Projector Shootout | EPSON vs SONY | Which Should You Buy in 2025?

In this video, we take on the EPSON LS12000B vs the SONY 5000ES to find out which projector is the best for your Home Theater.

This projector shootout is a close one, but for me, the Epson LS12000B comes out on top. If you're looking for a projector that can handle high-quality 4K video, then the Epson LS12000B is the perfect choice!

**NEITHER OF THESE PROJECTORS HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY CALIBRATED. I AM NOT A CALIBRATOR. ALL COMPARISONS ARE DONE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX WITH NO CHANGES TO SETTINGS**

#sony #epson #homecinema #4k120fps #projector #homecinema #projectorshootout #hdmi2.1

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[hatoraidcowboy]

Which projector do you think is superior?

[damagedspline]

Maybe i missed it but it looks like the Epson is either with the color filter in place (Dynamic Cinema) or in Dynamic profiles... to get better color representation without calibration you should try the Natural profile...

[HomeCinemaJunkie]

I think the major reason to pick the one over the other is if you are using a Scope screen (2.35:1) or a 16:9 screen. A scope screen "requires" motorized lens shift.

[lalop]

Any comment on 4K 120Hz in Epson's?

Also... is Sony's blacks deeper? (Kind of like the OLED deep?) Or why the infinite contrast?

[Wisdom]

Was there much difference with their motion handling between the two projectors?

[AKrumenacher]

I just purchased the Sony about 3 weeks ago. The Epson was the only other one I seriously considered. My decision was helped partially by your previous videos about these two projectors. I got it for $5, 200 by the way. I’ve got a 120” 16:9 screen which is the widest I can physically go in my room. Therefore my screen width is still maximized when I’m watching a 2:35:1 or 2.4:1 movie. Therefore, the lens memory is completely useless, so no need for that. 4k60 is perfectly fine for video games as well. That’s all most games are targeting anyway. Ps, early in the video you say you are going to buy the Sony and then later when you do the comparison you say your probably going with the Epson. Which one is it?! 😂

[heimkinofande]

You should calibrate the projectors before testing!

[johnnyt]

What happens if you dialed down the light output on the Epson, both black levels and clarity should be better. With that kind og light output in a well dark room it can be the key.

[tarakchaudhary]

That was very useful comparison. My theatre is a multi purpose room and has quite a bit of ambient light unless I shut the blinds. I prefer to will be watch live games during the day time because of which my vendor recommends EPSON LS 12000B .

[jonesgeorge]

Does epson comes close to sony after calibration?

[offdacorner]

Very interesting video. I'm still working with my Epson 5040 that I've had since 2018. Been saving up for one of the JVC's (NZ7 or NZ8). But videos like this always give me something to think about. Thanks.

[Mikey-Himself]

I went with the 5000ES simply due to wanting the native 4K. It truly is clearer. I have seen a few demos where that pixel shift just doesn't cut it. My theater is set up with 127" 16:9 and after manually calibrating the lens it hasn't needed to be touched. I like the natural picture, and with my 100% light controlled room it is bright enough for me. Great video!

[cbutube]

Have you tried the settings listed for Dynamic mode on the AVS ls12000 forum ?....works great for me

[Jontorre]

Hello! Just wanted to check if you played HD Fury Diva with the Sony 5000ES? I've tried, but I don't think it looks very good.

[percybedford]

Yeah the Epson would need to be calibrated. The Sony looks really good right out of the box. Both are awesome projectors.

[anth]

Hi . What screen do you have or using for the Sony ?

Thank you very much.
When you look at the written details, Epson seems superior, but when you look at the actual image quality, Sony literally slaps Epson.

[christophercharles]

This is a great video... but will admit I know hardly anything about projectors.... I'll be moving this yr hopefully so will be doing a larger film room... have had pioneer kuros still one and Panasonic flagship oled but am interested in getting a projector as for the big screen impact... only used for movies via panny ub9000 bluray player but am hooked on jet black bars on movies... 🙄 would the Sony be better for this ...I'm the type to save till I get what I want if its going to be worth it..

Many thanks for the video..

[adolphblackstone]

i have a Sony 7000es and I couldn't be happier

[tiberiuskirk]

Good try but I disagree with your test methodology. There would be far more value in having both projectors calibrated so that they are looking their best. OOTB on the Epson is widely acknowledged as a bad image. No idea why Epson used that as their default settings. Dynamic mode using Archea's setings on AVSforum are widely regarded as one of the best settings for the Epson, as it's the only one that allows for full fade to black. The green push can be easily calibrated out.

On the Sony, it gives the appearance of more detail because of Reality Creation. However it also gives false detail if you look closely. The biggest issue with the Sony is it does not have a motorized lens.

They're both good projectors. I only wish you had shown them in their respective best settings. Also I recommend you consistently show each projector on one side. In this video the Epson was sometimes on the right and sometimes on the left.