Projector camera

Engadget has posted a short hands-on review of the Nikon S1100pj projector-camera - focusing on the hardware and software bits, but not talking about image quality really. Reviewing the projector, they say that you can get a 40" image with the right lighting, and focusing is a "relative cinch" with the included controls on top. They conclude: "All in all, given that it's intended as a quickie display station at parties, we think the S1100pj does what it promises".

The S1100pj costs $350, and will be released in September. You can pre-order it now from Amazon.com.

Nikon has released a nice video ad advertisement for their upcoming Coolpix S1100pj projector camera. The S1100pj's LCoS pico-projector supports 640x480 resolution at 14 lumens and can be connected to an external computer (via USB) to act as a normal projector. The S1100pj costs $350, and will be released in September. You can pre-order it now from Amazon.com.

Beside the projector, the S110pj has 5x optical zoom, a 14.1mp sensor and a 3" touch LCD.

Young Optics say that global shipments of pico-projectors reached 437,791 in the first half of 2010. 46% of these were LCoS based mobile phones offered by Chinese white-box vendors (this is somewhat surprising, isn't it?), and 10% were DLP-based handset models. Total 2010 stand-alone pico-projector shipments are estimated at 900,000. In 2011, these will grow to over 2 million units.

Prices for pico projector modules are expected to drop to US$50 by the end of 2010, which is still higher than clients' expectations, Young Optics said, adding that module prices are expected to drop below US$30 in 2012.

The company says that the market for projector cameras will grow significantly in 2011, judging from orders from clients. The market of pico projectors for handsets will pick up in 2012.

Digitimes has posted an interesting update about pico-projectors.First of all, they report that the upcoming Nikon camera-projector will be using Himax Technologies' LCoS module. It will hit the market in August. Another digital camera with a DLP projector is being co-developed by Asia Optical and TI. It will start shipping in September.

Asia Optical plans to ship 200,000-250,000 modules for Microvisions' Show-WX projector in 2010, and 100,000 modules for other vendors. In 2011 they expect to ship 8 million DLP modules for handsets. In 2012 it will grow to 12 million.

Digitimes also gives an update on pricing: a 11cc DLP light engine was priced at about $65-100 in 2009, and this will drop to $50-85 in 2010, with the size shrinking to 8cc. A 10cc LCoS costs $65 (in 2009, anyway), and this will be reduced to $30-50 in 2010, with the size dropping to only 4.5cc.

Remember the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projector camera? Nikon are said to be working on the next-generation model. The new camera will enable you to connect an external computer like a regular stand-alone pico projector.

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

The S1000pj offers a 12.1Mp sensor, 5X wide-angle zoom, vibration reduction and the pico projector of course: LCoS based 640x480 resolution, 10 lumens. It is still available, and the price was reduced recently to 252$.

Aiptek plans to offer a 50-lumens 3D pico projector in March 2011, and a 100-lumens model in 2012 that will not require glasses (the 2011 will require special glasses).

In 2010, Aiptek plans to launch the Z20 (a camcorder with a built-in pico projector) and also a bright (40-50 lumens) DLP projector that will cost below $300.

Ricoh's GXR is a modular camera - in which you can change not just the lenses, but all sorts of accessories such as a Wi-Fi module, GPS, storage, printer and more. It also include a pico-projector module, but we don't have any details yet.

The camera body costs $550. If you buy it with a A12 50mm f/2.5 Macro GR Lens, 12.3 MP CMOS Sensor and a viewfinder, it'll cost $1,363.

Via Crave.co.uk