The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj can project images onto any flat surface. Click to for a large view. [Image courtesy of Nikon]

In what may be one of the coolest "Back to the Future" moments in digital cameras this year, Nikon has introduced a new point-and-shoot, the Coolpix S1000pj, $430, that not only captures images, but will project images or video clips onto any flat surface. If only my grandfather were alive to throw away his slide-film carousels and projector screen.

According to the specs, the projected image, which is VGA resolution, will be anywhere from 5 to 40 inches (diagonally), depending on the camera's distance from the surface you are projecting on. Once we get a review unit into our labs, it will be intriguing to see if the projected images and video remain bright as they are enlarged to 40 inches.

The Coolpix S1000pj also includes a remote control, so you can speed up, or slow down, the rate at which you scroll through your images. This full-featured, 12-megapixel camera also includes a 5x zoom lens, wide-angle capability, and a 2.7-inch LCD.

In addition to this new model, Nikon is announcing three additional 12-megapixel point-and-shoots with 5x optical zoom lenses: The Coolpix S70, $380, includes a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, with a "touch-shutter" feature that allows you to use your display like a shutter release. Both the Coolpix S570, $200, and Coolpix S640, $250, have 2.7-inch LCDs and come in four colors. Nikon is also claiming that the S640 is its speediest camera yet, with a very fast startup time and little shutter lag.

All four cameras will be available this September. —Terry Sullivan