offers eco-mode lamp life of 30000 hours, shorter than 59.6% of projectors and equal to 35.6% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

36 W
Kodak Luma 500 uses 36 W of power, less than 95.7% of projectors and equal to 0.1% of projectors.
Maximum power-on rating.
Show more

Kodak Luma 500 vs the average projector

  • Supports HDR10+
    Kodak Luma 500 supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.6% of projectors support HDR10+.
    HDR10+ decoding supported.
    What it is: Support for HDR10+ dynamic high dynamic range format.
    When it matters: When you care whether the projector supports dynamic HDR metadata rather than static HDR formats alone.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.6% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    Kodak Luma 500 supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
    What it is: Uses pixel shifting to increase perceived image resolution.
    When it matters: When you want more perceived detail than the native panel alone would provide, especially on bigger screens.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
  • 0.94 m shorter throw distance
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.1 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
    What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
    When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.1 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.0.125 m vs 1.06 m
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    Kodak Luma 500 supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    What it is: Support for HDMI ARC to send audio to external devices.
    When it matters: When you use a soundbar, receiver, or speakers, audio output options matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • Built-in smart TV features
    Kodak Luma 500 has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
    What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
    When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    Kodak Luma 500 supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
    What it is: Built-in Chromecast support for wireless casting.
    When it matters: When you stream directly from phones, tablets, or laptops, wireless casting matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    Kodak Luma 500 has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    What it is: Built-in stereo speakers for audio playback.
    When it matters: When casual use should include left-right sound without automatically adding an external audio setup.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    Kodak Luma 500 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    What it is: Range of vertical keystone correction supported.
    When it matters: When the projector sits too high or too low relative to the screen and vertical image correction becomes necessary.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kodak Luma 500 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Supports HDR10+
    Kodak Luma 500 supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.6% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    Kodak Luma 500 supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
  • 0.94 m shorter throw distance
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.1 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    Kodak Luma 500 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
  • Motorized focus
    Kodak Luma 500 supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 47.2% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Modern HDMI standard
    Kodak Luma 500 offers Modern HDMI standard than the average projector (2.1 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • 5.3 ms lower input lag
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower input lag than the average projector (21.7 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    Kodak Luma 500 supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    Kodak Luma 500 supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Kodak Luma 500 supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 41.6% of projectors support AirPlay.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Kodak Luma 500 supports Bluetooth, while the average projector does not. 49.9% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • Includes memory card slot
    Kodak Luma 500 includes an external memory slot, while the average projector does not. 34.9% of projectors include an external memory slot.
  • Built-in smart TV features
    Kodak Luma 500 has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    Kodak Luma 500 has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    Kodak Luma 500 supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support voice commands.
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    Kodak Luma 500 has a higher lamp life than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
  • 197.9 W lower power use
    Kodak Luma 500 uses less power than the average projector (36 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.
  • 82.5% lighter weight
    Kodak Luma 500 is lighter than the average projector (0.5 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    Kodak Luma 500 has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
  • 167.5 mm narrower width
    Kodak Luma 500 is narrower than the average projector (132 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.
  • 93 mm lower height
    Kodak Luma 500 is shorter than the average projector (34 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
  • 111 mm thinner body
    Kodak Luma 500 is thinner than the average projector (34 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.

Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power
  • 93.2% dimmer image
    Kodak Luma 500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (150 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (400:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • No 3D support
    Kodak Luma 500 does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D playback.
    No supported 3D playback format is stated.
  • 0.24 inch smaller DMD chip
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
  • No 3D glasses support
    Kodak Luma 500 does not support 3D glasses, while the average projector does. 55.9% of projectors support 3D glasses.
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Kodak Luma 500 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Kodak Luma 500 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No RS-232 control
    Kodak Luma 500 does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 52.1% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 70% weaker audio output
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower audio output power than the average projector (3 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
  • Basic light source
    Kodak Luma 500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 93.2% dimmer image
    Kodak Luma 500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (150 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
    When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Kodak Luma 500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (150 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.150 vs 2,200
  • Lower contrast ratio
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (400:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (400:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.400:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    What it is: Number of bits per color channel for color depth.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Kodak Luma 500 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
    When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • Basic light source
    Kodak Luma 500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    Kodak Luma 500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.led vs laser
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.150 inch vs 250 inch
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kodak Luma 500 has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Limited HDMI format
    Kodak Luma 500 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kodak Luma 500 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of Kodak Luma 500 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
21 Reviews
amazon
4.5
16 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Kodak Luma 500?

  • Extremely compact and lightweight 'palmtop' design that can fit in a pocket
  • Native 1080p resolution provides a crisp and detailed image for its size
  • Integrated Google TV OS allows for seamless streaming from major apps like Netflix and YouTube without extra dongles
  • Advanced setup features including reliable auto-focus and auto-keystone correction
  • Built-in 10,500 mAh battery supports roughly 2 hours of playback for true portability
  • Low input lag (approx. 22-30ms) makes it suitable for casual gaming

What customers dislike about Kodak Luma 500?

