Nikon announces world's first combined projector camera

 

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Posted on 4 Aug 2009 at 11:01

Nikon forthcoming Coolpix S1000pj is the world's first digital camera with an integrated projector. The company claims the new model will revolutionise the way people share images and videos, using personal projection.

We had a feeling it wouldn't be long before the tiny DLP pico projectors we've seen this year started cropping up in other devices, after seeing prototype mobile phones with built-in projectors at CES earlier this year.

Expect to project an image size from approximately 5 to 40in, although with a brightness of only 10 lumens, you'll be limited to viewing in dimly lit places. The projector has a resolution of 640x480 and you'll be able to project both photos and videos. Nikon hasn't revealed any details about the video modes the camera supports, though. A remote control means that you can operate both the projector and usual camera functions, and a simple projection stand is bundled.

As a camera, the S1000pj has the kind of specifications you'd expect, with a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a 2.7in LCD on the rear. The 5x optical zoom is a bonus, considering most compacts have a 3x zoom.

In addition to the Scene Auto Selector mode, where the camera automatically selects the appropriate scene mode based on the contents of your shot, there are five functions to reduce image blur. These include vibration reduction and Nikon's Best Shot Selector which automatically chooses the sharpest shot from a short burst. Plus, you can 'airbrush' your subjects' faces using the Skin Softening function to reduce blemishes. Together with face tracking, the S1000pj should be capable of capturing the moment.

As always, we'll have to wait until we can get our hands on a review model to find out whether the photo, video and projector quality is up to scratch. The S1000pj won't be available to buy until September 2009, and will cost around £400 including VAT.

Author: Jim Martin