FS5: Timecode genlock with the FS5

Some lockit boxes can send TC to one of the audio channels. I've not used it personally. Check out the Tig Q28
 
If this device sends out audio time code, then you could record time code on one track. Otherwise you can use a timecode slate (including, possibly, one on an iPad or iPhone), slate the picture, and hope that everything stays in sync from that initial point. And then there is always Pluraleyes. (dupe with last post).
 
Tentacle Sync is the device you want to put timecode onto one track.

I'm dealing with this issue right now on a shoot, the audio guy hates FS5 and can't understand why high speed is such a good selling point for this camera.

Things I am doing to deal with issue:
1. Tentacle Sync to create audio track timecode
2. I've gotten pretty damn good at syncing the timecode by eye.
3. Need to reset to free run every time you switch between high speed and regular (same as FS700)
4. 7Q fixes the issue with dedicated timecode input but I'm not using that on this shoot.

One possible solution I'd like to experiment with when I have some time to play around:
FS5 will output timecode with HDMI and SDI signal. I wonder if there is a way to have this be the source and sync audio gear to FS5 timecode.

Yes it's a silly thing Sony did and the only real reason I can think of is to protect the higher end.
 
I'm guessing your location sound mixer (the person) wants to provide timecode to the FS5, rather than use the FS5's timecode as the master for his/her audio recorder. Ambient's products are super stable (one of the main industry standards); the FS5's timecode is pretty crappy... I wouldn't want to rely on it to be a master.

The TinyLockit can lay down timecode (TC) onto an audio track for cameras, such as the FS5, that don't have a TC-in port. And you can vary the TinyLockit's output level to reduce the chance of the TC bleeding over to the other audio track. You do, however, have to dedicate an audio channel to TC. Your mixer (person) should have the appropriate cable. And you'll need to attach the TinyLockit to the camera somehow; again, your mixer should have some suggestions here...might involve Velcro or something.

TinyLockit's are cool, but by today's standards not so tiny. So maybe he/shemay be suggesting the even smaller (and newer) NanoLockit from Ambient:
https://nanolockit.com/en/home/

Timecode on an audio track is a semi-common thing, but make sure your editor (and his or her NLE) is ready to handle it.

I'm skimming here, but as long as post/edit is ready to deal with timecode on an audio track, you should be good to go.
 
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yachacha said:
Yes it's a silly thing Sony did and the only real reason I can think of is to protect the higher end.
Click to expand...

Or perhaps just not include extra features that some users don't need - and thereby keep the price of the camera lower. After all, the basic FS7 doesn't have the capability either - and it's an $$$ add-on.
 
alex1 said:
Does anyone know if a sound recordist will be able to sync timecode from the FS5?

I was informed that he will be using this timecode generator.

http://ambient.de/en/product/tiny-lockit/

Thank you for your help.
Click to expand...

A) I wouldn't recommend that TC box.

Go for either a Tentacle Sync E or the Ultrasync ONE



B) The FS5 lacks a TC input, so you're stuffed. Unless you step up to a FS7 (but even that needs the XDCA back for TC) or a F5/F55.

The work around hack is to send timecode signal at mic level instead, to an audio track:

 
yachacha said:
Tentacle Sync is the device you want to put timecode onto one track.

I'm dealing with this issue right now on a shoot, the audio guy hates FS5 and can't understand why high speed is such a good selling point for this camera.

Things I am doing to deal with issue:
1. Tentacle Sync to create audio track timecode
2. I've gotten pretty damn good at syncing the timecode by eye.
3. Need to reset to free run every time you switch between high speed and regular (same as FS700)
4. 7Q fixes the issue with dedicated timecode input but I'm not using that on this shoot.

One possible solution I'd like to experiment with when I have some time to play around:
FS5 will output timecode with HDMI and SDI signal. I wonder if there is a way to have this be the source and sync audio gear to FS5 timecode.

Yes it's a silly thing Sony did and the only real reason I can think of is to protect the higher end.
Click to expand...

There is nothing on the market dedicated to taking an HDMI input and feeding out a timecode signal.

The only work around hack I could possibly think of would be buying a MixPre series recorder and.... oh wait, none of them have a timecode output!! Except the MixPre10T (which is by far the most expensive and the most bulky of them!).

Anyway, feed the HDMI signal into the MixPre10T, then send out from there the TC signal to an TCS :wave (yet another pricey piece of gear! But one I own myself) that then broadcasts out TC over the :blink network.

Yeah, sounds awful, I wouldn't recommend this approach except under very niche circumstances when it might make sense.
 
IronFilm said:
There is nothing on the market dedicated to taking an HDMI input and feeding out a timecode signal.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking this lack of HDMI In => TC Out translators may be a good thing and keep the editors a bit more sane. When it comes down to it, I don't think I've ever seen an HDMI output from any of these cameras that was spot-on in sync with the actual live audio. (Just set up a shot with another camera showing talent, viewfinder, and HDMI-fed monitor in the same shot and have them do a few hand claps. See any delay anywhere??? Presumably the TC from the camera HDMI would experience the same delay as the picture on the monitor. Just try explaining that to the editor!)

Meanwhile - for a whole different set of reasons - I picked up a GH5s to use on my Ronin-S -- because at that point the GH5 series were the only cameras that interfaced properly with the focus knob on the Ronin-S. Turns out they added the ability to jam-sync timecode using the flash sync connector on the camera! It's a menu process to jam TC, but at least it works. Perhaps features like this will help motivate other manufacturers to find new, non-traditional ways to get the camera to read or output timecode!
 
http://ironfilm.co.nz/leaked-the-sp...et-the-first-stills-camera-with-timecode-i-o/

Oh yes, I was very excited when the GH5S came out with a TC input! The first stills camera with this feature. (the Nikon Z6/Z7 are meant to be the 2nd to do this? Maybe? Their marketing mentioned this, but I haven't seen anything more about this)

But it isn't the only MFT camera with a Timecode input. As the BMD Micro Cinema Camera and BMPCC4K also have this feature as well.
 
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