  • Low brightness (150 ANSI lumens) makes it difficult to use in rooms with any ambient light
  • Weak onboard 1.5W speakers often require external Bluetooth or wired speakers for a good experience
  • High price point compared to other portable projectors with similar or better specs
  • Occasional UI lag or slow remote response within the Google TV interface
  • Mirroring from mobile devices is limited primarily to Chromecast
  • Lower image quality in HDR mode compared to standard SDR

Expert reviews

T
the-gadgeteer.com
18/06/2025
Kodak LUMA 500 FHD Ultra Smart Pico Projector review

The Kodak LUMA 500 FHD Ultra Smart Pico Projector ($699.99) is a highly portable, full HD (1080p) projector running on Google TV, offering an impressive projection size of up to 150 inches. The reviewer praised its excellent picture quality, which is sharp, warm, and highly detailed due to its Texas Instruments DLP hardware. It features seamless automated focus and keystone...Read more

A
au.pcmag.com
27/01/2026
Kodak Luma 500 - Review 2026 - PCMag Australia

The Kodak Luma 500 is a highly capable, 1.2-pound palmtop projector that earns an "Excellent" 4.0 rating and an Editors' Choice award for packing mini-projector features into a pocket-sized device. Utilizing a native 960-by-540 DLP chip with fast-switch pixel shifting to deliver a 1080p native resolution on screen, it supports up to 4K input and integrates a built-in battery...Read more

T
travelandleisure.com
21/08/2025
The 7 Best Portable Projectors of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Summary of Portable Projector Reviews This review evaluates seven of the top portable projectors of 2025, detailing their real-world performance, design features, and value for travelers and home users alike. The testing highlighted several standout models tailored to specific needs: the BenQ GS50 earned "Best Overall" for its outstanding picture clarity, autofocus, automatic image...Read more

T
techwalls.com
07/09/2025
Kodak Luma 500 Review - An Impressive Mini Projector with Native 1080p Resolution

The TechWalls review highlights the Kodak Luma 500 as an ultra-compact, pocket-sized mini projector that stands out for its premium design and convenient portability. Key pros include its sleek, solid body and a built-in 10,500 mAh battery that provides up to 2 hours of playback in Eco mode. It offers an integrated Google TV interface for effortless app streaming, alongside...Read more

M
me.pcmag.com
27/01/2026
Kodak Luma 500 - Review 2026 - PCMag Middle EastWould you like to compare the brightness or battery life of the Luma 500 against its predecessor, the...

The Kodak Luma 500 is a palmtop DLP projector that wins high praise for packing advanced mini-projector features—such as native 1080p resolution (achieved via XPR pixel-shifting), auto focus, auto four-corner keystone correction, and a built-in battery—into a highly portable 1.2-pound chassis. It distinguishes itself from competing pocket models by integrating the robust Google TV...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
27/01/2026
Kodak Luma 500 Review 2026 PCMag UK

The Kodak Luma 500 is a flagship palmtop projector that earns high marks for packing advanced features—such as native 1080p resolution (via a 960-by-540 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting), auto focus, and built-in Google TV streaming—into a highly portable 1.2-pound chassis measuring 1.3 by 5.2 by 5.2 inches. Retailing at a list price of $699.99, it stands out for its...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
the-gadgeteer.com
18/06/2025
Kodak LUMA 500 FHD Ultra Smart Pico Projector Review

The Kodak LUMA 500 FHD Ultra Smart Pico Projector is a highly compact, 20-ounce portable projector that delivers a sharp Full HD (1080p) native resolution image and supports up to 4K input. Powered by Texas Instruments DLP technology and operating on Google TV, it offers a warm, detailed picture up to 150 inches with hassle-free streaming from major apps like Netflix and Disney+. It...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
techwalls.com
07/09/2025
Kodak Luma 500 Review: An Impressive Mini Projector with Native 1080p

The Kodak Luma 500 is an ultra-compact mini projector that stands out for its high-end build quality and pocket-sized portability, making it highly convenient for travel and casual viewing. It features a native 1080p resolution and a built-in 10,500 mAh battery that provides up to 2 hours of playback in Eco mode. Operating on Google TV, it provides a smooth, user-friendly interface...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
pocket-lint.com
21/09/2025
You won't find a smaller projector with this many features

Kodak LUMA 500 Projector Review Summary The Kodak LUMA 500 is an ultra-compact, palm-sized projector measuring just 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches and weighing 1.2 lbs, making it highly portable for travel, outdoor use, and business presentations. Built with a durable metal frame and a recessed lens, the device features responsive on-board touch controls, versatile connectivity (including...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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