Inside the world of projectors We have many options depending on whether we are looking for portability or not, depending on the lighting technology, depending on its optics, connectivity or if we have an integrated battery, a sound system or an intelligent operating system.
It is difficult to get the model right if you don’t know how you are going to use it, and of course, many users end up buying a projector and cross out the entire category as invalid devices because that model does not meet their expectations.
One of the most interesting options if you want a projector for be able to bring it and take it anywhere and enjoy movies, series or video games is the bet for a projector like the Nebula Capsule 3very versatile and complete in an almost pocket-sized format.
Most portable projectors have a limited maximum brightness level, and that, redundantly, limits their use to low-light environments. If we take that into account, these types of devices are a very good option.
We have been able to test and analyze this model for a few weeks and we will tell you about our experience. This model has unique characteristics and what is most surprising is everything it offers in relation to its design and size.
Review of the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser: analysis, test and opinion of Computerhoy:
Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Features and Specifications
Nebula Capsule 3 LaserDimensions and weightCylinder 83mm diameter x 170mm high | 0.95 kg Projection DLP 0.23 DMD | Laser | Full HD | Throw Ratio 1.2Maximum brightness300 ANSI Duration of the light source30,000 hoursProjection size120″ from 3.5 metersOperating systemAndroid TV 11ExtrasAutonomy 2.5 h projection | 10 h speakerVoice controlYes, Google AssistantSound8 W Dolby Digital+ (mono)ConnectionsUSB-C | HDMI | minijackPrice849 euros
Dimensions and weight of a portable speaker, a great example of integration
There are several sizes and options within portable projectors. This Nebula model falls among the most compact on the market, but that does not leave out the image or sound quality.
The Capsule 3 Laser has a design that can pass for a smart or portable speaker. With a cylindrical shape with a perforated metal mesh all around, touch controls at the top and a thread at the bottom to be able to be used on a tripod.
In terms of size, we can compare it to a 500 cl tall drink can, and a diameter slightly larger than a tennis ball can. In terms of weight, it does not reach a kilo, as we can see, very manageable.
This projector has a laser projection system and under it we see a small camera. This works in conjunction to get the autokeystone and autofocus mode to work.
On the back we see the three physical connectors: HDMI 2.1, minijack audio out and USB-C to charge its internal battery.
Yes, this model has an internal battery that you can charge via USB-PD and can work without an electrical connection. according to Nebula, for 2 and a half hours or 10 hours if we use it only as a speaker.
In the box, the projector comes with a remote control a 48W USB-PD charger y un cable USB-C a USB-C.
Laser light that is much better than LED, 300 ANSI Lumens
There is something that many people ask us about projectors and that is that many of the models that we see in online stores show figures of thousands of lumens and, of course, there is a catch here since they do not say how they have been measured.
In order to compare it is necessary to use the ANSI number. This portable projector offers 300 ANSI lumenswhich although they place it slightly behind other portable models that reach 400 ANSI, are not noticeable thanks to the weapon hidden inside.
The light source is laser, and unlike LED light sources, it offers a better black level and brighter highlights. In fact this model allows playback of HDR content.
Looking at the specifications on paper and having tried many portable LED projectors, I was expecting “another projector” that is only valid for dark rooms and with which you would not see much definition, but nothing could be further from the truth.
We are dealing with a model that offers a FullHD resolution and, as I said, laser light achieves great color fidelity and natural contrast, greatly minimizing the dark areas of the image.
In addition, all this is completed with a system of autokeystone y autoenfoque that allows to offset a position of up to 40º both vertically and horizontally.
This adjustment is made automatically when the projector is moved or launched using a button on the remote, a reference image is projected and with the lower camera it captures its projection and already triangulates its position and how to correct perspective.
The settings in terms of video are found within the projector settings and we see how, by default, the brightness is automatic and, if we use it with battery, the brightness drops to 40%, and if it is connected it goes up to 100%.
At this ultimate brightness level, the feeling of brightness is higher than an ultra-short throw 450 LED projector I have at home and can even be used with ambient light, here with a traditional 60W bulb on and off.
60W incandescent light on in the room
Light off
Can calibrate the image to your liking with values for brightness, contrast, sharpness, and even wall color and gamma. By default it comes with two image modes: natural and film, but I recommend spending a while messing around and leaving it to your liking.
