Modern projectors come in all shapes and sizes, but the Fujifilm Z line stands out from the crowd. This isn't due to notably high brightness, though that's certainly the case, but the industry's only folded-type rotatable lens mechanism.
The latest model in the series, the ZUH12000, is the brightest of a bizarre-looking bunch that started with a 5,000-lumen unit in 2018. That projector debuted a funky periscope-like ultra-short-throw lens that could be rotated to change image orientation without moving the body around.
The main arm can be moved 90 degrees. But the business end can also swivel 360 degrees so the thrown visuals can be directed up, down, front, back, left or right for unmatched installation flexibility.
Fujifilm has added brighter versions to the range in the years since, but the latest flavor is the first to offer 4K resolution at 12,000 ANSI lumens, for use in locations with bright ambient light. As with the rest of the clan, this will most likely be installed at event spaces, lecture halls, immersive museums, large meeting rooms and the like since this range is aimed at businesses not consumers.
The company says that it's employed a brand new laser light engine to work with the latest 0.8-inch HEP DMD DLP chip with a 9 micron pixel size and wide 14.5-degree mirror tilt angle for improved efficiency and enhanced contrast. In this case, users are promised vivid, color-rich output at 3,840 x 2,400 pixels.
The proprietary optical engine from the previous model has been enhanced for improved color reproduction and smoother gradation. Plus film simulation modes "incorporate Fujifilm’s renowned color reproduction technology developed through photographic film."
The ZUH12000 is also the first in the series to support interchangeable lenses, giving users even more placement/application flexibility. Three options are offered out of the gate. First up is the ultra-short-throw rotatable unit with a throw ratio of 0.34 - 0.41 that's reportedly capable of delivering 400-diagonal-inch visuals from 9.7 ft (2.97 m) away from the display surface.
This lens is made up of 20 elements and two mirrors plus a large-diameter aspherical lens that nips distortion and aberration in the bud. A newly designed three-group zoom mechanism is said to provide one of the largest optical zoom ranges in its class (1.2x). And lens shift can move the thrown image 60% vertically and 30% horizontally without physically manipulating the lens.
Users can also opt to pull the projector back and mount a short-throw lens with a throw ratio of 0.5 - 0.65 and lens shift of 53% vertical.25% horizontal, or pop in a 1.25-2.0 standard lens with lens shift of 55% vertical and 25% horizontal. Optical zoom is available too, along with geometric correction and edge blending.
This isn't a smart projector running a dedicated streaming entertainment platform like Google TV, so users will need to feed in content via the dual HDMI 2.0 ports or SDI – though there is Ethernet LAN for network connection and powered USB Type-A (for maintenance). The projector on its own tips the scales at 39.9 lb (18.1kg), with lenses adding up to 9.9 lb to the package. Sans glass, you'll also need to factor in dimensions of at least 21 x 15.5 x 7.4 in (535 x 396 x 189 mm).
Though the ZUH12000 is available to buy from today, Fujifilm hasn't revealed pricing in the US – though retailers in Europe are asking around €33,000. Sadly way too rich for my wallet, but if any of our readers get to use this bizarre monster I'd be interested to hear about your experiences.
Product page: Fujifilm ZUH12000
