Almost every picture I take for Cool Hunting stories is shot with my Nikon D700 so today's unveil of the D800 is welcomed news. An expected follow-on to last month's D4 announcement, the D800 brings a bounty of new features ranging from a massive full-frame CMOS sensor to dual SD and CF card slots to proper HD video support.

The D800 is slightly smaller and lighter than the D700 despite being more feature-packed. The new model features an FX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, hitting the mark with an incredible pixel count of 36.3 million pixels and a wide ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600) for impressive low light shooting. From these advancements expect truer tonal graduation, more faithful color and a wider dynamic range.

Raising the stakes for filming capabilities on a DSLR, the CMOS sensor reads image data at an incredible rate to minimizes rolling shutter distortion while also reducing noise in low-light filming conditions. The D800 ups recording time up to 30 minute per clip and offers full manual aperture settings to adjust depth of field, all while capturing at 30-fps full 1080p HD resolution. New output wise, the videographer welcomes a designated headphone jack and an 8 bit HDMI port for uncompressed full HD signal streaming.

Also announced today is the alternative D800E. Otherwise identical to the D800, this upgraded version promises truer image accuracy for RAW photo shooters by disabling the anti-aliasing properties for the optical low pass filter (OLPF). Instead of filtering the incoming light to prevent moiré and false color—like the D800 (and almost all DSLRs)—the light is transmitted to the image sensor uninhibited, achieving higher accuracy images. While this feature is of clear benefit to pro photographers, we suspect those seeking to shoot video will prefer the D800 as it will handle a wider range of shooting situations.

The Nikon D800E will be available mid-April for $3300 while the D800 will hit shelves late next month with a price tag of $3000.

Designed by Marc Newson, the K-01 from Pentax is the most photogenic camera I've seen in awhile. Until now, the design-driven segment of mid to high-end cameras has been dominated by vintage-inspired units like the gorgeous Fuji X Series. Newson's signature style distinguishes the K-01 from the rest with a design that's simultaneously modern, classic and timeless.

Newson always incorporates thoughtful proportions. In this case, he not only worked with Pentax on the camera body, but also on the 40mm F2.8 kit lens that comes with it. The pancake lens is impossibly thin, measuring in at .36 inches—just enough room for a manual focus ring, and that's about it. The K-01 uses the standard K-mount so it's compatible with every lens Pentax has made over the years. Removing the viewfinder and the mirror from the equation also gave Newson more creative flexibility.

The K-01 is not only a beautiful object, it's also a powerhouse of a camera packed with high-performance features. The large APS-C sized CMOS sensor captures 16 megapixels for exceptional image quality and also supports full 1080p HD video capture. The heft of the camera and sound of the mechanical shutter lend a tactile quality that combined with the 3 inch high-res LCD screen make taking pictures a joy.

Fans of Newson will appreciate his signature on the bottom of the camera body and the use of his favorite shade of yellow on the rubberized grips. For those less bold, there are black and white and all black versions available.

The Pentax K-01 will begin shipping in March for $900 with the 40mm kit lens or for $750 for the body alone.

While navigating the endless maze at the 2012 NY International Gift Fair, we came across this playful take on a home essential, the smoke detector. The Chick-a-Dee is, simply put, a smoke detector shaped like a bird; it brings a bit of life to a device designed to protect it. As the winner of the Mooi uit de brand design competition, the Chick-a-Dee previously sold in the Netherlands and has just recently been approved for sale in the U.S. The cutesy appliance draws on the American Black-capped Chicadee for its size and sound, replicating the bird's iconic "chick-a-dee-dee" call at the first sign of smoke then emiting a louder, more sustained 85 db sound as smoke thickens.

We love the fresh thinking and fun approach from the multitalented Dutch artist and designer Louise van der Veld, bringing design ideation to a corner of the home where it's not normally found. Now let's just hope the batteries are easy to access for those unfortunate—and all to frequent—burned dinners. The Chick-a-Dee smoke detector is now available online in white, white with black base, pink and blue for $75.