The new Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is not only an enticing compact camera, but it lives a double life as a pocket projector. Read about the world's first digital camera/projector hybrid here.
Remember those classic picture story show-and-tell sessions of yesteryear? Dad would fire up the projector while the entire family piled onto the shag rug and faced the wood paneled wall for a night of photographic magic. Well, Nikon is attempting to lasso the golden years of film projection with the world's first digital compact to feature a built-in digital projector. Although we have traveled miles from the monstrous, fan-clad slide projector, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is here to transport us back to the days where photographs meant much more than just a drunken tag on facebook.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will enable shooters to view images and videos at up to 40 inches (we're assuming measured diagonally) from a distance of 6 ft. 6 inches on any flat surface. The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will also include a miniature projector stand and remote control for keeping the audience awake. The camera will even add music and transitions for a true slideshow feel. We're looking at a resolution output of 640x480 VGA, so this is no high-def cinematic experience.
We're eager to see how the future of digital projection will stack up against the legacy left behind by those film-consuming hovercrafts we called projectors long ago. The digital version seems like it could have its faults, especially if a mischievous friend gets a hold of your Nikon Coolpix S1000pj and captures a boatload of scandalous pictures right before the big family reunion. Although we suppose it's easier to rifle through a digital menu and launch a Delete spree rather than physically remove each film negative by hand.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will have a 12.1-megapixel sensor with Expeed processing and a 5x optical zoom lens with the ability to capture Macro shots from 1.2 inches away. We get Nikon's 5-way VR Image Stabilization System, which melds Optical and Electronic systems together and Motion Detection focus tracking in order to hone in on fast-moving subjects. The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj will also feature Nikon's "Incredible, Bright" 2.7-inch LCD in back and Scene Auto Selector for beginners.
Nikon's Smart Portrait System is making it way into every new camera this summer, and the system includes the new Skin Softening feature, along with Smile Shutter and Blink Warning, In-Camera Red-eye Fix, Face-Priority AF and D-Lighting. We get 16 Scene modes, Best Shot Selector and an ISO that caps at 6400, although images at high ISOs will be resolution-compromised, unlike the newly-announced Nikon Coolpix S640 and Nikon Coolpix S570, which can handle full-resolution high ISO shooting.
External controls and interfaces seem to be on the light side, especially the standard four-way directional pad and typical LCD size. The only thing that distinguishes the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj from the pack is its sliding faceplate that reveals the projector lens. Aside from that, the curious thing looks like any other compact in its class.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is set to ship in September for $430 and will be available in Matte Black.
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