Is the BenQ MS500 good for movies?

It works for DVD and standard-definition movies in a dark room. HD streaming looks soft because the native resolution is 800 x 600.

No. It has VGA, component, RCA, S-Video and USB, so you need an HDMI-to-VGA adapter for modern laptops and consoles.

BenQ rates it at 2,500 lumens with a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. That is enough for a dim room, not a bright one.

What do I need for 3D?

A 3D-ready source, compatible active-shutter glasses and the right player software. The projector is 3D ready but glasses are not included.

Is it worth buying over a 1080p projector?

Only if the price is very low and you mainly show slides or DVDs. A 1080p model costs more but handles HD and text far better.

How does it compare with newer SVGA projectors?

It matches the SVGA class on resolution and brightness. Newer budget models often add HDMI, which this one lacks.

Where is the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector cheapest?

At WorldEyeCam, for $698.23, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings.

Where can I buy the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector?

2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, WorldEyeCam.

BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector

Best price now

$698.23at WorldEyeCamChecked Nov 8

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit WorldEyeCam

BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector

Best price now

$698.23at WorldEyeCamChecked Nov 8

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit WorldEyeCam

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $698.23 at WorldEyeCam on Nov 8.
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector

The BenQ MS500 is an entry-level DLP projector with 800 x 600 native resolution, 2,500 lumens and a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. It is 3D ready and covers legacy inputs: VGA, component, RCA, S-Video and USB. Its low resolution suits dark rooms and simple presentations or movie nights, not detailed HD content. Compare it against used and budget SVGA projectors on features before buying.

Best forBudget home movie nights in a dark roomBasic office or classroom slideshowsRetro gaming and DVD playbackBuyers who need VGA and composite inputs

Pros

2,500 lumens is bright enough for a dim room
DLP chip gives good contrast for the price class
3D ready with compatible glasses and source
Wide legacy connectivity, including VGA, component and S-Video
Compact, light body that is easy to move between rooms

Cons

800 x 600 native resolution looks soft with HD sources
No HDMI input, so modern laptops and consoles need adapters
Single small speaker, so external audio is usually needed
Lamp-based, so the bulb dims over time and costs money to replace
Rainbow effect visible to some viewers on DLP

BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector prices at every store

WorldEyeCamNew
In stock
$698.23Checked Nov 8
Visit WorldEyeCam
eBayPre-owned
Availability unknown
$99.99Checked Nov 8
Visit eBay

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BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector price history

Lowest price we've seen: $698.23 on Nov 8 at WorldEyeCam. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 8.

What reviewers say

Owner feedback on this class of BenQ SVGA projector is mixed. People like the brightness and simple setup for the money, but many find the low resolution and lack of HDMI limiting.

What people mention

ResolutionCriticisedOwners say 800 x 600 is fine for DVDs and slides but blurry with HD content and small text.
BrightnessPraisedReviewers find 2,500 lumens usable in a dim room, though washed out in daylight.
ConnectivityCriticisedThe lack of HDMI is a common complaint; VGA and composite only suit older gear.
SetupPraisedOwners describe it as quick to set up and easy to move between rooms.
Lamp lifeMixedBulb dimming and replacement cost come up, though many accept it at this price.
Rainbow effectMixedSome viewers notice color fringing on DLP; others do not see it.

Specifications

Display Type: DLP
Native Resolution: 800 x 600
3D Ready: Yes
Connectivity: USB, RCA, S-Video, VGA, Component
Brightness: 2,500 lumen
Contrast Ratio: 4,000:1 contrast ratio

Questions and answers

Is the BenQ MS500 good for movies?: It works for DVD and standard-definition movies in a dark room. HD streaming looks soft because the native resolution is 800 x 600.
Does it have HDMI?: No. It has VGA, component, RCA, S-Video and USB, so you need an HDMI-to-VGA adapter for modern laptops and consoles.
How bright is it?: BenQ rates it at 2,500 lumens with a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. That is enough for a dim room, not a bright one.
What do I need for 3D?: A 3D-ready source, compatible active-shutter glasses and the right player software. The projector is 3D ready but glasses are not included.
Is it worth buying over a 1080p projector?: Only if the price is very low and you mainly show slides or DVDs. A 1080p model costs more but handles HD and text far better.
How does it compare with newer SVGA projectors?: It matches the SVGA class on resolution and brightness. Newer budget models often add HDMI, which this one lacks.
Where is the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector cheapest?: At WorldEyeCam, for $698.23, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector?: Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings.
Where can I buy the BenQ MS500 DLP 3D Projector?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, WorldEyeCam.