I'm a little embarrassed that I can't find the answer to this anywhere (including a search of this forum). I'm considering buying a used GL1 as a backup camera. I found a PDF copy of the owner's manual online, and it doesn't give any indication that the timecode is switchable between DF and NDF. Nor does it tell you which one it uses. Does anyone know?

Thanks in advance,

Stu

No, you cannot change the format of time code on the GL1. None of the Canon cameras use true SMPTE time code anyway.

DV timecode is DF.

Man...now I'm *really* confused. Ken says the Canon's don't use "true SMPTE" time code, and Jeff says DV time code is DF. This leads to two more questions:

1) What is "true" SMPTE time code if not 29.97?
2) Are you saying that DV25 is *always* DF? I didn't know that. If that's true, why is it that both Avid Xpress DV and my JVC miniDV deck allow you to choose DF or NDF?

...totally mystified...

Stu

DF (29.97 frames per second) and NDF (30 frames per second) have nothing to do with whether TC is SMPTE or not. SMPTE vs. DV time code has to do with what the signal actually is and where it is recorded. Linear TC is recorded to a separate track and is an analog audio signal. VHS VTR's record it on one of the linear audio tracks. VITC, vertical interval time code, is recorded as a part of the sync signal and is located in the vertical interval. DV Time code is multiplexed in the video signal.

Most, if not all, consumer and prosumer cameras record DF DV time code. Some pro cameras may give you a NDF option. Most DV VTR's give you the option of recording either DF or NDF TC. VTR's can be used in editing and are thus usually given the option of recording either DF or NDF.

I'm sorry for confusing you with my extranneous remark, Stu.

A couple other points: The GL1 TC always starts at zero, and has a miximum valus of something like 6:59:59:29. It cannot be set, but will pickup with the value on tape under the heds if recordign over a previous recorded sectionof tape.

FWIW, RCTC found on some higher end consumer 8mm/Hi8 camcorders such as the Canon L2, was NDF.