Timecode Sync at DVinfo.net

John Moon · March 30th, 2006, 08:13 AM

I own a Sony Z1U and recently purchased the new Canon XL2. For a mulit-camera shoot, what is the best way to get these 2 running in sync using free run. I know its easier if you have the same cameras and then just use the remote to start them both at the same time. Is there such a thing as a universal remote to run both of these cameras? Thanks, John

Ethan Cooper · March 30th, 2006, 08:32 AM

I dont have a good work around for your question, but I do have a question for you. If you were already shooting with a Z1 (I'm assuming in HD) then why did you opt for the XL2 that shoots SD? How are the two matching up in post?
Just a thought, I guess you could try setting the timecode yourself and then just pushing the record buttons at the same time. It might not be perfect, but as long as you dont stop the cameras you should be able to roughly match time codes in post and nudge the clips a frame or two if they are off a bit.

John Moon · March 30th, 2006, 09:37 AM

I primarily use the HD for instructional video or sports evaluation shots. I use SD with the Z1U for wedding events to match up with the XL2. No problems in post.....yet.

Sam Shore · April 3rd, 2006, 03:44 PM

I saw a tip of kennelmaster Chris Hurd's referenced in a Feb. 2006 DV magazine article "High Stakes and High Def" about syncing up some Z1Us for a multi camera shoot for a reality show: set the timecode generator in each camera to run free. Push the reset button on both at midnight, and they'll be in sync within a frame or two.

Seems like this would work in your case too, John. Chris?

John Moon · April 3rd, 2006, 06:31 PM

Thanks. I appreciate your input. I am going to try that. I need to sync the Canon XL2 and the Z1U for a wedding in May. Shooting the Z1U in SD. I'll do some testing first. May have to rely on using a strobe during the shoot to sync up in post.

March 30th, 2006, 08:13 AM	#1
John Moon Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 446	Timecode Sync I own a Sony Z1U and recently purchased the new Canon XL2. For a mulit-camera shoot, what is the best way to get these 2 running in sync using free run. I know its easier if you have the same cameras and then just use the remote to start them both at the same time. Is there such a thing as a universal remote to run both of these cameras? Thanks, John

March 30th, 2006, 08:32 AM	#2
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	I dont have a good work around for your question, but I do have a question for you. If you were already shooting with a Z1 (I'm assuming in HD) then why did you opt for the XL2 that shoots SD? How are the two matching up in post? Just a thought, I guess you could try setting the timecode yourself and then just pushing the record buttons at the same time. It might not be perfect, but as long as you dont stop the cameras you should be able to roughly match time codes in post and nudge the clips a frame or two if they are off a bit.

March 30th, 2006, 09:37 AM	#3
John Moon Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 446	I primarily use the HD for instructional video or sports evaluation shots. I use SD with the Z1U for wedding events to match up with the XL2. No problems in post.....yet.

April 3rd, 2006, 03:44 PM	#4
Sam Shore Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 58	I saw a tip of kennelmaster Chris Hurd's referenced in a Feb. 2006 DV magazine article "High Stakes and High Def" about syncing up some Z1Us for a multi camera shoot for a reality show: set the timecode generator in each camera to run free. Push the reset button on both at midnight, and they'll be in sync within a frame or two. Seems like this would work in your case too, John. Chris?

April 3rd, 2006, 06:31 PM	#5
John Moon Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 446	Thanks. I appreciate your input. I am going to try that. I need to sync the Canon XL2 and the Z1U for a wedding in May. Shooting the Z1U in SD. I'll do some testing first. May have to rely on using a strobe during the shoot to sync up in post.