Z2 v. Z3

[Swampy]

As far as I can tell there is about a $250.00 difference between the Z2 and Z3. Does anyone know if there is a big enough difference to justify $250?

Thanks in advance!

[Mr. Mxyztplk]

I have never owned or seen the Z2, but I purchased the Z3 in December and I love it! The obvious features that are different from the Z2 are:
- Z3 has the black case, big plus for me since I did not want to hide the pj
- The projector is quieter!!! I have to turn off my HTPC and XBOX to hear it
- The Z3 has two component inputs, hdmi, vga, and s-video connections. I have my HTPC connected to the PC, a HD-Sat connected to the hdmi, Xbox on one component, Gamecube on the other. This critical since I do not use a AV receiver for video switching.
- The Z3 has a LCD panel cleaning feature the Z2 or any other LCD projector does not have. From the forum posts here and AVS, this is a great feature. I have not used it yet though.
- Dynamic Iris that kicks up the contrast from 1300 to 2000 over the Z2. I don't how much benefit this is since I use the pj in theater black mode (low lamp setting)

[Paul H]

I do own a Z2, and while it is quiet as projectors go, I do not have to turn off everything in the room to be able to hear it. If the Z3 is that quiet (I haven't seen/heard one myself) and I were buying again I'd spend the extra $250.

Paul

[cadman]

Z2 v Z3

well here in Canada its 1200$ diff
and I have a Z2 working find and I heard the Z3 and its not quiet at all,
If I was buying again I would go for the Panasonic 700,
but I do like the 3 year waranty on Z2