There used to be a standard for the tools known as slide projectors: the small device with the rotating slide file on top was a mainstay in classrooms and in the halls of business. But since digital photography and other new technologies bounded into the scene, our use of the slide projectors for sale from trusted vendors has changed a lot. There are now many options for working with slide projectors to advance a company's visual presence in any particular venue.

Business buyers and other decision makers will want to choose their projectors according to what kind of use makes sense within the company. It helps to think long-term about the way it will work best to format slides and pictures, for the future of a business, for tasks like:

1. Working in an educational or classroom setting, where traditional models may work just fine, but newer slide projector equipment may be desired.

2. Presenting business information to boards, showing trial evidence in court, or in other venues where digital slide projector models may make the most sense.

3. For other business uses, like third-party rental, client projects, or events where high performance may be needed.

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Find traditional slide projectors

The 'old school' traditionalist may want to stick with old-fashioned equipment, offered for so many years by slide projector providers, that looks much like they did in the 90s, 80s and 70s: these machines that project your old slides are getting a little harder to find, but they're still out there. Use these for reviving old slide collections and staying low-budget.

I recommend: Kodak gives online readers a list of best options for buying traditional slide projectors. The catch is they stopped making them in 2004. Online shoppers can get used slide projector models from Kodak or other brands at pre-owned prices with sites like Shopping.com.

Get digital slide projectors

As photography becomes digital, digital slide projectors are likewise in demand. Take a look at how your business does photography and buy accordingly from digital slide projector suppliers who may be able to provide high-intensity slide projector bulbs with ratings by 'lumens.'

I recommend: Get resources on choosing a digital slide projector at Photo.Net. Find Panasonic digital slide projectors and more at online retail sites like NuGadgets.

Look for new innovations like wireless slide projectors

For the best in new product advancements, check out a wireless slide projector for sale in today's market if you think you'll be doing presentations on the go. Whether you are a classroom presenter, or any other kind of roving ambassador for business, having the versatility of an online projector can prove valuable, though these versions do come with higher price tags.

I recommend: If you're looking to purchase slide projectors with the best features on the market, check out this innovative XD530U Mitsubishi product touted for its 3000 lumens and other neat features, as well as wireless capability. For renting these new devices, check out national sites like Rent Our Projectors.

Even in today’s world of computer-based presentations, business owners and other professionals regularly feel the need for a slide projector. However, with digital technology so popular, it may be difficult to find slide projector equipment for sale in stores. It is, however, possible to find and buy slide projectors online for any number of uses.

Both slide projectors and slide projector equipment are available from some retailers, although you should be careful that what you are purchasing is an actual slide projector and not a digital projector, as digital projectors are far more common products these days. There are actually only a few manufacturers that offer slide projectors for sale, while new slide projector equipment is still available online and from camera stores. You might have the best luck finding slide projectors for sale from online retailers that carry old and surplus stock or from dealers in used camera equipment.

If you’re looking to purchase slide projectors or slide projector equipment, you should keep the following in mind:

1. Don’t accidentally purchase a digital projector instead of a slide projector as they are often both available from slide projector providers.

2. Look for recognizable brands with good product ratings, especially when purchasing older equipment.

3. Consider purchasing used slide projectors along with new slide projector equipment.

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Look for slide projector suppliers with a large stock that includes both digital and slide projector

The most commonly-sold projectors today are digital and don't use slides, so only the largest slide projector providers tend to carry the slide versions.

I recommend: Projector Pros carries most commercially-available projectors. Although focusing on digital projectors, they have information on slide projectors as well. B&H Photo carries a collection of 35 mm and medium-format slide projectors, as well as a wide range of slide projector equipment.

Research the different slide projector models to find the projector that best fits your needs

Especially when shopping for used slide projectors, it's important to know the features of each projector before you make a purchase.

I recommend: Projector Pros offers a tool to compare the features of different projectors. Kodak, although they don’t manufacture slide projectors these days, maintains a slide projector archive that details all Kodak slide projectors. They also provide a store locator, only verified through 2004, for direct purchasing of slide projectors.

Combine used slide projectors with new equipment

Although it can be difficult to find new projectors from slide projector suppliers, used projectors are commonly available and can be combined with new slide projector equipment for optimal quality.

