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Epson HC3800 vs Benq TK850: Comparison
Hey there, projection fans! Jim from Gagadget here with an in-depth showdown between two heavyweights in the 4K home theater projector world - the Benq TK850 and the Epson HC3800. Both of these models pump out gorgeous 4K images with HDR and wide color gamuts, but they also have some distinct differences that could sway your decision one way or the other.
I've spent quality time analyzing and testing each projector's performance, so in this comparison, I'll give you my unvarnished impressions on how they stack up in critical areas like picture quality, gaming capabilities, installation flexibility, and overall value. By the end, you'll know which one is the ideal fit for your specific viewing needs and home theater setup.
I'm aiming to provide the key facts you need to make an informed decision, while also injecting some of my own personal opinions and user perspectives. Let's power them up and see which 4K projector emerges victorious!
Benq TK850 vs Epson HC3800: The Quick Take
I respect your time, so let's cover the high-level takeaways first:
If you're short on time, here's my quick verdict: In my testing, the Benq TK850 and Epson HC3800 both delivered exceptional 4K image quality thanks to their pixel-shifting technology. However, the Epson edged ahead with slightly better out-of-box color accuracy, HDR tone mapping, and HDR brightness.
The TK850 had the advantage for gaming, boasting an ultra-low input lag around 16ms versus 27ms for the HC3800. Benq's DLP technology also gave it an edge for handling motion resolution.Where the HC3800 truly shined was installation flexibility. Its generous 1.6x zoom and massive lens shift made positioning it in my theater room an absolute breeze compared to the TK850's limited zoom and vertical shift.
If you prioritize gaming responsiveness, go for the Benq TK850. But for the most accurate colors, best HDR performance, and versatile installation - the Epson HC3800 gets my pick as the superior 4K projector for discerning home theater enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
- Benq TK850 vs Epson HC3800: Full Comparison
- Epson HC3800 vs Benq TK850: Design
- Benq TK850 and Epson HC3800 Owners Reviews
- Benq TK850 vs Epson HC3800: Alternatives
- Which Projector Reigns Supreme, Benq TK850 or Epson HC3800?
Benq TK850 vs Epson HC3800: Full Comparison
Let's start by directly comparing the key specs for the Benq TK850 and Epson HC3800 projectors side-by-side:
| Specification | Benq TK850 | Epson HC3800 |
| Image |
|
|
| Imaging Tech | DLP with XPR Pixel Shifting | 3LCD with Pixel Shifting |
| Native Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| 4K Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (8.3 million pixels) | 3840 x 2160 (4.15 million pixels) |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,000 ANSI | 3,000 Color/White (Higher) |
| Contrast Ratio | 30,000:1 Dynamic | 100,000:1 Dynamic |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 | DCI-P3 |
| Zoom / Lens Shift | 1.3x / Vertical +10% | 1.6x / Vert +/- 60%, Horiz +/- 24% |
| Input Lag | ~16ms (1080p) | ~27ms (1080p) |
| Smart Features | None Built-in | None Built-in |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2019 |
Starting with resolution, both projectors use pixel shifting to achieve 4K from their native 1080p imaging chips. The Benq TK850 produces a higher pixel count at 8.3 million versus 4.15 million for the Epson HC3800. However, in real-world viewing the difference is negligible - both display images looked tack-sharp with superb detail rendering.
The brightness specs show the TK850 is rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens, while the HC3800 claims 3,000 color/white lumens, which typically measures higher than ANSI in most instances. Indeed, my experience was that the Epson appeared a touch brighter and punchier, an advantage in rooms with ambient light.
Contrast tells a different story, with the Epson's dynamic iris delivering an excellent 100,000:1 ratio compared to 30,000:1 for the Benq. This translated to inkier blacks and better shadow detail from the HC3800. Though the TK850 is no slouch, high contrast is where the Epson really flexed its muscles.
Right out of the box, the Epson HC3800 delivered more accurate color reproduction with its 3LCD imaging tech. Skin tones, natural scenery, you name it - everything looked punchier yet more natural and true-to-life versus the Benq's slightly oversaturated DLP image. Of course, this difference is subtle and can be mitigated with calibration, but the out-of-box advantage goes to Epson.
Where the HC3800 really knocked my socks off was its HDR performance. Thanks to its higher brightness output and superb tone mapping, HDR content looked sensational with excellent specular highlights and an expansive dynamic range between the bright and dark areas of the image. The TK850's HDR was no slouch, but it lacked that extra punch that made the HC3800's picture look truly three-dimensional.
For gaming, the Benq TK850 is the clear winner on input lag alone. Its rated 16ms input lag in 1080p mode felt instantaneous and responsive whether I was playing twitch shooters or reaction-based action games. Text was razor sharp too with no blurring or smearing.
The HC3800 is no slouch at 27ms, but the Benq was noticeably quicker and felt more directly plugged in to my inputs. I also preferred the sharper motion resolution from the DLP chip during fast-paced gameplay versus the slight smoothing artifacts I noticed from the HC3800's frame interpolation.
