We heard rumors Nikon would be releasing the world's first digital camera with a built-in projector, but didn't have much information to go on. However, we've been able to confirm the speculation with Nikon, who sent us information on not one, but four new digicams it plans to release as part of its Coolpix series.

The one everyone is talking about -- the S1000pj -- will come with an "ultra-small" integrated projector capable of beaming images 5 to 40 inches in size. Nikon advertises a flexible throw distance ranging from 10 inches on up to 78 inches (6.5 feet) with brightness rated up to 10 lumens. While using the projector, you can expect about an hour of battery life.

Other features include the ability to record movies at 640 x 480 resolution at 30fps, a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom, 2.7-inch high res LCD, 5-way hybrid VR image stabilization, motion detection with automatic shutter and ISO settings, up to 6400 ISO, 16 scene modes, and other odds and ends.

S570, S640, S70

Three other Coolpix cameras are also planned for a September release, starting with the sub-$200 (by a nickel) S570. For two Benjamins, the S570 boasts a 12.0 megapixel image sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom, up to ISO 3200 at full resolution, 2.7-inch LCD, 4-way VR image stabilization, and automatic focus on up to 12 faces. Nikon will offer the S570 in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue, and pink.

Moving a step up, the S640 ups the ante with a slightly larger image sensor at 12.2 megapixels, ISO from 100-6400, and a start up time of just 0.7 seconds, which Nikon claims is the fastest in its class. Offered in "Calm Black, Velour Red, Precious Pink, and Pearl White," the S640 will carry an MSRP of $250.

Finally, the S70 will sport a 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen interface with a "new generation of touchscreen controls that offer an enhanced shooting and playback experience," the ability to capture HD video in 720p, a 12.1 megapixel image sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom, ISO up to 6400, 5-way image stabiliation, and more. The S70 will come in "Red & Red, Champagne & Beige, Black & Black, and Champagne & Light Brown," with an MSRP set at $400.

Image Credit: Nikon