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Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ: Review

by Simon Skellon. 13 Apr 2010

Nikon’s new compact attempts to razzle and dazzle with the world’s first built-in projector

To compensate for the fact we are less likely to print our images these days, manufacturers are forever finding new ways for snappers to view and share their pictures. Nikon’s latest pitch comes in the form of the Coolpix S1000PJ – the world’s first camera with integrated projector. Helping to notch up its kudos factor the projector extends the opportunity for users not only to present their stills, but movie captures as well. But what else does the compact offer to justify its hefty £400 price point? We put it to the test to find out.

Aesthetically the design of the camera doesn’t offer anything dissimilar or exemplary from all the other clone like competitors on the market, other than the inclusion of the centered projector glass obviously, but unlike the actual lens of the device, it is foolishly not protected with a cover. Available in black and silver, the unit is fiercely rectangular in form, however despite lacking the fashionable curvature of its trendy peers, the S1000pj resonates are demure elegance and maturity in its box-like form, and the furnished metal trim is a stylish touch.

The compact’s most need-to-know specifications make for intriguing reading: 12.1 megapixel CCD which will equate to a maximum of 16 x 20 inch prints, 5x wide angle zoom and a 2.7″ LCD, all of which are on par with the market’s top shooters. Attempting to break away from the masses, the unit offers a five fold image stabilization system which we found to be a real boon when shooting action, in low light and at full zoom. First of all the compact incorporates both optical and electronic vibration reduction. Next it offers motion detection to recognize shake and adjusts ISO to compensate accordingly. The ISO can be cranked up to a whooping 6400, great on paper but the level of noise at this level – as with many compacts pushing these climatic boundaries – can be rather disturbing, furthermore expanding the sensitivity to this level forces image resolution down to a maximum of 3MP. Finally the users can select Best Shot Selector from the list of continuous shooting methods; to take up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed – the camera then saves the sharpest shot.

Other stand out features include; AF tracking, smile timer, blink proof, blink warning functions, 16 sensible scene modes, scene auto selector and a tidy palette of creative effects. Aimed at generating creative shots photographers can: opt to shoot in the choice of five colour options: standard, vivid, black and white, sepia and cyanotype, furthermore creatives can make use of the mosaic like ‘Multi-shot 16′ which records 16 smaller frames consecutively – fantastic for action sequences. The company’s reputable brand of d-lighting makes an appearance here; actively increasing dynamic range, as does the new skin softening effect (at three incremental levels), the results of both are of moderate improvement although the camera stores the converted copies at the end of the memory card making comparison in camera irksome. On the whole however operating the device is very straight forward with the camera leaving only the creative powers of composition in the shooters hands.

Operating the stowed projector is very simple, thanks to the shortcut button on top and the included remote control. The compact hosts a delicate focus slider that is positioned on the top ledge, which sharpens the projection. Considering images can be captured at 12.1 MP (3000 x 4000 pixels) the 640 x680 pixel output resolution is rather disappointing, although there was little noticeable distortion, but the colours lacked punch and despite being able to manually control focus the images failed to resonate the crispness illustrated on the LCD. The device can be used to present movies too, but again resolution isn’t particular sharp although the process does exude a kitsch charm. On a side note movie makers can zoom during capture which is rarity in compacts, but HD fans will lament the low standard of resolution and creatives the inability to add colour filters.

The images captured show that the camera has a fantastic handle on accurately focusing, exposing and metering. We’ve reviewed many compacts here on Photoshop Creative but it’s a rarity that we find a compact capable of producing this relatively high standard of image quality. The device astutely meters to a good standard, details appear crisp and colours are punchy. Macro was the only area where focus appeared to wane, producing images that were perhaps softer than in other modes. Even at full zoom we were pleasantly surprised by the results; there was a degree of noise but nothing too distracting and even in scenes of high contrast purple fringing was not an issue. On the whole a satisfyingly sharp shooter, with a great feature set and the projector is a handy little bonus.

Pros:

1. Built in projector

2. Best Shot Selector

3. High quality image capture

4. Creative options included

5. Solid battery life

Cons:

1. Some specs are comparatively lacking

2. Creative filters can not be applied to movie captures

3. Movie resolution relatively low, not HD

4. No cover to protect projector lens

5. Poor value for money (at this price you could have an entry level DSLR with a lens)