Sync A1U Time code with a Z1U? at DVinfo.net

Patrick Pike · March 1st, 2006, 07:46 PM

I just recently purchased a A1U-so recently that it has not arrived in fact! I am planning on using the camera with either an FX1 or a Z1U, but I wanted to get some more info first before I get the second camera. One of the most promising features of the A1U is the ability to sync the timecode (as I shoot a lot of multicam live events) and I wanted to see if anyone has tried syncing a A1U and a Z1U. There seems to be no documentation of this issue, and the good people at B&H didn't know for sure. I would assume (and hope!) so, but better safe than sorry.

Jerry Waters · March 2nd, 2006, 09:53 PM

I'd like the answer as well. The Z1 (which I have) can use a continious run time code and you can reset two cameras together by beginning them both with one remote. (I got this from a DVD on HDV.) I have no idea on the A1 (which I bought today and am waiting for) but I'm hoping for something like that. One thing I did in shooting a movie with the Z1 and an FX1 was use a clap board that I attached to a digital clock. I can sync the shots from the two cameras that way.

Patrick Pike · March 2nd, 2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Waters

I'd like the answer as well. The Z1 (which I have) can use a continious run time code and you can reset two cameras together by beginning them both with one remote.

Jerry-

The A1U works the same way at least with additional A1U's. Let me know when you get your A1U if you can set the timecode between the two cameras. I have also used a clapboard, but it would be much easier for run and gun work to set the cameras up with the same free run time code.

Patrick Pike · March 7th, 2006, 03:33 PM

I can now confirm that you can sync the timecode of an A1U with a Z1U by using the Timecode Reset command from the Z1U's remote. This alone is worth the upgrade prices!

Miguel Lombana · March 7th, 2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Pike

I just recently purchased a A1U-so recently that it has not arrived in fact! I am planning on using the camera with either an FX1 or a Z1U, but I wanted to get some more info first before I get the second camera. One of the most promising features of the A1U is the ability to sync the timecode (as I shoot a lot of multicam live events) and I wanted to see if anyone has tried syncing a A1U and a Z1U. There seems to be no documentation of this issue, and the good people at B&H didn't know for sure. I would assume (and hope!) so, but better safe than sorry.

Free-Run timecode is avail in the Z1, not sure about the FX1 or the A1, however be advised the name implies more than you think, it really is free run, the cams will drift over the hour, day, shoot. You might have to re-sync them everytime you power them up and also when you change tapes. I tried to use this with the Canon XL2 and we found out that unless you find a way to jam-sync the cam you're best bet is to fire off a flash or as was suggested to me, shoot the viewfinder of cam 1 from cam 2, so that you can see the drift when you're in post.

Miguel

Jerry Waters · March 7th, 2006, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the info. My A1U is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. That will be one of the first things I do.

March 1st, 2006, 07:46 PM	#1
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	Sync A1U Time code with a Z1U? I just recently purchased a A1U-so recently that it has not arrived in fact! I am planning on using the camera with either an FX1 or a Z1U, but I wanted to get some more info first before I get the second camera. One of the most promising features of the A1U is the ability to sync the timecode (as I shoot a lot of multicam live events) and I wanted to see if anyone has tried syncing a A1U and a Z1U. There seems to be no documentation of this issue, and the good people at B&H didn't know for sure. I would assume (and hope!) so, but better safe than sorry.

March 2nd, 2006, 09:53 PM	#2
Jerry Waters Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 136	I'd like the answer as well. The Z1 (which I have) can use a continious run time code and you can reset two cameras together by beginning them both with one remote. (I got this from a DVD on HDV.) I have no idea on the A1 (which I bought today and am waiting for) but I'm hoping for something like that. One thing I did in shooting a movie with the Z1 and an FX1 was use a clap board that I attached to a digital clock. I can sync the shots from the two cameras that way. __________________ Jerry Waters Arize Productions

March 7th, 2006, 07:11 PM	#6
Jerry Waters Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 136	thanks Thanks for the info. My A1U is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. That will be one of the first things I do. __________________ Jerry Waters Arize Productions

March 7th, 2006, 03:33 PM	#4
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	I can now confirm that you can sync the timecode of an A1U with a Z1U by using the Timecode Reset command from the Z1U's remote. This alone is worth the upgrade prices!