Time Code Question
 

I'm a little confused about the time code settings. In the manual it says to use drop frame, 29.97 for the actual running time and then when you're editing use non-drop. If I'm shooting at 30fps, why wouldn't I stick with the non-drop for the shoot and for post? please forgive my ignorance on this, but I must make sure I do it correctly from the start. I know that 29.97 is the actual frame rate for NTSC, so I assume that is why I need to select the drop frame time code in the Canon menu.

Thanks for any assistance with this!

Lucinda

For a good link, see http://www.editorsguild.com/newslett...6/tipdrop.html

As you have suspected, it's really better to stick with DF especially if you're creating programs over 15min. in running time.

Of course the reason for drop-frame is so the displayed timecode tracks close to the actual program running time. If you're not concerned about fitting the program into an exact time frame target such as broadcast progamming must do, it really doesn't matter whether you use drop or non-drop as long as you're consistent. Drop or non-drop doesn't change anything about the video stream, just the numbers displayed above the frames in the timeline. With non-drop those numbers won't represent accurate running times as measured by a stopwatch but unless you're a broadcaster, who cares? For most uses it doesn't matter if a "1-hour video" actually turns out to be 00:58:45 or 01:03:37 in length

Thanks Chris,

As always, I appreciate your timely help! I have downloaded the info and am reading it now. I've used both drop and non-drop and my films are from 3 minutes to one hour.

In the article it says that you can shoot at 24p and then make a 30p timeline. Will the quality be altered as a result of having fewer frames? I ask because someone on the forum said that if you do the above, when you go to exporting the film, it will look lousey. I have a friend here who told me I could shoot at 24p and then make a 30p timeline. I'm only doing this as a stop gap measure until I can get Final Cut Pro.....

What do you think? would it be ok to shoot in 24p and then make a 30p timeline?

Thanks for your help Chris!

Lucinda

Thank you Steve! yes, actual running time is important to me, so I'll go with the drop frame. It's just that in the manual it says to use the drop frame to shoot and non-drop for post. I find that a bit confusing. Probably because it's so hot here and my brain isn't working as well as it should...not until late in the afternoon, that's for sure!

Lucinda