Trying to decide between Artograph Inspire 1200 and Artograph Flare 450? I understand your dilemma!
I used both projectors and compared their features, and how well they project my artwork, so you can see which is better before buying.
My helpful post breaks down all their features and benefits, giving you everything needed so that when it comes time to choose a digital art projector, your decision will be easy!
Artograph Inspire 1200 vs. Artograph Flare 450 Comparison Summary
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My Pick
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Portable Pick
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Who is it for?:
Advanced and professional artists who need a digital art projector to scale up and trace portraits, landscapes, and indoor/outdoor murals. I'd also use it for live workshops and gallery shows.
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Who is it for?:
Best for beginner and professional artists who need a portable digital art projector to scale up and trace portraits, landscapes, and indoor murals. I'd also use it for smaller live workshops and gallery shows.
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Light (Lumens & Contrast):
Quad cast RGB LED Technology - four red, green, blue, and yellow LED lights provide amazing color reproduction
• Lumens: 1,200 (plugged in); 650 (battery) • Contrast ratio: 2,000:1 |
Light (Lumens & Contrast):
Triple RGB LED Technology - three red, green, and blue LED lights deliver vivid details and accurate colors
• Lumens: N/A (plugged in); 420 (battery) • Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 |
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Resolution:
• Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
• Max Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
Resolution:
• Native Resolution: 1280 x 720 (HD)
• Max Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
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Grid patterns:
32 built-in patterns - linear, circular, dotted, 3D, perspective, composition, etc.
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Grid patterns:
12 built-in patterns - linear, circular, dotted
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Projection image size:
From 16″ (A3) to 200″ (5m) with throw ratio 1.2:1
Awesome for close-up work on canvas and projecting indoor and outdoor walls for murals |
Projection image size:
From 10″ (A4) to 120″ (3m) with throw ratio 1.2:1
Small enough to support projecting on a tabletop easel as well as on studio/office wall. |
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Keystone adjustment:
Vertical
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Keystone adjustment:
Vertical
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Connectivity:
Composite A/V
HDMI USB USB-C micro-SD card slot |
Connectivity:
Composite A/V
Mini-VGA HDMI USB micro-SD card slot |
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Size:
7.5″ x 6.5″ x 1.75″ (~19 x 17 x 4.5 cm)
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Size:
6″ x 3.5″ x 1.25″ (~15 x 9 x 3 cm)
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Weight:
3 lbs (~1.4kg)
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Weight:
0.84 lbs (~400g) - like an iPhone
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- 4K resolution
- Powerful and portable
- Rechargeable battery
- 32 built-in grid patterns
- Digital focus adjustment with remote control
- Vertical keystone adjustment
- USB-C Port
- Solid build
- Mounting plate (included) is needed for a tripod
- Remote control doesn't include keystone buttons
• Lumens: 1,200 (plugged in); 650 (battery)
• Contrast ratio: 2,000:1
• Max Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Awesome for close-up work on canvas and projecting indoor and outdoor walls for murals
HDMI
USB
USB-C
micro-SD card slot
- Lightweight and super portable
- Rechargeable battery
- 12 built-in grid patterns
- Vertical keystone adjustment
- Remote takes time to get used to
- Missing USB-C port
• Lumens: N/A (plugged in); 420 (battery)
• Contrast ratio: 1,000:1
• Max Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Small enough to support projecting on a tabletop easel as well as on studio/office wall.
Mini-VGA
HDMI
USB
micro-SD card slot
If you want to look at each projector’s unboxing experience and details, I invite you to read my detailed review of the Artograph Inspire 1200 and Artograph Flare 450.
Accessories
Both Artograph Inspire 1200 and Flare 450 come with similar accessories.
They include remote control, touchpad, USB key with user guide, resources and sample images, HDMI cable, and charger. Artograph Inspire 1200 has an additional composite A/V cable for projecting videos.
Portability
My pick for portability is Artograph Flare 450
I immediately noticed the size and weight difference when I unpacked both projectors.
At ~3 lbs (1.5kg), the Artograph Inspire 1200 is three times heavier than the Flare 450 at 0.84 lbs (~400g).
Artograph Flare 450 is lightweight because it’s meant to be super portable. I could easily fit it into my backpack with my iPad Pro, sketchbook, and necessary chargers. Sometimes I felt I had forgotten it because it was so light 🙂 Artograph Inspire 1200 is also not super heavy and can be easily transported, but you will surely know you have it!
In terms of size, Inspire 1200 is also almost double the size, and it barely fits into my backpack. I chose to carry it standalone in its carrying case so I could also fit my iPad Pro and sketchbook in my backapck.
Connectivity (Ports)
My pick for connectivity is Artograph Inspire 1200
Artograph Inspire 1200 and Flare 450 include similar ports to connect your devices: Composite A/V, HDMI, USB, and micro-SD card slot. Flare 450 also has a mini VGA port, and Inspire 1200 has a USB-C port.
Connectivity has become very important to me ever since Apple discontinued the support of the classic USB port. I had to buy so many adapters and dongles o_O
In any case, I hoped these projectors would allow me to connect directly to my iPad Pro and MacBook without too much friction.
They did, but Artograph Inspire 1200 made it so much easier with the included USB-C port.
Don’t get me wrong, if your computer has an HDMI port, you will achieve the same result. I am just tired of buying all kinds of adapters for my iPad Pro, and the USB-C port on Inspire 1200 just made it frictionless.
