Digicam/Pico Projector Highlights New Nikon Coolpix Introductions

By Greg Tarr On Aug 4 2009 - 4:01am

Melville, N.Y. - Nikon Tuesday introduced four models to its popular Coolpix Style series of compact digital cameras, highlighted by one of the world's first digital cameras to feature a built-in Pico video projector.

The Coolpix S1000pj, which features a built-in video projector for displaying still images and video clips on the go, stands out in the line as a breakthrough in technical innovation.

Slated to carry a $430 suggested retail when it ships in September, the S1000pj will combine the ability to shoot high-resolution photos and play them back instantly on a screen up to 40 inches, virtually anywhere a white background can be found. The projector uses LCoS display technology and LED lighting to produce an image brightness level of up to 10 ANSI lumens.

The camera will not include inputs for external source devices, said Lindsay Silverman, Nikon senior technical manager.

The playback function will include a built-in slideshow presentation with music effects and creative transitions.

Key features in the combo camera include 12.1-megapixel resolution; variable wide ISO range, including 64 to 6,400 speeds; a 2.7-inch wide-angle LCD; five-way vibration reduction (VR) image-stabilization system; subject tracking; and movie mode.

All four models include Nikon's Expeed digital image processing concept, which helps to ensure high-quality pictures for almost every shot, and Nikon's "Smart Portrait System" with face-priority auto focus (ranging from five to 12 people depending on the model), in-camera red-eye fix, smile timer, a One-Proof closed-eyes alert, D-Lighting shadow brightening and a new skin-softening enhancement.

The new models also include motion detection, high ISO capability to allow shooting in low-light situations without a flash, image stabilization (optical, electronic or a combination depending on the model), and Scene Auto Selector, which automatically recognizes one of six common scenes and automatically sets the camera for the best shot.

In addition, all four models offer Nikkor 5x wide-angle glass zoom lenses with a 28-140mm range.

A forecasted hot seller for Nikon this fall will be the Coolpix S70, which Nikon bills as an "ultra-stylish" model incorporating touch-screen commands on its built-in 2.5-inch  OLED screen.

The S70, which will carry a $400 suggested retail when it ships in September, will shoot both 12.1-megapixelstill images and 720p HD video clips.

Nikon will use the S70 to gauge demand for the OLED screen technology, which is noted for vivid color reproduction, sharp contrast and lack of after-image effects.

The OLED technology is said to provide enough brightness to find and frame shots on screen even brightly lit environments, and a clear coating technology resists finger smudges.

The touchscreen controls will make viewing and retouching images similar to using an iPhone of iPod Touch. For example, a swipe of a finger and pinching motion instructs the camera to scroll through images and zoom in and out to go from a thumb nail to a full-screen presentation, respectively.

Other features include an ISO speed range up to 6,400, a five-way VR image-stabilization system, and subject tracking.

The S70 will replace the S60 in the line and will be available in a choice of colors and textures, including red and red, champagne and beige, black and black, or champagne and light brown.

The Coolpix S640, which will ship in September at a $250 suggested retail, is positioned as the new "performance leader" in the S series. It is billed as one of Nikon's "fastest cameras," as demonstrated by an ultra-fast auto-focus system, a 0.7-second start-up time and a 0.39-second shutter lag time.

The camera includes a slim, metal body design, 12.2-megapixel resolution, ISO range from 100 to 6,400 at full resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD, four-way VR image stabilization, subject tracking and movie mode.

The S640 will be available in a choice of colors, including Calm Black, Velour Red, Precious Pink and Pearl White.

Leading the new offerings is the Coolpix S570, which will ship in September at a $200 suggested retail.

Key features include: 12-megapixel resolution, ISO speeds up to 3,200 at full resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD, four-way VR image stabilization, auto white balance and movie mode.

The Coolpix S570 will replace the S560 and will be offered in a choice of black, red, blue and pink.