Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj Review — A Compact Camera with a Built-In Projector

The Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj is one of the most unusual compact digital cameras Nikon has ever produced.

At first glance, it looks like a stylish point-and-shoot camera from the early 2010s. Inside, however, Nikon added something almost no other compact camera offered: a built-in projector.

With the press of a button, photographs and videos stored on the camera can be projected directly onto a wall or other suitable surface.

That feature gives the S1100pj a character that goes far beyond image quality alone. It is both a camera and an interesting piece of digital-camera history.

For anyone considering a used Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj today, this review looks at its projector, photography performance, touchscreen operation, limitations, and the important points to check when buying one second-hand.

👉 Interested in how Nikon developed its projector-camera concept? Read our Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj History.

Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj at a Glance

Key features include:

• 14.1-megapixel image sensor

• 5× optical NIKKOR zoom

• 28–140mm equivalent focal-length range

• 3-inch touchscreen LCD

• Built-in projector

• Projector brightness of up to 14 lumens

• Projection size of approximately 5 to 47 inches

• HD 720p video recording

• SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory card support

• EN-EL12 rechargeable Li-ion battery

The specifications are typical of a compact camera from its era, but the projector makes the S1100pj anything but ordinary.

The Built-In Projector

The projector is the defining feature of the COOLPIX S1100pj.

Instead of transferring photographs to a computer or connecting the camera to a television, you can display images directly from the camera onto a nearby wall.

For its time, this was a remarkably creative idea.

The projector can display images at sizes of approximately 5 to 47 inches, depending on the distance between the camera and projection surface.

By modern projector standards, the maximum brightness of approximately 14 lumens is very modest. The S1100pj therefore works best in a dark or dimly lit room rather than in bright daylight.

That limitation is important.

This is not a replacement for a modern portable projector. Instead, the projector should be viewed as an unusual built-in feature that makes sharing photographs surprisingly entertaining.

For collectors and enthusiasts, that is exactly what makes the camera interesting today.

If you own an S1100pj and want to learn how to operate the projector and other functions, see our detailed Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj User Guide.

More Than Just Projecting Photos

Nikon designed the projector function to do more than simply display photographs.

Images can be shown as slideshows, while the touchscreen gives the camera an unusually interactive feel for a model from this period.

The camera was created during a time when manufacturers were experimenting with new ways to share digital photographs.

Rather than relying entirely on computers, televisions, or the still-developing smartphone ecosystem, Nikon placed the sharing experience directly inside the camera.

That idea makes much more sense when viewed in the context of Nikon's projector-camera series.

👉 For a closer look at that background, see The History of the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj.

Design and Portability

Despite containing a projector, the COOLPIX S1100pj remains relatively compact.

Its distinctive front design immediately separates it from a normal point-and-shoot camera, with separate areas for the camera lens and projector.

It is slightly thicker and heavier than some slim compact cameras of the same era, but that is understandable given the additional projector hardware.

For collectors, this physical design is part of the appeal.

Even when the projector is not being used, the S1100pj feels like an unusual technological object from a particularly experimental period in digital photography.

Touchscreen Operation

The S1100pj uses a 3-inch touchscreen LCD.

Much of the camera's operation is handled through this screen rather than through a large number of physical controls.

The touchscreen can be used for:

• Navigating menus

• Reviewing photographs

• Selecting settings

• Touch-focus operation

• Touch-shutter shooting

• Image playback

• Controlling various camera functions

For a camera released in 2010, this gave the S1100pj a relatively modern interface.

However, buyers accustomed to current smartphones should keep expectations realistic.

The touchscreen is based on older technology and does not feel as fast or responsive as a modern smartphone display.

That does not necessarily make it unpleasant to use. It simply reflects the era in which the camera was designed.

For step-by-step help with the touchscreen, projector, shooting modes, and basic camera operation, visit our Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj User Guide.

Image Quality

The COOLPIX S1100pj has a 14.1-megapixel sensor paired with a 5× optical NIKKOR zoom lens.

In good daylight, it can produce perfectly usable photographs for everyday subjects such as:

• Travel

• Family photographs

• Street scenes

• Cafés and food

• Buildings

• Landscapes

• Casual portraits

• Everyday snapshots

The S1100pj should not be purchased because you expect exceptional modern image quality.

Its appeal lies elsewhere.

You are getting a dedicated compact camera with optical zoom, physical camera controls, distinctive early-2010s digital rendering, and one of the strangest features ever fitted to a point-and-shoot camera.

