Jam syncing timecode with Shogun Flame

CharlesPapert

CharlesPapert

Director of Photography
Have a two camera shoot coming up with two Flames and we need to jam sync timecode. I see that there is a LTC input (via Genlock port), just want to see if anyone has successfully jammed two units? How long does it hold sync, or better to just leave a lockit box attached? Thanks!
 
I would guess (and just a guess) that they should be pretty good until you change the battery. If it's possible I would keep them locked to a master clock during the entire shoot.

Now here is another question... Can you jam sync the cameras and take the time code from the cameras (through the SDI or HDMI)? Been a long time since I've seen a pro. level camera that wouldn't hold the clock in free run even when changing the batteries.
 
Eric Coughlin said:
What kind of Charles Papert shoot uses A7s cameras? :)
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Haha! Yeah, helping a friend with a shoot for a cause, so keeping it in-house as it were. Dragging out my camera and light kits and assorted sundries. I guess it might be worth talking about that one as it's probably a lot closer to the type of assignment many people do here on a regular basis than what I "usually" do (in quotes because this is a strange year and I find myself doing different kinds of shoots than usual).

I was looking at the Moze Tig eQ last year as a possible purchase since we always end up renting lockit boxes, but didn't really want to get into those. The Tentacles seem interesting. Certainly the small size of these newer units is a welcome change.
 
What are you doing with audio? Could you record LTC on an audio track? As far as I know, that would be the only way to get TC into an A7 camera. And since the external recorders take TC, they would be a much better choice.

If you buy a TC system, would you be able to rent it on your other productions to make the money back?
 
For this shoot the audio guy is providing lockits for both Shoguns so we are good to go there. Thanks everyone for your help!

Greg, I can probably put TC boxes into my package, just have to look at the numbers and figure out if it's worth it.
 
CharlesPapert said:
For this shoot the audio guy is providing lockits for both Shoguns so we are good to go there. Thanks everyone for your help!

Greg, I can probably put TC boxes into my package, just have to look at the numbers and figure out if it's worth it.
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One of my full time audio guys bought a set of the Tentacles and gave them his seal of approval and that turned me on to them. You can set them up with your iPhone, laptop or Android phone and set the TC yourself or jam them from another source. The only thing they really don't do that I wish they did(and supposedly it will be added in a firmware update) is auto-detect and adjust to the frame rate. The internal battery runs for about 40 hours or so and recharges via USB cable in maybe two hours(?). I used mine on a two day shoot and still had probably 1/3-1/2 batt left at the end and they stayed on all day while we were shooting. They also weigh nothing. You'll never know they're on the camera. A set of two is just under $500 and about $275 for additional individual units. You'll have to buy "specialized" cables, like Lemo, BNC and XLR, but they aren't crazy. The BNC's are about $35.
 
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