Epson has announced the EpiqVision Mini EF22 and EpiqVision Mini EF21 lifestyle projectors, modernized replacements for its long-in-the-tooth EF12 and EF11 laser portables.

The EF22 priced at $999, and EF21 at $899, are essentially the same projector with one primary difference: the EF-22 features a rugged tabletop stand that allows it to rotate 360 degrees and swivel 150 degrees to allow for simplified setups as well as the ability to easily project on ceilings.

Aside from a couple of additional fashion color options for the EF22 as noted below, both units otherwise share similar specifications and features, including the same 1,000 ISO21118 lumens brightness and 1080p resolution found in the earlier models. Both projectors are also compatible with HDR content as were their predecessors. The 3-chip LCD design, a hallmark of all Epson projectors, brings the usual benefits of equal white and color brightness and immunity to rainbow artifacts that can occur with single-chip DLP projectors. The projectors are rated for 20,000 of laser life.

Additionally, the new projectors are well-outfitted with a suite of up-to-date auto-setup features, packaged under the branding of EpiqSense technology. These include instant auto-keystone (which provides perfect rectangular geometry), auto-obstacle avoidance (which will shrink the picture down to avoid obstacles in the projection path), and auto-screen fit for when a screen is being used. These features are available for images up to 100 inches diagonal, though the projectors top out a maximum 150-inch diagonal image size.

Though the earlier EF12 touted a Yamaha-designed on-board audio system that we reviewed favorably, both new projectors use an in-house designed Dolby Audio-compliant solution with a pair of 5-watt stereo speakers combined with a passive radiator.

A significant upgrade has been made to the streaming platform with the application of Google TV, the latest Android solution that, happily, comes integrated with a native Netflix app that has been missing from so many Android-based projectors. Virtually all the major services are available through the Google Play Store.

Along with built-in WiFi for streaming, wired connectivity is provided via a single HDMI port (with ARC), and a USB-A port that can be tapped to play media from a USB drive or to connect a web camera or mic. A 3.5mm stereo audio output is provided for headphones or an analog connection to an outboard sound sound system. Bluetooth is also onboard.

Epson does not specifically promote the new EF projectors for gaming and the available Color Modes listed in the specs do not cite a dedicated gaming mode. The company issued no spec for input lag as they have done with some previous projectors where accommodations were made to minimize latency. We measured minimum input lag on the earlier EF12 as greater than 110 milliseconds for 1080p/60 signals, a high number that is suitable only for casual gaming and was attributed to the processing of signals through the Android operating system. We'll await testing to confirm input lag on the new models.

Both models feature a portable and relatively lightweight design, and are compatible with an optional custom travel case that retails for $49. The smaller EF-21, without the integrated stand, measures in at 7.75" x 4.4 x 7.5 inches (WHD) and weighs 5.1 pounds. It is available in three different color options including Diamond White, Opal Green and Quartz Rose. The EF-22 shares a similarly-sized chassis but with its articulating stand comes in at 9.3 x 7.5 x 7.5 (WHD) and 6.6 pounds. It's offered in two additional colors including Stone Blue and Onyx Black.

The EpiqVision Mini EF22 and EF21, as well as the custom travel case, are both available early October on Epson.com and at select retailers. ProjectorCentral's review of the EF22 is planned for later this fall.

For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Epson Epiqvision Mini EF-22 projector page.

To buy this projector, use Where to Buy online, or get a price quote by email direct from Projector Central authorized dealers using our E-Z Quote tool.

The Epson Epiqvision Mini EF-22 is also sold outside of the United States of America as the Epson EF-22N. Some specifications may be slightly different. Check with Epson for complete specifications.