Projector Review: NEC NP-M300X Multimedia Projector

June 19, 2015 · NEC

When it was first released in 2010, the NEC NP-M300X was a highly capable multimedia projector – perfect for the boardroom or classroom. Today, it remains a powerful piece of hardware, even though it’s since been replaced by the NEC NP-M322X. It’s currently out-of-production, but that doesn’t change what the projector is capable of. Plus, you can still find used and refurbished M300X's online – which, if the price is right, would make a good investment. Here’s why: The NP-M300X is built for vibrant, color-saturated presentation. It’s equipped with a 3,000-lumen lamp, achieving stellar image performance in standard office lighting. Plus, it can accommodate a variety of video formats, the projector is super portable, and it’s built with a wide range of ports. The only downside, really, is that the technology is a little aged. It remains a great projector, but yet, it’s missing features you’ll find in the replacement NP-M322X, like increased brightness and contrast, enhanced audio and auto keystone correction. [caption id="attachment_1143" align="aligncenter" width="600"]

NEC NP-M300X Projector[/caption]

Key Features: NP-M300X’s Image and Brightness Specs

For a projector that went out of the production in 2013, the NP-M300X offers quite a bit of useful features and specs. The most impressive, though, are the NP-M300X's image quality and brightness. Here’s what you can expect:

Suitable Brightness for Presentations: The 3,000-lumen rated NP-M300X provides substantial brightness and a wide brightness range. In the standard mode, the projector is powerful, and if you were to project a 100-inch image in normal ambient light, you’d achieve a crisp, clear image. There are two addition eco settings, Eco 1 and Eco 2, which are reserved for lower ambient light and for displaying smaller images. Depending on the mode you use, the NP-M300X has a range of about 1,300 to 3,000 lumens. Plus, it’s consistent brightness, with no dim or brighter areas, even in zoomed settings.
Extended Lamp Life: Equipped with a 180-watt VIP lamp (Replacement Part No: NP15LP), the projector’s lamp has an average life of 5,000 hours in standard mode. In eco settings, lamp life is extended up to 6,000 hours. That keeps maintenance costs low, which is another reason this is such a useful piece of A/V equipment for schools and businesses.
Quality Image and Video Performance: NEC’s 3LCD technology is designed to provide powerful image, and when it was first released, reviewers raved about data image performance. It has a native XGA resolution (1024x768), a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, and delivers vibrant colors with excellent saturation. For presentations, that’s exactly what you’re after. Plus, the M300X can accommodate a variety of video formats, from 480i to 1080p Full HD, and performance is consistent, especially for a projector that’s not designed for video. In other words, for the occasional classroom movie, the M300X is a viable option.
Available Connections and Set-Up Flexibility: Compared to today’s projectors, the M300X is a little behind the times, but yet, it features a decent range of connection options and a few useful image correction features. For instance, it has 1 HDMI port, both USB A & B connections, and 2 VGA ports. Plus, it has a zoom ratio of 1.7:1 and vertical keystone correction. Newer models have a bit more selection, as well as features like auto keystone. [caption id="attachment_1144" align="aligncenter" width="1147"] NEC NP-M300X Rear Inputs[/caption]

Is the M300X still a reliable choice these day?

Yes, the M300X remains a capable projector, but only if the price is right. Currently, its replacement the M322X, which is actually two generations removed from the original, sells for about $650 in North America. Thus, that should be your benchmark. If you can find a quality, used M300X in the range of $300, that’s an incredible deal. Plus, with M300X replacement lamps costing around $200, you can have a near-new set-up for less than today’s version. In reality, there aren’t too many features that separate the M300X and the M322X. The newer version has improved brightness at 3,200 lumens and a much greater contrast ratio. Plus, it has improved audio – 10W compared to 20W speaker – as well as auto keystone and useful networking features. But for basic classroom or business presentations, those features wouldn’t be missed. Thus, if you’re on the market for a used or refurbished projector, the M300X might suit you well.