SMPTE Timecode for DLSRs and audio recorders w/o timecode

D

DaveC

Member
I was looking to get SMPTE timecode for an upcoming low budget short. Since I won't be able to rent appropriate equipment, I was looking for alternatives. Would following setup work? Has someone tried it?

iPad or cheap eBay SMPTE LTC timecode generator gives out signal

Transmitter sends wireless signal from generator (would maybe an audio transmitter work? Timecode transmitter / receiver aren't probably in the budget)

iPad with Movie Slate app and Timecode Sync plugin gets signal via audio or timecode receiver

DSLR gets signal via audio or timecode receiver and saves it as mono audio track

Audio recorder gets signal via audio or timecode receiver and saves it as mono audio track

Interpret the audio as timecode in FCP/Avid/Premiere

Sync all to timecode

Kinda sounds to good to be true... any thoughts?
 
Are you shooting multiple cameras or doing something else where you really NEED timecode?
If not, why in the world would you screw with all that? It takes about 2 seconds to sync audio. They did it with nothing but a slate for 70 years.
 
We're often shooting with multiple cameras (two or three). Also I like to have the possibility to react fast and not have to see or hear the clap with every cam. It's just more simple with timecode.
 
I'm with Gonzo. But I'll go a step further- if you do need to jam timecode for sync, then you should use cameras that will accept TC in. And maybe genlock them, while you're at it.
 
I want to get timecode for equipment without it, that's why I started this thread, so please don't try to convince me that I don't need it.

And the reply that I should use cameras and equipment with timecode is kinda useless. If I had for this project the money to get the appropriate equipment, I would do it. But that's unfortunately not the case.
 
What about PluralEyes? They actually have a product called DualEyes that is for DSLR's but if you are shooing multicam you probably need PluralEyes.
 
Snazzy Flapper said:
What about PluralEyes? They actually have a product called DualEyes that is for DSLR's but if you are shooing multicam you probably need PluralEyes.
Click to expand...

I used the trial version of Plural Eyes... it was good, but couldn't sync everything. It's a nice workaround, but not more.
 
I believe some of the transcoding apps like 5d2RGB can create timecode based on the file creation time, and insert it during the conversion process. Just make sure the clocks are all exactly in sync.
 
What did PluralEyes fail on? If you have each camera recording audio via their onboard mics I don't see how it would fail unless maybe you had people talking under the sound of exploisions or the cameras were so far apart they couldn't possibly hear the same audio. Just wondering.
 
They do make a gizmo that inserts timecode (onto one of the audio tracks I think) on DSLRs, I think it's in the $500 price range. I've seen it, but can't remember what it's called. I would never even consider multi cam except on an event shoot or a massive unrepeatable stunt, so didn't pay much attention to it.
 
DaveC said:
I was looking to get SMPTE timecode for an upcoming low budget short. Since I won't be able to rent appropriate equipment, I was looking for alternatives. Would following setup work? Has someone tried it?

iPad or cheap eBay SMPTE LTC timecode generator gives out signal

Transmitter sends wireless signal from generator (would maybe an audio transmitter work? Timecode transmitter / receiver aren't probably in the budget)

iPad with Movie Slate app and Timecode Sync plugin gets signal via audio or timecode receiver

DSLR gets signal via audio or timecode receiver and saves it as mono audio track

Audio recorder gets signal via audio or timecode receiver and saves it as mono audio track

Interpret the audio as timecode in FCP/Avid/Premiere

Sync all to timecode

Kinda sounds to good to be true... any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Sure you could do it if you have the budget for the needed software/hardware along with the knowhow.
The question is... Do you?

Here is a link to give you some info on the subject.... http://www.movie-slate.com/

 
Last edited:
Gary Huff said:
Forget it. Too expensive for a low-budget short.
Click to expand...

@ Gary: Very helpful comment. Thank you very much!

@ David W. Jones: Thank you for the links. As mentioned in my first post, I intend to use Movie Slate. FCP auxTC reader is probably also necessary.

@ Gonzo: It's called Lockit Buddy http://www.lockitbuddy.com/website/index.html

@ Snazzy: As you wrote: In case the cams aren't in the same place, audio can differ strongly. PluralEyes is really good, but not a reliable solution for all situations.

@ M. Gilden: You can't get them perfectly in sync, but it's a great solution if you don't want to spend any money at all on TC software / hardware.

Anyway... since nobody can say if it will work or not, I'll just invest the money and see how it goes. I'll post a review in the next weeks.
 
Gary Huff said:
Forget it. Too expensive for a low-budget short.
Click to expand...
Seriously. I just send an out attenuated down to the mic in from my recorder so that the audio matches and then use a clapper at the beginning of the scene and spend the 15 seconds in post to sync. TimeCode is too much of an expense to be justified for DSLR work unless youre doing a major production with multiple cameras and the such.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top