Synch Video from Two XL1s? at DVinfo.net

David C. Scott · March 1st, 2002, 06:42 PM

Is there a way to synchronize video and audio from two XL1s? In other words, I'd like to simultaneously shoot a setup with two cameras so as to have audio-synched multiple angles from which to choose during editing. I guess this could be accomplished through some sort of switcher into which both cameras are cabled but I'd prefer to somehow match up the tapes themselves via the timecodes. Is this a foolish notion?

Joe Redifer · March 1st, 2002, 06:57 PM

Well you could do the very basic method:

Before the shot walk into view where both cameras can see and hear you. Clap your hands once (make sure to make a big movement when doing this). Your cameras will then be synced at the clap point. By the way, you'll want both cameras recording when you do the clap :)

Chris Hurd · March 1st, 2002, 09:55 PM

Joe's suggestion is the easiest, most painless and therefore best way to do it. There's no electronic or mechanical way to internally synch-start or synch-record multiple XL1's.

David C. Scott · March 2nd, 2002, 07:05 AM

Thanks very much for the suggestion. And the solution doesn't even cost anything! Now if acquiring a second XL1 could be just as easy.

Joe Redifer · March 2nd, 2002, 01:18 PM

Just rent one. If you happen to stumble on a free cache of XL1's please send a few to me! :)

K. Forman · April 12th, 2002, 12:47 PM

Not only does the sound and clapping motion help to synch, but there is also an easier way to sync. Use a flash camera pointed at the camera target. The flash will only last one frame, and is easier than syncing by ear or wave form.
I discovered this only AFTER trying it the other way for the fist half of a video.
Keith

March 1st, 2002, 06:42 PM	#1
David C. Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 43	Synch Video from Two XL1s? Is there a way to synchronize video and audio from two XL1s? In other words, I'd like to simultaneously shoot a setup with two cameras so as to have audio-synched multiple angles from which to choose during editing. I guess this could be accomplished through some sort of switcher into which both cameras are cabled but I'd prefer to somehow match up the tapes themselves via the timecodes. Is this a foolish notion? __________________ David C. Scott

March 1st, 2002, 09:55 PM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Joe's suggestion is the easiest, most painless and therefore best way to do it. There's no electronic or mechanical way to internally synch-start or synch-record multiple XL1's. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 2nd, 2002, 07:05 AM	#4
David C. Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 43	Thanks very much for the suggestion. And the solution doesn't even cost anything! Now if acquiring a second XL1 could be just as easy. __________________ David C. Scott

March 1st, 2002, 06:57 PM	#2
Joe Redifer Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 290	Well you could do the very basic method: Before the shot walk into view where both cameras can see and hear you. Clap your hands once (make sure to make a big movement when doing this). Your cameras will then be synced at the clap point. By the way, you'll want both cameras recording when you do the clap :)

March 2nd, 2002, 01:18 PM	#5
Joe Redifer Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 290	Just rent one. If you happen to stumble on a free cache of XL1's please send a few to me! :)

April 12th, 2002, 12:47 PM	#6
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Not only does the sound and clapping motion help to synch, but there is also an easier way to sync. Use a flash camera pointed at the camera target. The flash will only last one frame, and is easier than syncing by ear or wave form. I discovered this only AFTER trying it the other way for the fist half of a video. Keith