The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is a compact digital camera announced by Nikon on August 4, 2009. It is notable for being one of the world's first digital cameras to feature a built-in pico projector, allowing users to project still images and video clips directly from the camera onto a flat surface without the need for external cables or equipment.
Overview
The S1000pj was introduced as a novel concept in the point-and-shoot camera market, combining standard photography functions with an integrated LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projector powered by an LED light source. The projector can display images and videos at sizes ranging from 5 to 40 inches (diagonal) at a throw distance of approximately 26 cm to 2 meters (10 in. to 6 ft. 6 in.), with a brightness of up to 10 lumens and a VGA (640 × 480) output resolution. Continuous projection use yields approximately one hour of battery life on a fully charged EN-EL12 battery.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective pixels | 12.1 megapixels |
| Image sensor | 1/2.3-inch CCD; total pixels approx. 12.39 million |
| Lens | 5× optical zoom NIKKOR lens; 5.0–25.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 28–140 mm); aperture f/3.9–f/5.8 |
| Digital zoom | Up to 4× (35 mm equivalent: approx. 560 mm) |
| Vibration reduction | Combination lens-shift and electronic VR |
| ISO sensitivity | ISO 80–6400; Auto (auto gain ISO 80–800) |
| Shutter speed | Up to 1/8000 sec; minimum 30 sec |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 4 shots at approx. 0.9 frames per second (full resolution) |
| Monitor | 2.7-inch TFT-LCD with anti-reflection coating; 230,000 dots |
| Storage media | SD / SDHC memory cards; internal memory approx. 36 MB |
| Movie recording | HD: 1280 × 720p at 30 fps (AVI Motion JPEG); also 640 × 480 and 320 × 240 at 30 fps; audio: mono (WAV) |
| Battery | Rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL12; approx. 220 shots per charge (CIPA) |
| Dimensions | 99.5 × 62.5 × 23 mm (4.0 × 2.5 × 0.9 in.) |
| Weight | Approx. 155 g (5.5 oz.) including battery and memory card |
| Built-in projector | LCoS with LED; up to 10 lumens; image size 5–40 in.; throw distance 26 cm–2 m; VGA output resolution |
Features
- Built-in projector: The defining feature of the S1000pj. Accessed via a dedicated button, it projects photos and videos onto any flat, light-colored surface. A slider on the camera body adjusts focus.
- Scene modes: 16 scene modes including Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close-up, Food, Museum, Fireworks Show, Copy, Backlight, and Panorama Assist.
- Smart Portrait System: Includes face detection (up to 12 faces), blink warning, blink proof (captures two sequential shots and saves the one with eyes open), and skin softening.
- Motion detection: Automatically adjusts ISO and shutter speed to reduce blur from subject movement or camera shake.
- Active D-Lighting: Brightens underexposed areas while preserving highlight detail.
- Remote control: An included wireless remote (ML-L4) allows operation of the projector and some camera functions.
Reception
The S1000pj was generally well received as an innovative product. Reviewers praised its unique built-in projector as a practical and fun way to share images with groups, and noted solid image quality in good lighting conditions. Criticisms included limited manual controls, reduced image quality in low light (with visible noise at ISO settings above 400), and the projector's modest brightness (best used in dim environments). The camera was described as a "breath of fresh air" in a saturated compact camera market, though some viewed the projector as a novelty feature.
Legacy
The S1000pj is part of Nikon's Coolpix S-series lineup. It was succeeded by the Coolpix S1100pj, which added a touchscreen interface and other refinements. The S1000pj remains a notable example of early integration of pico projection technology into consumer electronics.
