Kodak might still bring film photography to mind, but these days, you’ll find its name on a lot more than cameras. One of its newest products is the Kodak Luma 500 FHD Ultra Smart Pico Projector—a portable, palm-sized projector that comes with Google TV built right in. It’s made and sold by C+A Global, Kodak’s long-time brand licensee, and is aimed at anyone who wants to stream shows and movies without needing a full home theater setup.

Roughly 5 inches wide and just over an inch thick, the Luma 500 is small enough to carry in a backpack or toss in a suitcase. It weighs about 1.2 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down if you’re heading out for a weekend trip, backyard movie night, or even a campsite setup.

The big convenience here is Google TV. There’s no need to plug in a streaming stick—everything’s built in. That means access to apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube right out of the box. You can scroll through recommendations, search across services, and even use voice commands thanks to the included remote with Google Assistant. You can also cast content from your phone, which is handy for sharing vacation photos or YouTube videos without connecting any cables.

"KODAK LUMA 500 FHD Ultra Smart Pico Projector | Google TV represents the latest evolution of our fan-favorite LUMA line, offering unparalleled quality and capabilities in a portable package," said Jessica Bitran, public relations director at C+A Global. 

"With its palm-sized design and powerful features, this top-of-the-range projector offers users a versatile and reliable option for enjoying their favorite content wherever they go."

Inside the Luma 500 is a 0.23-inch DLP chip delivering 1080p Full HD resolution. It supports HDR content and can accept 4K sources (though it downscales to 1080p for playback). It has a throw ratio of 1.2:1, so you’ll need about 12.5 feet of distance to project a full 150-inch image. That sounds impressive on paper, but the low brightness might keep you from maxing it out.

This projector puts out just 160 ANSI lumens. That’s on the lower end, especially compared to some other portable projectors in this price range. In bright rooms or during the day, the image may look faint or washed out. It’s really best for nighttime use or darkened indoor spaces.

The contrast ratio is listed at 400:1—enough for casual viewing, but not likely to wow anyone used to higher-end gear. Fortunately, setup is pretty simple thanks to built-in autofocus and keystone correction.

A built-in 10,500-mAh battery gives you up to two hours of viewing on a full charge. That should cover a standard movie, but you might run out of juice before the credits roll on longer films. If you're planning a double feature or gaming session, it’s best to have a power source nearby.

Speaking of sound, the Luma 500 has two 1.5-watt speakers with Dolby Audio support. They’ll do in a pinch, but if you want better sound, you can connect a Bluetooth speaker. The projector also has an HDMI port, so you can plug in a laptop or game console—but keep in mind, the 30ms input lag and 60Hz refresh rate make it better suited for casual gaming rather than anything fast-paced.

The Kodak Luma 500 isn’t meant to compete with big home theater projectors or OLED TVs. It’s really designed for convenience and portability. If you’re someone who wants something easy to set up for watching shows or movies on the go, this might be a good fit. No dongles, no wires, no outlet required (at least for short sessions).

That said, brightness is a trade-off. You’ll get the best results in dark environments, and large projections may not always look their best, especially if there’s ambient light.

You can buy the Kodak Luma 500 now for $699.99, available on Amazon and other retailers. It ships with a tripod and comes in either black or white.

In short, this projector is all about portability and simplicity. Just don’t expect it to light up the room—literally.