GenLock EX3 and EX1: Is It Possible?

[futureman]

Using a common sync reference like a slate/clapper, hand clap or a point-and-shoot flash into the lenses really helps a lot to sync the two data streams up in any post environment. I'm assuming of course that there is no facility to jam sync timecode between these cameras.

its funny you bring that up, because that was my next question... so genlock does NOT sync timecode... is that correct? if so how is this done, some lower end cams have time code sync ports, but as far as i know none have tc-link and genlock... good lord 3d is complicated!

 

[basspig]

We're talking about synching to not only the frame, but chroma phase and locking them so they don't drift. In an effects switcher, any drift would result in the color phase/hue changing on the 'slave' camera with reference to the master camera.

 

[ZumaDog]

its funny you bring that up, because that was my next question... so genlock does NOT sync timecode... is that correct? if so how is this done, some lower end cams have time code sync ports, but as far as i know none have tc-link and genlock... good lord 3d is complicated!

Timecode and genlock are two discreet and different signals. However, once two cameras are genlock synched together, either one of the camera's timecode streams can be used as a master timecode source for both cameras. This is easily done when both cameras have timecode in and out ports. Without that, you need to use external recorders like NanoFlash to achieve timecode sync, or in the rare case where one camera has a timecode output but the other does not, you can send the timecode signal out to a normal audio track as an audio recording. In the old analog days this might cause crosstalk between the audio tracks but in digital it's not a problem. Avids and FCP don't have any trouble substituting this timecode in post - allowing you to have locked timecode between the two cameras if you also genlock. Not genlocking the cameras will allow the timecode to drift between the cameras rendering it all but useless.