Nikon's Digital Camera is the First with a Projector

That LCD on the back of your camera can get a little crowded when family and friends are all clamoring at once to view your images. Nikon is intent on changing that with the introduction of the Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj, the world's first camera to a feature a built-in projector.

The COOLPIX S1000pj will capture 12-megapixel images, use a 2.7 inch LCD and offer 5x optical zoom. It will sell in September for $429.95 MSRP.

The S1000pj shoots 12-megapixel stills and standard-definition video, and can then project the images and video on a screen up to 40 inches in width at a resolution of 640x480 at 30 frames per second (standard definition). (A 40-inch screen size requires a throw distance of 6 feet between the camera and screen.) Nikon's built-in software allows for themed slideshows, featuring transitions, effects and music to compliment the images.

A speaker also embedded in the camera will play back audio. To round out the projector experience, a wireless remote and projector stand and screen will also be included.

The LCOS-based projector in the S1000pj is actually Nikon's own pico-projector technology.

Nikon also announced a major upgrade to its S60 touch-screen camera. The new S70 features a 3.5-inch OLED display, promising improved color and contrast. The S70 will also be Nikon's first compact point and shoot that will be able to capture high-definition video (1280 X 720 at 30 progressive frames per second, or 720p30.) The camera will capture 12-megapixel still images, offer 5X optical zoom and be available in September for a suggested price of $399.95.

Nikon also introduced two cheaper cameras: the speed-oriented Nikon COOLPIX S640, which can start up in .07 seconds and the economically priced Nikon COOLPIX S570. The S570 lacks optical image stabilization but includes digital image stabilization. Both will be available in September for a suggested price of $249.95 and $199.95 (respectively).

Detailed specifications for each camera can be found in the chart below. Check back at www.pcmag.com for full reviews.

Specifications	S1000pj	S70	S640	S570
Megapixels	12	12	12	12
Optical Zoom	5x	5x	5x	5x
LCD	2.7 inch	3.5 inch OLED	2.7 inch	2.7 inch
Video	Standard-Def	High-Def (720p30)	Standard-Def	Standard-Def
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical	Optical	Digital
Price	$429.95	$399.99	$249.95	$199.95