Nikon Coolpix S1100pj "Projector Camera" and Coolpix S5100 debut

Replacing the S1000pj, Nikon introduces the Coolpix S1100pj today with a brighter projector and a bold new style. Also unveiled is the Nikon Coolpix S5100 in new colors. Both models use a newly developed EXPEED C2 image processor.

Nikon Coolpix S1100pj
On the camera side, the S1100pj has a 5x optical zoom lens covering a 28-140mm equivalent focal range. It's also equipped with Nikon's 5-way VR Vibration Reduction image stabilization system, a 14.1 megapixel sensor, and a 3.0-inch touch screen.

The S1100pj updates the first projector model in a few significant ways. Where the older model could only project videos and images, the new S1100pj can be connected to a computer to project whatever the user displays on his or her computer screen.

The projector is brighter this time around, rated at 14 lumens where the S1000pj projected at up to 10 lumens. Any extra measure of brightness should be a benefit - we found the S1000pj's projector was overpowered sometimes by interior lighting.

It's fitting that the S1100pj gets a fresh look that's unlike any other Nikon camera. Complementing a bold new style is a 3.0-inch 460k-dot touch panel LCD. Using the camera's touch capability, a special paint mode will allow you to draw and add stamps to projected images. Nikon has also jumped on the creative in-camera filter bandwagon, offering effects like Miniature, Fisheye and Selective Color as re-touching options in the camera's playback mode.

Color options will include black, silver, green and violet.

Nikon Coolpix S5100
The S5100 replaces the S570 in the Coolpix lineup. It boasts a 12.2 megapixel sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens with lens-shift VR Vibration Reduction stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD.

A couple of interesting upgrades include the addition of a tripod detection function. Nikon claims the camera will automatically detect whether it's being hand-held or operated on a tripod and make proper adjustments for an ideal exposure.

Like the Coolpix S1100pj, the S5100 will record 720p HD video. It also claims an improved start-up time at 0.75 seconds. Nikon will offer the S5100 in black, pink, purple and blue.

Pricing and availability
The Nikon Coolpix S1100pj gets an MSRP of $349.95 and should be available in September. The Nikon Coolpix S5100 will be introduced in October for $179.95, the same MSRP that the S570 carries at the time of this writing.