22/05/2009

" The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, owned by BBC Wildlife Magazine, and the Natural History Museum, attracts the very best nature photography pictures, from the world's greatest photographers. As Competition Manager, I have the responsibility of displaying these wonderful pictures, to the judges, the best possible way...
I heard about the Pradovit D-1200 from a professional photographer, who attended its launch at Photokina in September last year. With an impressive spec, and complimentary feedback, I thought, this is worth investigating for the judging...
When Leica, delivered the projector, I couldn't believe what I saw - it was tiny, for its caliber! It arrived in a laptop size bag, with a shoulder strap for easy portability. I asked if there were any tips on how best to setup with my pc, but I wasn't given much - "you just plug in and go..." I've set up a few projectors in the past, and it's never been quite as simple as that, so I probed for a little more information. He said that it really was easy to use and intuitive and explained that as I was the first person (external from Leica) to use the projector in the UK, this was a great opportunity to prove that it really is a 10 minute setup ‘from the box'... I was skeptical. He pointed to the manual in the bag as the solution to any problems and then departed (I made sure I had his mobile number before he went.....!!!)
Amazing, it really was the easiest and quickest setup process that I've experienced. As soon as I connected the projector to my pc, I didn't have to do anything, the Pradovit instantly recognised the computer, started 'talking' to it, and after a couple of minutes, was done. All I had to do then was calibrate the projector, and we were ready for the judging to begin.

Situated in a medium sized room, completely blacked-out (with not a peep of light from anywhere), and the projector positioned approximately 15feet/5meters in front of a very large screen, the projection quality was incredible - bright, clean, pin sharp with great colour balance - all perfect for scrutinizing photographic pictures for this prestigious competition. It's clearly been optimized for photo realism, with such high resolution, great colour range, and excellent detail and contrast - mid tones and whites, especially noticeable. Our ‘Nature in Black and White' category was represented beautifully too.
The Pradovit D-1200 won't make a bad photo any better, but it most certainly shows off the good ones... I walked up to the screen at one point, and got within 4ft away before I could see any dots - superb image clarity, the best I've seen. Its stamina was impressive too, I had the projector on constantly from 8am-7pm fro 3 days and it never reached anywhere near overheating - and it's so quiet, Noticeably so, and I could hear the judge's more clearly. The laser pointer was very useful too.

I referred to the manual once, which was very clear and concise and importantly, not written in techy talk. I was initially put off by its thickness, but I discovered it covered many languages, so the part relevant to you is only a few pages. Spending only a short period of time with the projector, for one purpose, I didn't really get a chance to explore and investigate all its other features, I hope to soon...

But in the meantime, right now, we have a "stonking" digital projector on the market - Leica's Pradovit D-1200 - which I am extremely honoured and proud to be using for the judging of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Technology that enables me to feel confident that I'm showing off the photographer's pictures - to their optimum - and at the same time maintaining the standards of excellence, which Wildlife Photographer of the Year aspires to, is a winner.

I thank very much, and congratulate Leica. "

Gemma Webster
Competition Manager
Wildlife Photographer of the Year