When I go camping, my main goal is to get out in nature and get away from it all. I attempt to leave all screens and cares behind, and just focus on the outdoors. So, when I had the chance to review the BenQ GS50 Full HD Portable Outdoor Projector, it seemed like a disconnect with my usual view of camping equipment and activities. After some thought, I found several instances where having a portable projector on a wilderness trip could prove really useful.
First, my definition of camping could be quite different than others. For some, it might mean packing the absolute bare minimum in ultralight equipment. Personally, on family trips, having the ability to pop on an animated film could make a camping trip much more pleasant for our 6-year-old. While our little one certainly enjoys playing in nature all day, sometimes some relaxation for us parents during a movie break can make all the difference on a long trip.
Another area that really interested me was the possibility of bringing a portable classroom to any location in the wild. As a kayak instructor, we often have events or classes where we split our learning between on-the-water time and classroom time. Having the ability to project media anywhere can free us from spending time in an actual classroom or finding dedicated campgrounds to host our events.
Now, let’s get into the specific features of the BenQ GS50 Full HD Portable Outdoor Projector.
Key Features of the BenQ Outdoor Projector:
- 1080p full HD resolution and 500 ANSI lumens
- 2.1 channel Bluetooth speaker
- Autofocus & side projection
- Comes with a power adapter, power cord, Android TV dongle, remote control, and carry bag
Setting up
After unboxing the projector, I must admit it’s impressive how small it is for what it can do. It comes with a remote control, power cable, and an Android TV-powered media stick that allows it to connect to WiFi. It also provides all the usual HDMI media streaming capabilities: 4K video streaming, airplay, voice search, and access media apps such as Youtube, Netflix, and more. This means that you can easily use this as a portable backyard projector. If you have a screen or area to project onto within your home’s WiFi reach, you can easily enjoy your favorite streaming shows anywhere outside.
The setup had more steps than anticipated but is overall straight forward. I would recommend doing the full setup at home with WiFi access before going on a trip. After plugging in the media-streaming stick into the projector, the GS50 goes through a quick internal setup and lens calibration. You can project onto a surface or from behind if you have that type of screen. You also can log into your streaming services and have all your favorites available when there is WiFi access.
The GS50 has several ports, hidden behind a tab, that can be used directly if WiFi is not available. I played content from my iPhone with a lightning to HDMI cable adapter, and directly from my laptop. The projector displayed the media well and recognized the inputs quickly.
Charging its battery did not take long and I was ready to go outdoors for a real test run.
Projection Quality
To test the GS50’s projection quality, I wanted to use our usual camping setup. We have an old VW Westfalia camper van from the 80’s – and hanging a sheet or screen from its roll-away door awning would be our best bet for good visuals on the road. So, I purchased a screen and got it set up. I was hoping to test its brightness and quality not only when it was dark, but also to see how dark our “outdoor classroom” would have to be if we used it for an outdoors teaching event.
Once conditions were dark enough, the picture quality was great. I was seated near the projector and could hear the media well. The GS50 autofocused easily and ensured a crisp image the entire time it was being used. All in all, I did not have to do much to make it all come together. I placed it on our little aluminum table, propped it up slightly to aim at the screen and was good to go.
In terms of overall brightness, the projector did very well at dusk and later. Even at its highest setting, a bright afternoon/evening will make it hard to project an image. So, for the outdoor instructional idea, it would have to depend on access to a dark enough area to project, or timing for visual materials being later in the day. Overall, I do not think this a deal breaker. Many times during events, we might spend the day outdoors learning and then come together as a group to re-cap in the evening. The GS50 could potentially allow a group to view materials directly at a campsite, event location, or park gazebo without the need for a classroom.
Sound Quality and Bluetooth Speaker Mode
The GS50 has a Bluetooth mode that allows you to connect any Bluetooth-friendly device and play your favorite tunes without an image. I like the idea of multitasking this way, so it can play the role of projector and Bluetooth speaker. The sound quality was good and I didn’t think it needed any more volume than it has. The sound was balanced and would work well for a small outdoor gathering or a group sitting around a fire.
Conclusion
I see how the GS50 outdoor projector can make a group gathering more enjoyable. Whether being used for a family movie or for a group viewing video clips from an exciting outdoor adventure together, the GS50 is easy to use and portable enough to be packed along with the rest of our camping entertainment gear. And, of course, it can be a great choice for those looking to use its WiFi capabilities in the comfort of their backyards.
