The difference that matters
The Optoma ZH400ST is brighter (4,000 lumens against 3,000). The Optoma ZH400ST throws a given image from closer (ratio 0.5 against 0.69). The BenQ AH30ST costs $210 less at the prices we observed.
Side by side
| Specification | BenQ AH30ST | Optoma ZH400ST |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 3,000 lm | 4,000 lm |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p (1920 × 1080) | Full HD 1080p (1920 × 1080) |
| Native aspect | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Throw ratio | 0.69–0.83:1 | 0.5:1 |
| Distance for a 10.5 × 8 ft 4:3 screen | 9′ 8″ | 7′ |
| Brightness on that screen | 27 fL | 36 fL |
| Light source | Laser | Laser |
| Rated life | 20,000 h | 30,000 h |
| Zoom | 1.2× | Fixed |
| Lens shift | — | — |
| Input lag | About 16.7 ms (game mode) | — |
| Price seen | $1,499 | $1,709 |
Highlighted rows differ. Figures come from each product's sources; room depth, distances and brightness are FOREference calculations using the same method for both.
Which should you choose?
Optoma ZH400ST
Choose the Optoma ZH400ST if your room has ambient light or a large screen or you need to mount it close to the screen.
Before you buy either
- Check the room: room size calculator and ceiling height calculator.
- Confirm what each seller includes — accessories, software trials and bundles change often.
- Read the limitations on each full reference page.
FOREference compares published specifications; we have not tested these products side by side. How we work · Disclosure