For enthusiasts of older digital cameras, those qualities can be more interesting than technical perfection.

5× Optical Zoom

The lens covers approximately 28–140mm in 35mm-equivalent terms.

This is a useful everyday range.

At the wide end, 28mm works well for travel scenes, buildings, groups of people, and general photography.

At the telephoto end, 140mm gives you enough reach for details and subjects farther away.

It is not a superzoom camera, but the 5× range is practical for normal point-and-shoot photography.

Unlike digital cropping, optical zoom lets you change the framing using the lens itself.

That remains one of the practical advantages of carrying a dedicated compact camera.

Low-Light Photography

Low-light photography is not one of the S1100pj's strongest areas.

Like many compact cameras of this generation, it performs best when there is plenty of available light.

As light levels fall, higher sensitivity settings can introduce more visible noise and reduce fine detail.

For indoor or evening photography:

• Hold the camera as steadily as possible

• Use the built-in flash when appropriate

• Avoid expecting modern smartphone-style night photography

• Use wider-angle settings when possible

• Give the camera a stable surface if shutter speeds become slow

Interestingly, the camera's two main activities favor very different lighting conditions.

Photography generally benefits from more light, while projection benefits from less.

HD Video Recording

The COOLPIX S1100pj can record HD video at 1280 × 720 pixels.

By modern standards, 720p is modest.

This is not a camera to choose if high-resolution video is your priority.

For short travel clips, family moments, or simply experiencing video recording on an older compact digital camera, however, it remains usable.

The projector also allows recorded clips to be viewed in a way that very few compact cameras can reproduce.

Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj vs. a Smartphone

A modern smartphone is more powerful in almost every conventional technical category.

It provides better computational photography, faster operation, easier sharing, stronger low-light performance, and much higher-resolution video.

But comparing the S1100pj only on specifications misses the point.

The Nikon offers a completely different experience:

• A dedicated camera

• A physical optical zoom lens

• A separate device for photography

• A distinctive early-2010s digital-camera look and feel

• A built-in projector

• No phone notifications while taking photographs

• An unusual piece of Nikon engineering

Nobody needs a built-in projector inside a compact camera.

That is exactly why the S1100pj is fun.

Who Is the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj Best For?

Collectors of Unusual Digital Cameras

The S1100pj belongs to a very small group of cameras with integrated projection technology.

That alone makes it an interesting collecting subject.

Nikon Enthusiasts

For someone interested in Nikon's history beyond DSLRs and interchangeable-lens cameras, the projector-camera series shows a very different side of the company.

Fans of Early-2010s Compact Cameras

The touchscreen interface, compact body, and experimental features strongly reflect the period in which it was produced.

Technology Enthusiasts

The S1100pj is interesting even if photography is not your main hobby.

Combining a digital camera and miniature projector into one compact product was an ambitious engineering idea.

Travelers Looking for Something Different

As a travel camera, the S1100pj can still handle casual daylight photography.

The ability to project photographs afterward also makes it an entertaining conversation piece.

Limitations to Consider

The S1100pj is unusual, but unusual does not mean perfect.

Before buying one, consider the following limitations.

The Projector Is Dim by Modern Standards

The built-in projector works best in dark environments.

Do not expect the brightness or clarity of a current portable projector.

Image Quality Is From an Older Generation

Modern smartphones and newer cameras generally perform better in difficult lighting and offer more advanced image processing.

The Touchscreen Feels Old

The touchscreen was impressive for its time but is slower and less responsive than current smartphone displays.

Video Is Limited to 720p

Anyone primarily interested in video should look elsewhere.

Battery Condition Matters

The S1100pj uses the EN-EL12 rechargeable battery.

Because these cameras are now many years old, the condition of both original and replacement batteries can vary significantly.

The Projector Adds Another Component That Can Fail

A normal compact camera already has a lens mechanism, autofocus system, flash, LCD, buttons, and battery system to check.

With the S1100pj, the projector itself must also be tested.

This makes individual condition especially important when buying used.

What to Check When Buying a Used Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj

Two S1100pj cameras can look similar externally while having very different functional condition.

For this model, several areas deserve particular attention.

Projector Operation

Confirm that the projector turns on and produces an image.

This is the most distinctive feature of the camera, so buying an S1100pj without checking the projector defeats much of the purpose.

Projector Focus

The projector's focus adjustment should operate correctly.

