timcode issues

D

deerock

Member
i am experiencing alot of timecode breaks in final cut pro with footage i shot on my dvx100b. i have my tc set to free run but what should i do to avoid timecode breaks. i have alot of shoots booked and i dont want to keep encountering these problems. should i set a function in my camera?


thank you
 
Your time code issue is because you have it set to "free run".

Change it to "record run". Your problem will go away.

Or change your preference settings with the edit program to some version of "uncontrolled device". Then timecode will be generated by the edit program and have nothing to do with the timecode recorded by the camera.

Free run time code never stops. Your edit program see the jump in code between shots and gives you the warning about a "break". That's because the numbers skip between shots.

There are reasons you might want your camera timecode set to free run. A basic one is if you want the code set to time of day...but if you do that...make sure to change the code setting to "drop frame". An additional FYI...having your code set to "drop frame" or "DF", may also give the timecode "break" warning. The simple explanation for "drop frame" is that time code does not synch up exactly to real time of day. Timecode has to "drop" a frame once in a while to keep the numbers accurate to time of day. Many of us in news use this function when our reporter or producer is not right next to us to see the time code. Example...a long speach with tight deadlines. The reporter or producer can be anywhere listening to the speech. Hear something they want and look at their watch to note the time for later use without having to be next to the person shooting and check the display on the camera.

On all format cameras I use for work...I always shoot on "record run", "no drop frame (NDF)". Any change of timecode is coordinated before the shoot begins and then changed back after the shoot.

Probably more information than you want to know...
 
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