Are Nikon projecting just a little too much optimism?

The internet seems awash with news about the upcoming Nikon Coolpix S1000pj (Nikon shoots and shows with embedded projector) which claims to have a projector embedded, in its 12 megapixel shooter, to project a 40” image from its belly.

I do love my gadgets but I half think this has to be a joke or at the least a huge leap of optimism. A 40” image from something this small – come on now. Rated up to 10 lumens with a contrast ratio of 30:1 means you and your friends are likely to have to huddle in an extremely dark room whilst trying to make out an image from the 30 levels of contrast, and you’ll have to do it quickly before the battery runs ou… – do I sound a little bit sceptical? Sorry about that. Apparently the battery will last for about an hour of continuous projection – are we using the wireless remote with that?

Pico-projectors show some promise in low power applications and I hold out hope for some leaps in developments in the technology but for now I remain to be convinced, especially when I have a perfectly adequate 42” TV sitting in the corner of the room which can be up and running from my camera in just a few seconds.