In a novel application of pocket-projector technology, Nikon has unveiled the world’s first compact camera with built-in projector. The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projects images up to 40 inches in size with a resolution of 640×480, at a maximum distance of 2 meters.
From the Manufacturer:
Radical. Revolutionary. Your personal theater on the go. Nikon’s revolutionary new Coolpix S1000pj combines 12.1 effective megapixels and a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens with the world’s first camera with an ultra-small built-in projector. The Coolpix S1000pj combines Nikon’s 5-way VR Image Stabilization system and an incredible bright, high-resolution 2.7-inch LCD for getting sharp, clear pictures. The Coolpix S1000pj features Nikon’s Smart Portrait Sys (more…)
Sumitomo claims to have created the world’s first truly green laser diode on bulk GaN crystal. Prior to this development, green laser light had been achieved by changing the frequency of another wavelength diode, typically infrared. This development is important for laser pocket projectors because it will allow true red, green, and blue light to be transmitted without the longevity issues of previous-generation “green” lasers.
The researchers claim to have created a diode that can be tuned to wavelengths throught the entire green spectrum, using a specially-developed Gallium nitride crystal.
Microvision, a Redmond, WA based company, will soon release a laser-based pocket projector called the SHOW WX. It will feature a resolution of 848×400, and because of its unique laser projection system, will not require a lens to focus. This means it will be capable of displaying clear, sharp images on almost any surface from a variety of distances. The SHOW WX will be able to project an image ranging from 20″ to about 100″ diagonally.
In addition to the SHOW WX’s “infinite focus” abilities, Microvision’s laser-based PicoP display engine has an even wider color gamut than the HDTV spec, capable of displaying deeper reds, greens, and blues than competing technologies.
The SHOW WX is estimated to hit the streets soon with a price of approximately $400-$500.
David Pogue of the New York Times reviews the Optoma Pico Projector.
This long-awaited projector is about the size of a cellphone. Optoma’s Pico Pocket Projector with a video iPod weighs 4.2 ounces and produces a bright, clear, vivid video or still image.
The review is entertaining in parts – Pogue projects the images onto a plane’s ceiling, leaving passengers baffled. More info from the review: the Pico pocket projector runs on batteries and can project images and videos from a variety of sources like iPhone, iPod and DVD players with a 480x320px resolution and a maximum screen size of 65 inches at 8.5 feet. It uses a non-replaceable 10,000 hour LED lamp and a Texas Instruments DLP chip. It has a 90 minute battery life and can be recharged with its own power cord or through USB.
The street cost for the Pico pocket projector is currently $430.
While not as small as the newly-announced MPro110 pocket projector, Mitsubishi is currently selling a small projector that it calls a “pocket projector.”
The Mitsubishi PK20 SVGA DLP PocketProjector measures just 3.82″ x 4.84″ x 1.90″, and features an ultra-wide lens, allowing you to project a 20-inch diagonal screen from just over a foot away.
A pocket-sized projector has been considered the holy grail of gadgets for many years, and 3M has produced one of the first models. PopSci.com has an article about the new MPro110 mini projector. It uses an LED lamp and LCoS screen, and will retail at around $359. It projects at a basic 640×480 resolution, and features a VGA input as well as a composite video jack. Looks like a promising start for the pocket projector industry.
