This 2011 Nikon compact camera features tech you just won’t find in any modern model

Compact cameras are making a comeback – and we’ve seen some standout releases in 2025, like the Sony RX1R III. This time, I want to take you back over 13 years to a truly one-of-a-kind compact camera: The Nikon Coolpix S1200pj, famous for one wild feature rarely seen in compact cameras – a built-in projector.

If you’re a serious photographer chasing high-resolution performance, it won’t meet your needs. But for creatives, collectors, or anyone drawn to unique gear and playful photography, the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj offers something genuinely different. It invites you to experiment, have fun with your shots, and share them instantly – in a way most compact cameras simply can’t.

Released in 2011, the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj wasn’t the final S-series model – that title goes to the S9050. Nikon continued with models like the P1000 and P110, but the S1200pj remains one of the most memorable compacts. Although discontinued the same year it launched, you can still hunt down this quirky camera on sites like eBay for around $180/ £150 / AU$270.

The Nikon Coolpix S1200pj

From a technical perspective, the camera offers a 14.1MP CCD sensor paired with a 5x optical zoom Nikkor lens (28-140mm equivalent). While its image quality reflects the technology of its time and won’t compete with today’s high-resolution models, it delivers a nostalgic aesthetic that many find appealing. It also includes features like 10 scene modes, image stabilization, 720p HD video recording, and a durable metal body with a 3.0″ LCD screen.

The built-in projector