And if you need to be flexible or don’t want to connect any of your devices, you can still use a USB key or a micro-SD card to project your artwork, photos, and images.
One thing I especially like about Artograph Flare 450 is that all the ports are on the projector’s back side. Artograph Inspire 1200 has ports spread out on the right and left sides. It’s not a biggie, but you must consider cables length and organize your space more.
Remote Control
My pick for the remote control is: Artograph Inspire 1200
The remote for Artograph Flare 450 has received many challenging reviews. My experience is that it works, but it does take time to get used to. You need to point it to a small area next to the lens to make it work properly. And as you can imagine, that’s not always that easy.
So I was curious how it compares to the remote control for Artograph Inspire 1200.
I must admit, the remote control for Artograph Inspire 1200 was much easier to use. It was more precise and felt like the remote you would get with your TV. The only thing I was missing was the keystone adjustment buttons.
You may be wondering why the remote for Artograph Flare 450 doesn’t have the focus control buttons. That’s because Artograph Flare 450 has a manual focus you control with a small wheel on the projector.
Specs
My pick for specs is Artograph Inspire 1200
| Artograph Inspire 1200 | Artograph Flare 450 | |
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| Light Lumens Contrast | Quad cast RGB LED Technology – four red, green, blue, and yellow LED lights • 1,200 Lumens when plugged in • 650 Lumens when on battery • 2,000:1 Contrast | Triple RGB LED Technology – three red, green, and blue LED lights • N/A Lumens when plugged in (missing spec) • 420 Lumens when on battery • 1,000:1 Contrast |
| Resolution | • Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD) • Max Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) | • Native Resolution: 1280 x 720 (HD) • Max Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
| Projection image size | From 16″ (A3) up to 200″ (5m) Throw ratio: 1.2:1 | From 10″ (A4) up to 120″ (3m) Throw ratio: 1.2:1 |
Spec-wise, the Artograph Inspire 1200 is a more powerful digital art projector. It’s bigger, so it’s natural that it has more space to pack more performance. That’s why I don’t think it’s fair to compare Artograph Inspire 1200 and Flare 450 only on what their specs say.
So I rather compared how well they projected my artwork and performed in different light conditions.
Artwork, Images, and Photos Projection
Here I was comparing the light, resolution, and contrast.
As you see below, in a dark room, both Artograph Inspire 1200 and Artograph Flare 450 projected my artwork with vivid colors, great detail, and appropriate contrast.
However, I did feel the Inspire 1200 delivered more vibrant colors. The additional yellow LED light helps for sure.
See below. When testing with a little bit of daylight coming through, Artograph Inspire 1200 performed better again.
A quick note. These Artograph projectors don’t have specs comparable to digital projectors you would get for movies or gaming. But, despite that, they perform exceptionally well!
I think it has something to do with the advanced RGB LED lights you get with them. They are awesome!
Projection Image Size
Artograph Inspire 1200 can project up to 200″ (5m) compared to the Flare 450, which can project properly up to 120″ (3m).
Both projectors have the same 1.2:1 throw ratio, so that you don’t have to be too far away from the projection surface. This makes them both great for working indoors and outdoors.
Keystone Adjustment
Artograph Inspire 1200 and Flare 450 have vertical keystone adjustment, which is common with modern digital projectors.
The only difference is that on Artograph Flare 450, you can adjust the keystone by using the buttons on the remote control. The remote control for Inspire 1200 doesn’t have those buttons, but you can use a little “hack” – push the grids button, arrow up, and use the left and right arrows to adjust the keystone.
Grid Patterns
My pick for grids is Artograph Inspire 1200
Artograph Inspire 1200 is a winner because it includes 32 built-in grid patterns. Actually, I counted 34, but two are bigger versions of the same grids. I appreciated that besides the typical linear, circular, dot, and composition grids, there are all the perspective grids and other interesting grids like 3D sphere grid and some others I have to research more because I am not entirely sure what I could use them for.
Artograph Flare 450 has “only” 12 built-in grid patterns, but plenty enough to help you learn and speed up your work. I’d prefer there were at least the basic perspective grids, but you can manage with the included linear, circular, dot, and composition grids.
Ease of Use
I found both Artograph Inspire 1200 and Flare 450 easy to use.
As I mentioned above, the remote control for Artograph Flare 450 has some kinks, and it took time to get used to.
Other than that, both have almost identical main menus and the same controls.
If I had to choose which one was easier to use for me personally, I’d say Artograph Inspire 1200 because of the included USB-C port and the precise remote control. I could directly connect it to my iPad Pro using the USB-C data transfer cable. You will achieve the same results if you have devices with HDMI ports or you have HDMI adapters.
Price
Due to its price, I think Artograph Inspire 1200 is more suitable for advanced and professional artists. Though by all means. If you are a beginner, you want the best digital art projector and have the budget for it, get it, too.
At the time of writing, Artograph Flare 450 costs about half of the Inspire 1200. You naturally don’t get the same performance. However, the Flare 450 is super portable and will fulfill most of your needs.
So Which Should You Get – Artograph Inspire 1200 or Artograph Flare 450?
If you want the best digital art projector available today and have the budget, I think Artograph Inspire 1200 will work the best for you.
On the other hand, if you need the most portable digital art projector available today, I think you will be super happy with Artograph Flare 450.
In the end, I believe that whichever you choose, you can create amazing artwork with either of them.
Happy drawing and painting!
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
