The Epson MovieMate 72 is a compact projector weighing 15 lbs. Everything you need for set-up is already built in---all you have to do is plug it in, which makes it convenient for outdoor use. The projector has inputs for supplemental speakers or a video-game player. Its main drawback is that it requires total darkness for optimal viewing.
The Panasonic PT-AX200U is similar to the MovieMate, but it is lighter at 10 1/2 lbs., and it is much brighter, allowing you to start viewing before you have total darkness. It also has a second HDMI port for plugging in gaming consoles.
The BenQ W600 projector has 2,600 lumens of brightness, which makes it ideal for the outdoors where light settings may not be optimal. The projector has 3-D capability and works with video games and TVs. The system weighs only 6 lbs.
The Optoma HD71 projector is small and slim. As tech columnist Barry Sonnenfeld noted on Esquire.com, the Optoma may lack the zoom range of the Epson and the brightness and sharpness of the Panasonic, but you can transport it anywhere with ease.
The LG CF181D boasts high-definition, 1080p resolution---the rest of the projectors on this list only have 720p resolution. This projector is very bright and good for the outdoors. It allows you to watch high-definition and Blu-ray movies. The system is a little heavy, however, at more than 21 lbs.