What is clear to me is that the color quality and contrast that this projector gives is far above what similar LED systems offer.
Perfect sound for a room in terms of power, although mono
Well I have compared this projector before with a portable speaker and it is that in terms of design, this cylindrical format has been used in many smart speakers and a handful of portable models.
This model has a single 8W Full Range Speaker that is capable of reproducing sound Dolby Digital Plusand already at this size, integrating a speaker of this power, plus a FullHD laser projection system, plus a battery, is a great merit.
I liked the balance between the depth of the low-mids and the treble. In fact, in a normal Spanish room, you probably won’t exceed 60% volume. You can choose between different sound modes and a basic equalizer for bass and treble.
However, and as against, we lose the stereo field or the difference between left or right channel. If you want to improve the sound, you can, of course, connect an external sound system through the minijack connector or even via bluetooth.
In addition, another of the advantages of this projector is that it has a button above the power button, which allows it to be paired as if it were a bluetooth speaker, and turns off the entire projection system.
Android is perfect as a base
In a portable projection system, versatility is a point to take into account and, beyond custom software or basic applications, the Capsule 3 Laser uses Android TV 11.
It is a software version that allows the installation of applications from Play Store as if it were a mobile. Here we have to mention that lack of Netflix, if you look for it in the Play Store it does not appear.
It is an endemic problem of projectors and it is that we find ourselves with license problems from Netflix. However Nebula has solved it with a system of easy installation of a mobile version of Netflix from its Nebula Play application where you can consult its manual as well.
We find it a much easier “dummy” solution than the typical one of finding yourself a file explorer, downloading an apk compatible with the device and the Android version of Netflix and installing it.
We have been able to install 12 GB of internal memory accessible many streaming applications and the occasional game, but of course. It is somewhat uncomfortable to play from the projector itself, without a remote that you connect via bluetooth. What we do have is an HDMI port from which to connect any console.
In addition to this, Nebula has touch controls to be able to use the projector without its remote and a mobile app with which to also control it, Nebula Connect, with which to use your mobile as a remote control and even a keyboard.
Autonomy, versions and price of the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
We are going to talk about what has surprised me the most when using this projector, even beyond its image quality: its autonomy.
Nebula has integrated a large battery that promises up to 2.5 hours of projection and 10 hours of use as a bluetooth speaker.
Here in our tests we have seen a 2 hour Netflix movie and then we put on an episode of an hour-long Amazon Prime Video series, and it played 28 more minutes before turning off automatically.
This projector is the company’s highest-end projector in this compact and portable format. It offers laser projection that provides higher image quality and contrast and works with battery and Android.
If you are looking for the best projector of these dimensions without looking at the price, this Nebula is your safe bet. However, if we take a look at the price, we can stop to think about sacrificing something in size…
This is with brightness in battery mode (40%) and with the sound at 50% volume, that is, it does what it promises. If you have it at home, having it connected to the current gives you that extra brightness when choosing that mode and, of course, the difference is very clear visually without having to lose any autonomy.
Regarding versions and price, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser It is sold in black at a price of 849 euros and has also come out in a limited version of Transformers.
As we have mentioned, the projector comes with a charger, cable, remote control and batteries for it.
Review, is the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser worth it?
I have to be honest, if I hadn’t tried it, I would say clearly and emphatically no. And it is that 849 euros that’s a lot of money for this type of portable device. For that range of money you can already buy a traditional projector with a much higher level of brightness, connectivity and possibilities.
However, once tested, I think I can affirm without mistake that this is the projector with the best image quality of this ultra-portable size.
He sound is goodAlthough spatiality is lost, you will not miss volume nor does it have poor frequency coverage.
Versatility and portability are other of its weapons and, of course, if we review it, all this must be paid for. There is no alternative on the market that offers a laser light source with FullHD resolution and HDR compatibility in this compact size.
If you are looking for the best in a design that you can carry in a pocket or without taking up the entire backpack, this Capsule 3 Laser is one of the best options on the market.
Now, if you’re going to do a sporadic use and you are always going to do it in completely dark rooms, surely you can get models at just over half the price Let them do the trick for you like Samsung’s Freestyle.
