I have a DVX-100, and often want to shoot a track or cross country meet when my kids are racing. It would be really great to have the "race time" appear in the bottom corner of the screen, like they do on TV. Is there any way to do this? It doesn't have to be super-precise (no need for direct link between actual race timer and camera), but just close (I could hit a "start" button manually when I hear the starting gun). Thanks, Jeff
Shooting track meet - can I add timer on screen?
- Thread starter Jeff
- Start date
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
There's no way to do this in camera.
You'd have to either do this with external graphics equipment and then also record to an external deck if dooing it live on site - So basically rather impractical for a one camera shoot.
But yes, this is an effect that you can also do in the edit bay later. Many editing programs can generate timers & counters of various sorts. This would allow you prety good precision with the timers too. Just be sure to shoot the whole race as a continuoues take for the timing referance (you can cut out bits later if you want).
What editing software do you use?
- Mikko
You'd have to either do this with external graphics equipment and then also record to an external deck if dooing it live on site - So basically rather impractical for a one camera shoot.
But yes, this is an effect that you can also do in the edit bay later. Many editing programs can generate timers & counters of various sorts. This would allow you prety good precision with the timers too. Just be sure to shoot the whole race as a continuoues take for the timing referance (you can cut out bits later if you want).
What editing software do you use?
- Mikko
Hi Mikko, and thank you for responding.
I edit using the Apple software (usually iMovie, but I have FCE also). To make it more complicated, I usually like to begin filming just before the race begins (all runners poised on the starting line), so it would be inconvenient to start recording the race only when the starting gun sounds.
Would it be possible to use some sort of separate time/date generator, taking the output of the camera into it and then use the composite? Jeff
I edit using the Apple software (usually iMovie, but I have FCE also). To make it more complicated, I usually like to begin filming just before the race begins (all runners poised on the starting line), so it would be inconvenient to start recording the race only when the starting gun sounds.
Would it be possible to use some sort of separate time/date generator, taking the output of the camera into it and then use the composite? Jeff
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Yeah, you WANT to make sure you are recording before the start of the race .. sorry if that was confusing .. ALWAYS roll early!
Yes you could feed the camera's output into an external graphics generator - but you would then need another deck or device to record that final signal. It would also be lower quality because of the drop through analog.
Realistically you are probably better off simply adding the timer in editing. - Post in the "FCP" area of the forum and someone should be able to help you with how to generate that timer in Final Cut or iMovie.
How long are these races?
- Mikko
Yes you could feed the camera's output into an external graphics generator - but you would then need another deck or device to record that final signal. It would also be lower quality because of the drop through analog.
Realistically you are probably better off simply adding the timer in editing. - Post in the "FCP" area of the forum and someone should be able to help you with how to generate that timer in Final Cut or iMovie.
How long are these races?
- Mikko