Check whether the projected image can be brought into reasonable focus on a suitable surface.

Lens and Zoom

The camera lens should extend and retract smoothly.

Test the zoom throughout its range and confirm that no lens error occurs.

Autofocus and Shutter

The camera should focus correctly and save images normally when the shutter is pressed.

Touchscreen

Because many functions rely on the touchscreen, test different areas of the display.

A screen that displays normally but does not register touches correctly can make the camera difficult to use.

LCD Condition

Check for:

• Scratches

• Discoloration

• Lines

• Dark areas

• Uneven brightness

• Touch-response problems

Flash

Confirm that the built-in flash fires normally.

Memory Card Operation

The camera should recognize a compatible SD-family memory card and successfully save and review photographs.

Battery

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries deteriorate with age.

Battery runtime on a used camera may be considerably different from the original specification.

Exterior Condition

Inspect actual product photographs carefully for dents, scratches, worn coatings, or damage around the lens and projector openings.

Cosmetic wear does not necessarily affect operation, but it should be clearly disclosed.

How Camera Japan Tests Used Cameras

At Camera Japan, each used camera is individually inspected before it is offered for sale.

For the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj, our functional checks include core camera operations such as:

• Power on/off

• Lens extension and retraction

• Optical zoom

• Autofocus

• Shutter operation

• Flash

• Buttons and controls

• Touchscreen operation

• LCD display

• Memory card reading and writing

• Projector operation

• Projector focus adjustment

The camera is also cleaned as needed, and notable cosmetic wear is described in the individual product listing.

Because these are used cameras, condition, accessories, and battery performance can vary from one unit to another.

👉 Check the current photographs, condition, included items, price, and availability on the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj Product Page.

Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj FAQ

Does the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj really have a projector?

Yes.

The projector is built directly into the camera body and can display stored photographs and videos onto a suitable surface.

How large can the projected image be?

Nikon specified a projection size of approximately 5 to 47 inches, depending on the distance between the camera and projection surface.

Is the projector bright?

By modern standards, no.

Its maximum brightness is approximately 14 lumens, so it is most effective in a dark or dimly lit room.

How do I use the projector?

The projector is operated directly from the camera and includes its own focus adjustment.

For detailed operating instructions, see our Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj User Guide.

Can the S1100pj still be used as a normal camera?

Yes.

Even if you do not use the projector, it functions as a conventional 14.1-megapixel compact digital camera with a 5× optical zoom lens.

Does it have a touchscreen?

Yes.

The S1100pj uses a 3-inch touchscreen LCD for many camera controls and playback functions.

What memory cards does it use?

The camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.

What battery does the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj use?

It uses the Nikon EN-EL12 rechargeable Li-ion battery.

Battery condition should always be considered when buying an older used camera.

Does the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj record video?

Yes.

It records HD video at up to 1280 × 720 pixels.

Why did Nikon build a projector into a camera?

The S1100pj was part of Nikon's experimentation with new ways of sharing digital photographs directly from the camera.

For more about the concept and the development of Nikon's projector-camera series, read our Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj History.

Is the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj worth buying today?

It depends entirely on what you want from it.

If your priority is maximum image quality, low-light performance, or modern video, there are much better choices.

If you want an unusual compact digital camera with a genuinely distinctive feature, however, the S1100pj remains fascinating.

There simply are not many cameras that let you take a photograph and then project it onto a wall using the same device.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj comes from a period when camera manufacturers were willing to experiment with ideas that now seem wonderfully unusual.

Its 14.1-megapixel sensor, 5× optical zoom, touchscreen, and HD video were respectable compact-camera features for the time.

But none of those specifications are why people remember it.

The projector is.

Today, the S1100pj is best appreciated not as a competitor to modern cameras or smartphones, but as an interesting combination of photography and technology.

It captures photographs like a conventional compact camera and then lets you share those photographs in a way almost no other camera can.

There are compromises. The projector is dim, low-light photography is limited, the touchscreen feels old compared with a smartphone, and the condition of an individual used camera matters greatly.

But for collectors, Nikon enthusiasts, fans of older digital cameras, or anyone attracted to unusual technology, those limitations may be part of the experience rather than a reason to dismiss it.

If you would like to learn more about this unusual camera, continue with our related articles:

👉 How to Use the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj

👉 The History of the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj

If you are considering purchasing one, check the exact condition, photographs, included items, and current availability here:

👉 View the Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj Product Page