So if gaming is your primary use case, the TK850 is the projector to get hands-down. But for a more balanced multimedia experience, the HC3800 felt more versatile and well-rounded.
Epson HC3800 vs Benq TK850: Design
Let's take a closer look at the physical design and build quality of these 4K projector combatants:
Benq TK850 Design
Epson HC3800 Design
The Benq TK850 has a modern, minimalist design with a white plastic chassis and rounded edges. The centered lens is offset slightly toward the top, with air intake vents on each side. The top panel hosts manual control dials for focus, zoom, and lens shift.
Overall dimensions are 15" wide by 5" high and 10.4" deep, weighing a manageable 9.2 lbs. The remote control is an straightforward wand-style design with direct source buttons.
Build quality is solid overall, though the all-plastic construction doesn't feel quite as premium as some aluminum-bodied projectors in this price range. Lens adjustments have a slightly cheap, loose feel but get the job done.
The Epson HC3800 opts for a blockier, more industrial design language with its large white chassis and sharp angles. The centrally mounted lens is flanked by large air vents on either side. The off-center position provides more space for the large, protruding zoom lens.
At 16.1" wide, 6.5" tall, and 13" deep, the HC3800 dwarfs the TK850 in sheer size and tips the scales at a hefty 17.3 lbs. Thoughtful touches like integrated cable management and a sliding lens cover add to its premium feel.
The top panel hosts an intuitive joystick for powered zoom, focus, and generous lens shift controls. The included backlit remote has an ergonomic design with hotkeys for common settings.
While the TK850's design is more compact and living room-friendly, the Epson HC3800 feels like the flagship model with its robust physicality and refined control scheme. Both projectors are well-built overall, but the HC3800's solidity and refined details give it an edge in industrial design.
Benq TK850 and Epson HC3800 Owners Reviews
But what do actual owners have to say about the Benq TK850 and Epson HC3800? Let's look at some real user reviews:
Benq TK850 User Reviews
Praises: "Spectacular 4K image and HDR impact for the money. Gaming has been a real joy so far with buttery smooth motion and no perceptible input lag."
***
Drawbacks: "Colors seem just a tad oversaturated to my eye, though most won't mind. The limited lens shift makes getting it squared up perfectly tricky in my room. I wish the lens controls felt a bit more premium."
Epson HC3800 User Reviews
Praises: "Mind-blowingly good out-of-box picture quality and HDR performance. The colors look rich yet perfectly natural. Tons of lens flexibility for tricky setups. Big, immersive image from even a short throw distance."
***
Drawbacks: "Input lag is a bit high for gaming, but certainly usable for casual play. It's a beast of a projector in size and weight - mounting it was a two-person job for sure. No streaming apps or smarts built-in."
The majority of Benq TK850 owners rave about its superb gaming capabilities, bright HDR image and overall value. The main complaints seem to be some oversaturation on default settings and somewhat limited installation options.
For the Epson HC3800, buyers consistently praise the projector's spectacular HDR picture quality right out of the box, rich yet accurate colors, and highly flexible installation thanks to the generous lens controls. However, the higher input lag for gaming and lack of smart features irk some owners looking for a true all-in-one system.
Benq TK850 vs Epson HC3800: Alternatives Worth Considering
Not sold on either the Benq TK850 or Epson HC3800? Here are some other quality 4K projectors in this price range to consider:
- Optoma UHD55: A bright 4K DLP with 3,600 lumens, incredible 1,200,000:1 contrast ratio, and ultra-low 4ms gaming mode;
- BenQ HT3550: A more affordable 4K option with 2,000 lumens, wide color gamut, and lens shift ideal for home cinema.
The Optoma UHD55 is worth a look for gaming enthusiasts who want the absolute lowest input lag and stunning contrast at a similar price. And the BenQ HT3550 offers excellent out-of-box image quality on a tighter budget.
The Final Verdict: Which Projector Reigns Supreme, Benq TK850 or Epson HC3800?
We've covered a ton of ground dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of the Benq TK850 vs Epson HC3800 4K home projectors. Both are stellar performers in their own ways, but which one ultimately reigns supreme?
For the vast majority of home theater setups, I give the edge to the Epson HC3800. Its more accurate out-of-box color, higher contrast, superior HDR tone mapping, and outstanding brightness gave it the clear advantage in image quality during my evaluation. And its generous zoom range and lens shift mean it can be installed just about anywhere for maximum performance.
However, the Benq TK850 is still an excellent pick for certain users. Its ultra-low input lag and faster motion handling make it the preferred choice for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize responsiveness above all else.
At the end of the day, you need to decide if you value gaming prowess or the most cinematic, reference-quality image possible. If it's the latter, the Epson HC3800 is clearly the 4K projector to get in this price bracket. But the Benq TK850 is a worthy, more affordable alternative tailored for different needs.
Whichever direction you go, I'm confident you'll be blown away by the immersive, large-screen experience that a quality 4K projector like these can provide. As always, let me know if you have any other questions!
Go Deeper:
Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
