Time code syncing???

B

bfsound

Well-known member
Is it possible to have my PDX10 and DVX timecode synced for a live shoot? I know i can do two 100a's with the remote and all but if i set both the PDX and DVX to free run and set the same presets will they're timecode be synced? What if one camera is a still cam and the dvx im holding and i start and stop rec will they then be off sync?

Still trying to learn the multi cam thing?

Thanks
 
Hmm that looks like it might work, but whats the best way to keep them most in sync while shooting? Ill be test shooting our show tomorrow night and i could use some help. How do i set them u in free run and how does that work?

Thanks
 
Also i will be shooting at 30p, should i set both to DF or NDF? And then set them to free run and sync the preset TC?

Thanks
 
I guess if someone could just help me with this?

1. Set both cameras to free run
2. Use preset time code, Which i would like someone to help me figure out.
3. Decide on DF or NDF
4. Capture about 30sec of color bar on each tape
5. optional capture 30sec black
6. Capture some type of slate to sync video
7. Then shoot

The PDX will be on a tripod taking a wide with some occasional pans
The DVX will be hand help for close ups and other shots.

Thanks
 
Also i dont have a cable to jam the cameras, So my question is to if i preset both cams to 00:00;00 and leave them at Rec run and get them all set up and ready, then switch them over to free run 1 then the other using regen mode will they be in sync if one is set to free run a few secs after the other?

Sorry for all the questions
 
You pretty much can't do what you want. Neither camera offers the ability to sync timecode.

Your best bet is to set them both to zero, then turn them on to "free run" as simultaneously as you can, with the understanding that they're not going to be in sync, but they should be somewhat close. Then, film each other's LCD screen for a few seconds so you establish what the timecode offset is... so, if you film the PDX's LCD display and it shows 00:00:01:23, and your DVX's timecode for that frame is 00:00:01:17, then you know that they're six frames offset, and you should be able to get in pretty close sync by sliding the PDX footage six frames on the timeline as relative to the DVX's.

Don't know why you're asking about regen mode; regen is for when you're using rec run, and if you use rec run you'll never have a prayer of timecode sync, you need to use preset and free run.
 
Barry_Green said:
You pretty much can't do what you want. Neither camera offers the ability to sync timecode.

Your best bet is to set them both to zero, then turn them on to "free run" as simultaneously as you can, with the understanding that they're not going to be in sync, but they should be somewhat close. Then, film each other's LCD screen for a few seconds so you establish what the timecode offset is... so, if you film the PDX's LCD display and it shows 00:00:01:23, and your DVX's timecode for that frame is 00:00:01:17, then you know that they're six frames offset, and you should be able to get in pretty close sync by sliding the PDX footage six frames on the timeline as relative to the DVX's.

Don't know why you're asking about regen mode; regen is for when you're using rec run, and if you use rec run you'll never have a prayer of timecode sync, you need to use preset and free run.
Click to expand...

What i meant was should they be in reagan mode or preset for multi camera shooting. i read most set them to reagan mode so they are in sync all day?

Anyway thanks for the comment I set them both the preset and rec-run then switched them over to free run as close together as i could but did not do the film the other screen thing asi read this after i filmed. So we will see how close they are in post :Drogar-Shock(DBG):

ps. great book just got a a week ago its my bible i carry every where when shooting for quick answers and good info!
 
bfsound said:
ps. great book just got a a week ago its my bible i carry every where when shooting for quick answers and good info!
Click to expand...

If Barry opened a hotel they would have his books in the drawers.

I don't know what type of event you are shooting but I often use flashes to sync multi cam shoots. I don't pop the flash myself but I did ask a photographer to take a picture of a projection screen once. Boy did he get some funny looks. Most events have flashes going off at random though, pick an obvious one and use that frame as your reference.

Barry's suggestion about capturing the other cameras screen is your best bet to start off with. If you have to stop a camera and restart it you will need another point of reference such as a flash. If you only have one break but are unable to get a reference before resuming the shoot you can do it at the end before you stop either camera. Aiming both cameras at someone and having them clap would work but again, I don't know what you are shooting.

I wouldn't sweat it though. I have sync's 4 cam shoots in post with no timecode based on the footage such as dialog, coughs and camera flashes.

Good luck,
Cole
 
I was shooting the band i work for. I used 3 camera's 1 handy cam drum shot, which was started first at the beginning of the set. Then my PDX and DVX which i had both preset time code then i switch them over to free run as close together as possible and the PDX was a still cam and recorded the whole show on 2 reels, the DVX was hand held stop and start rec. throughout the set.

i have an internship working with FCP so i told him i was going to try this and we could work on it together so i should have it down in no time. once were using 2 dvx and the pdx i will need a better sync like a flash for all three, the 2 dvx can sync together easy though.
 
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