I recommend: The best places to buy used slide projectors are the large online retailers like Amazon, where dozens of different slide projectors are available. Many camera stores, such as Ritz Camera, still carry new slide projector equipment and accessories.

Whether you are looking for a 35mm or a medium format slide projector, choosing the right slide projector to display your image onto a screen or surface is critical to the success of your presentation. Your slide projector will be comprised of a light source, your slide holder, a condensing lens and then your focusing lens. The light is set up to go through the slide as it is held in the slide holder, and it is then in turn enlarged by the lens. The enlarged image is directed to the focusing lens, which focuses it and projects it onto the screen.

Traditional slide projector equipment has been most recently replaced by digital and LCD projectors, but some people still prefer slide projectors because of their low cost and their easy maintenance.

To find out more about slide projectors types and styles:

1. Do a comparison of slide projector equipment.

2. Consider used slide projectors.

3. See what tips other have for when you purchase slide projectors.

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Compare slide projectors styles

Look at the qualities of 35 mm slide projectors versus those of medium format. Also take in mind slide projectors that come with viewers.

I recommend: Take a look at the 35mm slide projectors from B & H Foto. While you are on their site, also check out their other slide projector formats and their accessories. Check out the slide projector selections from PickyGuide. Choose not only from a traditional slide projector, but also from one with a slide viewer.

Look for slide projector suppliers who sell used equipment

Save considerably by finding slide projector providers who sell used or refurbished equipment.

I recommend: Find used slide projectors and equipment from Audio Visions. There you can find projectors, cables, lens and more. Locate used slide projectors for sale from Pluskit eBiz.

Delve more into slide projectors types and styles by learning additional tips and tricks

Find out even more information about compatibility with your other equipment, what size is right for your room and more by reading information from other authors on slide projector purchasing tricks and tips. Especially if you are purchasing used equipment, you want to make sure that you get your purchase right the first time in case you can't return it or do not have a warranty.

I recommend: Use tips and slide projector information from United Visual. They discuss focal length and compatibility with your other audio visual equipment and how that should impact what slide projector equipment you choose. eWeek takes a comprehensive look at choosing a projector for your conference room or laptop. Consider this information before you buy slide projectors online or in store.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing slide projector equipment, you should consider stocking up on slide projector bulbs. As the equipment becomes antiquated, you don't want to become stuck with a projector for which you no longer have access to the right slide projector bulb.

Slide projectors use small photographic slides in order to display larger images on a projection screen or blank wall space. Slide projectors are made up of different components that allow for this image transference.

You will find numerous types of slide projectors, including carousel, dual, single and cube versions. These distinctions are usually made by determining the type of slide holder used by the projector. To make a better buying decision, you should review the key terms of slide projectors.

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Carousel slide projectors

Carousel slide projectors are one of the mode popular versions of the electronic device. They use circular holder trays that house anywhere from 20 to 140 different slides. It uses a light bulb to project the images onto the screen or wall.

I recommend: Picky Guide provides a definition for carousel slide projectors.

Captured images

Captured images are the type of images that you can transfer onto slides in order to display using slide projectors. Photographs and other image sources can be scanned and displayed on slides.

I recommend: Pacific Lutheran University has a listing of captured images that you can use with a slide projector.

35mm

Although LCD projectors are slowly replacing standard slide projectors, you can still find versions available that use 35mm traditional slide film. 35mm projectors use slides instead of digital imaging technology to display images.

I recommend: Photo.net has a particular web article that focuses on different projectors, including 35mm slide projectors.

Focus

The type of focus available for a slide projector will often be mentioned within buying materials. Auto focus means that the projector will automatically focus the slides while remote focus allows the user to manually focus the projector while standing away from the device.

I recommend: United Visual has a definition of both auto and remote focus on the slide projectors section of their website.

Slide show

A slide show is the combination of slides that are displayed through the slide projector. A slide projector will allow you to access different options in order to arrange the order and playback of your slide show.

I recommend: Read the information guide on the Capital University website about the Kodak Slide Projector to learn about slide shows.

Slide projector lens

A slide projector lens will allow the user to control the height of the displayed image. Most standard projectors obtain a 100-150mm projector lens. You will use the projector knobs to increase or decrease the displayed image.

I recommend: Projectors-Projectors.com has a buying guide on slide projectors with information on the lens.