I love gadgets and one type of gadget that never fails to catch my attention are cameras, especially DSLR cameras. This particular camera that I’m sharing with you right now, is an ordinary looking point-and-shoot camera but what caught my attention is the hidden feature that enables this device to not only function as a regular camera but also as a projector. Yes, you read that right. This Nikon camera is a camera and projector rolled into one. Ain’t that neat?
Earlier this week, Nikon unveiled several new models of cameras under the Coolpix line of products and one of them was the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, a camera with a built-in projector.
Nikon’s official press release:
MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 4, 2009) — Nikon Inc. continues its tradition of innovation, design and performance with the introduction of four new COOLPIX Style Series compact digital cameras. Building on the success of Nikon’s previous touch-screen models, the ultra-stylish COOLPIX S70 features an enhanced interface and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology for a new user experience, housed in a stylish camera body. The COOLPIX S1000pj features the world’s first built-in projector, which enables consumers to share their images and videos in an all-new fun way. Additionally, the COOLPIX S640 and COOLPIX S570, leaders in speed and affordability, respectively, complete the new smarter, cooler, simpler COOLPIX line.
…
NEW COOLPIX S1000pj FEATURES WORLD’S FIRST BUILT-IN PROJECTOR, YOUR PERSONAL THEATER ON THE GO
Providing consumers with new exciting ways to share images, the COOLPIX S1000pj transforms photo-sharing into a multimedia experience. With the touch of a button, users can project images and videos as large as 40 inches, and with the camera’s unique slideshow function, playback pictures with music, effects and creative transitions. Additional features of the S1000pj include: 12.1 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO from 64-6400***; a 2.7-inch wide-angle LCD display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.The COOLPIX S1000pj will be available in Matte Black, in September 2009, for $429.95 MSRP.
Basic Specifications:
- Resolution: 12.10 Megapixels
- Lens: 5.00x zoom (28-140mm eq.)
- Viewfinder: LCD
- LCD Size: 2.7 inch
- ISO: 80-6400
- Max Aperture: 3.9
- Mem Type: SDHC / SD
- Battery: Custom LiIon
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.5 x 0.9 in. (100 x 63 x 23 mm)
- Weight: 5.5 oz (155 g)
Product Photos:
If photos aren’t enough, here’s a product video presenting the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj.
Product Video:
There are mixed reactions to the announcement and launching of the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj. Some people like it and say that it will be a huge success while others contradict and say that it will be a huge flop. Like any product or gadget, it can’t please everyone. Even the very popular Apple iPhone can’t do that. Regardless of what others think, I believe that Nikon has produced a unique product that can cater to a certain market. It might not be a huge success but I don’t think its gonna be a flop either.
For those of you who are interested on getting a Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, it will be available in stores on September 2009 with a retail price of $429.95.
If you can afford the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, would you buy one? What are the things you like or dislike about it?
[images and video courtesy of Nikon USA Press Room]
hi!
It’s really a good thing that Nikon guys were able to pull something like this and this could start the ball rolling for other manufacturers. I too wrote about this cool gadget at http://www.melvindiaz.com/2009/08/13/nikon-coolpix-s1000pj/
Cheers!
I feel that this projector in a camera will extend to mobile devices soon – imagine projecting a desktop onto any convenient wall space, or a sheet of white paper or cardboard. The mobile device will be that much closer to being a viable alternative to a desktop pc or notebook. Mobile is where it is all heading to!
@Michael – Yeah, I have a feeling other camera already considered or have this type of technology on one of their prototypes. Its just a matter of time before we see this not only on digital cameras but also on other gadgets like cellphones, pdas and laptops. :)
Now that Nikon started putting projectors on cameras, everybody will follow and copy for sure.
@Jhay – As far as I know, there’s already one cellphone model that has a built-in projector. I just forgot the make and model. I just Googled it and its a prototype made by LG. Hehe but if there’s already a prototype then it means that manufacturers already have the capacity and technology to do it and have plans of releasing a product to the public in the near future. :)
I have a feeling video cameras would soon have a built-in projector as well.
And perhaps even mobile phones for video calls?