Nikon unveils Coolpix S1000pj with built-in projector

[Allison Johnson]

Nikon announces today a digital imaging first - a combination camera and projector. The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will allow users to display photos and movies at up to 40.0 inches. It will also sport a more traditional 2.7 inch LCD as well as a suite of slideshow transitions, music and effects.

Backing up this new technology is a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor and 5x Nikkor lens. The Coolpix S1000pj will also feature Nikon's 5-way VR system, which includes optical as well as electronic stabilization. With a focal length equivalent of 28-140mm, the S1000pj offers a nice wide angle lens.

On the back panel, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot LCD offers a more traditional venue for viewing photos and movies. The control layout looks familiar aside from the large speaker to the right of the LCD.

The projector boasts up to 10 lumens of brightness. It will be able to display photos and movies as small as 5.0 inches up to 40.0 inches. According to Nikon, a fully charged battery will be able to support continuous use of the projector for up to an hour. Videos will be recorded and projected at 640x480 resolution.

Despite the added functionality of a digital projector, the Coolpix S1000pj strikes a relatively slim profile. Nikon lists the dimensions as 2.5x4.0x0.9 inches. The projector is located front and center on the camera body, and the lens has been positioned in the upper right corner.

Pricing and availability
The whole package will retail for $429.95 and will become available in September 2009.

 

Related Articles:

• Nikon Coolpix S620 First Thoughts
• Fujifilm launches "Real 3D System" for release in September 2009
• Nikon releases D300s with HD video

[photofreak8394]

Wow. $429 is a lot of money for a camera that's only real selling point is a projector. Also, what's with the REALLY slow lens?

[Nicky2007]

First question - what is the lifespan of the projector's bulb? The next question is how much would it cost to replace the projector's bulb for this camera? Light bulbs for projectors are never cheap.

[David Rasnake]

Presumably, it's an LED or laser light source, so lifespan should be longer than the likely functional lifespan of the camera itself.

dr