Unfortunately sometimes, it isn’t about the better design or the most suitable function, but the simple fact of which was available first. This is especially true in the aspect of High Definition video production and digital SLR camera. Since the 2008 introduction of its 5D Mark II, Canon‘s been the go-to gear of videographers and cinematographers, despite the fact Nikon also offers similar HD capabilities in its DSLR some years later. To truly realign the perception and that its new flagship model is on par with some of the best camera out there, Nikon went out of its way by designating the D4 as a “multimedia camera”. It also enlisted the help of kayaker Dane Jackson, mountain bike Rebecca Rusch, and rock climber Alex Honnold, in the production of “Why Athletes?”, a 7-minute short film in HD shot entirely on D4. If the old saying “Seeing is believing”, then this video would be it.

With the press release just a couple of hours old and the Canon PowerShot G1 X is already the most talked about gadget of the day. The verdicts been quite positive thus far, especially on the super-sized CMOS image sensor. At 14.3 Megapixel and a dimension of 18.7mm x 14mm, its larger than any sensors found on the popular Micro Four Thirds cameras by Canon competitors Panasonic and Olympus. Fans also praised the PowerShot G1 X’s lens, which utilized the same Canon proprietary design and manufacturing process as its EF lens series for DSLR. However, few were also disappointed by the lens component. Right before the CES, many had thought Canon would add an adoptable lens mount to the PowerShot G1 X, allowing users to fully appreciate the expansive range of Canon lens. Instead, Canon forgo an interchangeable lenses setup for something more compact. From our perspective, despite the very few imperfections, the PowerShot G1 X is definitely a camera with more than enough features, even for a professional photographer. What do you think? See its official introduction video after the jump…

With International Consumer Electronics Show yet to start in Las Vegas and already the press channels are flooded with news on upcoming gadgets to have. On the most anticipated category is the new Canon PowerShot G1 X, which leaked onto the Internet a few days ago. Hailed to be the top of Canon PowerShot G-Series family, the PowerShot G1 X was made to be the perfect complementary compact camera to the massive Canon EOS-1D X digital SLR.

The first Canon camera to have a new 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, larger than any PowerShot imaging sensor and similar in dimension as the APS-C size ones used in the Canon EOS 600D, an entry-level DSLR. This is also larger than any sensors found on the popular Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market today by competitors Panasonic and Olympus. The PowerShot G1 X also boasts the new DIGIC 5 image processor. Thus ensuring a full ISO range of 100 – 12800. With abilities to record 1080p video at 24fps and 6 full-frame shots per second, serious photographers can abandon the practice of carrying two cameras with PowerShot G1 X handling all their daily needs and more.

For the optimum clarity in both still images and full HD videos, Canon incorporated a 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer. This allows a user to shoot in darker environment with shutter speed up to four stops slower. Supported by Intelligent IS, the camera determines the most appropriate Image Stabilizer mode according to various factors. This also gives users greater freedom to be creative with their images.

Known for its optics, Canon lavished the G1 X with a 4X-optical-zoom lens, at 28mm to 112mm with F2.8 to F16. Fully customizable to he or her work flow, the new Canon flagship model includes manual settings and a large vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD at 3.0-inch and 920,000 dot resolution. There is also an optical viewfinder for the traditionalist. Additional to the camera’s flash, a hotshoe provides a full range of possibilities when it comes to Canon accessories.

Suggested retail price set at $799 US, the Canon PowerShot G1 X will be available at authorized dealers worldwide starting at the end of February 2012.

• New 14.3-megapixel CMOS Image Sensor
• Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor
• 4X Optical Zoom Lens at 28mm to 112mm
• 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle LCD Display with 920,000 Dots Resolution
• Full Manual, RAW, DPP HD, HDMI

Release Date: February 2012

The seed for the Kogeto Dot 360-degree panoramic lens was nurtured to life on Kickstarter and took off when it launched as an accessory for the iPhone. Building on this early success, Kogeto announced on January 6 that they will be launching a version for Android phones under the name of iCONIC at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show. Initially, the iCONIC will only available for the Galaxy Nexus before Kogeto facilitates the development and production of models for the rest of the Android line. Its overall functionality, however, will be similar to its Dot attachment for the iPhone (but with a much smaller overall footprint) with the iCONIC capturing 360-degree video before using a custom app, Looker, to stitch the images together for a complete rendering of your surroundings. Stay tuned for more information on the launch and samples of its work as they are released. via: Engadget

With just days away from the start of North American International Auto Show, press relations have started the routine peppering of previews and leaks to car enthusiasts worldwide. However, this 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop isn’t in that category. While it is a show car, its going to a completely different trade show, the International Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, in Las Vegas. A demonstration vehicle on steroid, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 powered Dodge Charger Blacktop has 370 ponies on tap at anytime. And now thanks to Beats by Dr. Dre, with its nine speakers and one subwoofer in the trunk, the car will have concert-like acoustic on tap too. Quipped with the Uconnect Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen LCD and a 12-channel amplifier that will act as the control unit for the car’s integrated audio components, the special offering will be an option starting this year when purchasing a new 2012 Dodge Charger.

When Japan was tragically struck by earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis in the early half of 2011, an outpouring of support began from various entities eager to lend a helping hand. Punkt Group has not forgotten the cause, putting together this limited edition timepiece whose design clearly calls on the Rising Sun flag of Japan. Produced in conjunction with heavyweight Japanese watchmaker Seiko, it only seems appropriate for the project to continue shed light on the parts of the country still in turmoil, and aid them in their rebuilding. 100% of the profits from the 500 pieces made will go towards the renovation of Maeami, a rural fishing town completely decimated by the tsunami. Follow us after the jump for some extra angles and support this great cause now over at Punkt Group.

