Canon rolls out the EOS-1D C in Japan, will bring it to the US soon

Canon has launched its uber-expensive EOS-1D C in Japan, and will be following it up with a launch in the United States rumored to take place in the next couple days. The 1D is priced at $11,999 and offers 18 megapixels in addition to a host of other features. For now, Japanese photographers can pick it up from Canon.jp. You can check out a video shot by the 1D after the jump.

The 4k EOS-1D C offers a full-frame CMOS sensor, and can record video at 4,096 x 2,160 (24fps) in Motion JPEG. Putting it in perspective, the 1D utilizes about 3.8GB for every 60 seconds of recorded video. There's Super 35mm Crop Mode and Canon Log Gamma. In terms of hardware, the 1D offers an integrated headphone port and HDMI with time code. The unit boasts dual DIGIC 5+ processors.

While the 1D isn't available to most consumers yet, it has made its rounds, and as a result, there are a handful of nice test videos and images floating around online. The video below displays a variety of shooting situations from Untitled Film Works. The video was made to "explore the exciting possibilities of motion image photography" using the 1D.

The 1D is Canon's first DSLR that offers 4k and full HD motion imaging on Compact Flash. The body is similar in weight and design to the 5D Mark II. Says Canon, "The EOS-1D C is designed to go where other 4K cameras cannot go – into hostile environments, into very cramped spaces, mounted on the end of extended jib arms, or embedded on-set."

[via Engadget]