The difference that matters
The Panasonic PT-VMZ51S is brighter (5,200 lumens against 4,000). The BenQ AK700ST throws a given image from closer (ratio 0.69 against 1.09). The BenQ AK700ST lists higher resolution (4K UHD). The BenQ AK700ST costs $290 less at the prices we observed.
Side by side
| Specification | BenQ AK700ST | Panasonic PT-VMZ51S |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 4,000 lm | 5,200 lm |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | WUXGA (1920 × 1200) |
| Native aspect | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Throw ratio | 0.69–0.83:1 | 1.09–1.77:1 |
| Distance for a 10.5 × 8 ft 4:3 screen | 9′ 8″ | 13′ 9″ |
| Brightness on that screen | 36 fL | 52 fL |
| Light source | Laser | Laser |
| Rated life | 20,000 h | 20,000 h |
| Zoom | 1.2× | 1.6× optical |
| Lens shift | — | Horizontal and vertical |
| Input lag | 16 ms (1080p game mode); 33 ms at 4K | — |
| Price seen | $2,899 | $3,189 |
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?
BenQ AK700ST
Choose the BenQ AK700ST if you need to mount it close to the screen or image detail matters most.
Panasonic PT-VMZ51S
Choose the Panasonic PT-VMZ51S if your room has ambient light or a large 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