The trifecta of disasters which hammered the northeastern part of Japan last March not only slowed numerous hi-tech product outputs to a crawl. It effectively postponed a battle between two titans – Canon and Nikon. Now with contingency plans in place and production pace at full speed, both imaging giants will lay claim to the top of digital imaging realm. Canon did so late last year with a 1-2 punch – its new flagship digital SLR, the Canon EOS-1D X, and the company’s first venture in cinema production, the Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera. With International CES just days away, Nikon is launching its counter punch with the Nikon D4, the company’s newest flagship digital SLR.

An upgrade to the current D3 digital SLR, the Nikon D4 will have a new Nikon CMOS image sensor in FX format, meaning a full frame size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm. Effective pixel count is at 16.2-million pixels, or 16.2 megapixel, with ISO range of 50 to 204800. Already impressive, the new CMOS image sensor truly shines with the pairing of the new Nikon EXPEED 3 image processor. Shots are faithfully reproduced with high speed even in low light conditions. A total of 51 focus points are in use when switching to auto focus function, allowing faster yet precise acquisition of subject. And seeing the advent of cinematographers using DSLR as their main equipment, Nikon created a movie-record button dedicated for that function. Not only can the D4 record Full HD videos, it also supports three other image size format as well. Thus giving both photographers and videographers a wider range of creative options.

Encased in a magnesium alloy body with O rings to seal off sensitive innards from dust and moisture, Nikon engineers also wrapped layers of Kevlar-carbon fiber onto the shutter curtain to increase its durability.

Price for the new Nikon D4 is set at the suggested price of $5,999.95 US and will be available in late February 2012.

• 16.2 Megapixel FX Format (Full-Frame) CMOS Sensor
• Nikon EXPEED 3 Image Processor
• ISO 50 – 12800 (204800 with boost)
• 3.2-inch LCD Display with 921,000 dots resoultion
• 51-Point Full-time AF
• Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode
• Audio recording for professionals

Release Date: Late February 2012

This special edition, handmade Stingray Ambassador watch from the California-based designer MSTR (aka Meister), features a silver bezel with 8 bolts locking it in place on the frame. Its six hands flow in Swiss chronograph movement around the reflective black face capable of capturing time down to a tenth of a second. The numbers are luminescent and will shine almost as much as the bezel itself, but also provide a sleek contrast to the genuine black stingray leather strap fitted with a steel butterfly clasp. You’d be right if you think you’ve seen a similar watch design before — the Ambassador is timepiece that has wrapped the wrists of top hip-hop artists and DJ’s, but you won’t see too many of these limited edition on the streets. The 100 that were made for the holidays will soon be snatched up. Fortunately, you can get a closer look at them after the jump.

Because it is their job to know a company inside and out, investment analysts tend to get “heads up” on products yet to be available to the general public. So on the cusp of The International Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES, in Las Vegas this month, analysts at Well Fargo Advisors leaked out specification of a new flagship compact digital camera for Canon. Billed as the Canon G1X, the camera is to have a 28-112mm zoom lens with an aperture of f/2.5. Like many top-of-the-line compact cameras today, the G1X will also enable RAW file format and 1080p HD video recording. The most intriguing part though is its image processor, which might be the newest Canon DIGIC 5, and a 1.5-inch 14.3 megapixel sensor, quite large for a compact. But nothing is for certain till the official announcement. CES is to take place starting next Tuesday, January 10th, to Friday, January 13th. via: The Verge

Recently RZA sat down with Karmaloop TV to offer his razor sharp insight into what makes his Chambers by RZA headphones from WeSC stand out from their competitors. No. 1 is “the look” — as RZA explains, “Headphones are now becoming a fashion statement.” The Chambers headset was designed with that element in mind, which accounts for the overall presentation and different color choices. The second factor is sound quality, a major component of which is the noise-canceling foam used in the ear cups. Click through for video of RZA’s breakdown of his new line of signature headphones, as well as extended footage from the official product launch party in Los Angeles.

Is it a coincidence that RED released their Scarlet-X 4K on the same day that Canon announced their new C300? Probably not. But its price tag, which starts at $9,700, hasn’t prevented it from already going on backorder. RED is going big with their newest camera, which boasts professional-grade 4k video recording (or 4096 x 2160) at 25FPS or 5k stills at a 12FPS continuous capture speed using a Super 35-level sensor. The Scarlet-X is capable of writing 50mb/second of data to the SSD card using RED’s own “Redcode RAW” format and is constructed of a tank-like body capable of holding a range of additional titanium mounts.

If you have some cash left over from the holidays (of if you want to get a start on next year’s list), check out Engadget’s review and demo by Cinema5D after the jump as well as some samples taken from this one-of-a-kind hand-held.

Evolution is what pushes product development and the iPhone has certainly evolved to be more than just a smartphone. With the help of the Optrix HD Sports Case, the mobile device can now be used to capture action sports videos with the Apple iPhone 4S. This is handy for those iPhone owners who happen to be adrenalin junkies and are into video recording. The all weather, heavy duty case is waterproofed and shock resistant to make sure your iPhone will not get damaged even if there is an accident. Furthermore, it is fitted with a protective touchscreen membrane that lets you operate the touchscreen while the device is in the case. Packaged with the case are two versions of an anti-vibration sleds and attachable mounts with 3M adhesive tape. If you are skeptical or want to find more about the case, hit after the jump to watch the demonstration videos and check the detailed photos.