30f on canon - 30 drop or non-drop? at DVinfo.net

Nathan Quattrini · November 19th, 2008, 10:46 AM

I am trying to figure out how to edit some footage. Some was shot 30f on the canon camera, the other footage I assume is 29.97 from a Sony DCR-HC96. I have them both in one project and they look fine, but I am wondering should they be edited in separate projects with different settings? Technology has changed and adapted so much in the last few years that I`m not sure I have to tread as careful as I once had. Some insight would be helpful

Thanks

Tripp Woelfel · November 19th, 2008, 03:46 PM

I do everything drop frame. I don't know this for certain, but my guess is that the Canon's 30f is really 29.97. I should know this since I have three of them, but I don't.

My logic works this way. We're in NTSC-land. The NTSC standard is 29.97, so to conform to that standard everything has to be acquired at that frame rate.

Pete Bauer · November 19th, 2008, 04:09 PM

Yes, frame mode 30F on the XL and XH cameras is 29.97 fps. The actual frame rate of 29.97 doesn't change with drop frame vs NDF. The frames are only COUNTED (labeled) differently -- with drop frame dropping a COUNT (not a frame) every so often to keep the display of timecode in sync with real time. With NDF the displayed timecode will gradually lag compared to DF and a realtime clock (hope I don't have that bassackwards). It is kind of a daylight savings time "spring ahead" sort of thing...no time is gained or lost and no frames are gained or lost, you just label the frames differently.

I think that except for 24F in SD (which is NDF by default), the XL cameras default to DF. If your NLE plays the 30F properly, I doubt there's anything to worry about for your editing.

November 19th, 2008, 10:46 AM	#1
Nathan Quattrini Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warwick, Rhode Island Posts: 740	30f on canon - 30 drop or non-drop? I am trying to figure out how to edit some footage. Some was shot 30f on the canon camera, the other footage I assume is 29.97 from a Sony DCR-HC96. I have them both in one project and they look fine, but I am wondering should they be edited in separate projects with different settings? Technology has changed and adapted so much in the last few years that I`m not sure I have to tread as careful as I once had. Some insight would be helpful Thanks __________________ Cinematography Site

November 19th, 2008, 04:09 PM	#3
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Yes, frame mode 30F on the XL and XH cameras is 29.97 fps. The actual frame rate of 29.97 doesn't change with drop frame vs NDF. The frames are only COUNTED (labeled) differently -- with drop frame dropping a COUNT (not a frame) every so often to keep the display of timecode in sync with real time. With NDF the displayed timecode will gradually lag compared to DF and a realtime clock (hope I don't have that bassackwards). It is kind of a daylight savings time "spring ahead" sort of thing...no time is gained or lost and no frames are gained or lost, you just label the frames differently. I think that except for 24F in SD (which is NDF by default), the XL cameras default to DF. If your NLE plays the 30F properly, I doubt there's anything to worry about for your editing. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

November 19th, 2008, 03:46 PM	#2
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	I do everything drop frame. I don't know this for certain, but my guess is that the Canon's 30f is really 29.97. I should know this since I have three of them, but I don't. My logic works this way. We're in NTSC-land. The NTSC standard is 29.97, so to conform to that standard everything has to be acquired at that frame rate.