Muli-Camera Sync solution
 

Hello. I shoot multi-camera configurations with 4 XL's and use the sync sticks on a slate or just a pair of sticks by themselves. They are sold that way just for that purpose. Be sure not to snap the sticks too fast because the cameras will not pick up the full motion of the synced snap at the standard frame rate. Just click the sticks at a moderate rate and there is your sync reference. It is accurate to within 1-2 frames. Also, you could use a flash bulb for a visual reference. When using slates or sticks for this purpose get as tight as possible for the biggest, clearest picture for accurate frame syncing. It is important that both cameras see the TIPs of the sticks at contact to know when they have fully seated. When the master audio track is sync with all video clips from each camera, then you know you're in sync. Hope this helps.

Thanks, man. We have tried using the flashing lights, but the old fashioned state idea is probably the best. We have a couple of clacker slates that we use from time to time, but never use the sound device, because Beta equipment can link time code. This may be an XL1 answer.

Thanks again

Slim

Another possible solution for XL gen lock
 

Howdy. I haven't tried this yet but start both cameras recording and point one at the other's LCD window and go in tight. After a couple of seconds of recording its code, spin it back around and finish the take or project, repeating as necessary. Next, when in the time line for post, just use the code FROM the recording camera that shot the LCD window and the code from the other camera itself and slide the clips to that exact point of reference and you should be in sync, right? I guess it's just like using a time code slate for playback. You are letting the camera see the code from the playback unit and just syncing those visual references in the timeline. I hope this works because it would ensure frame accurate sync.

I have always used an electronic flash from a 35mm camera. Point all cameras toward the flash and press the flashes test button to fire it. The flash is so brief (about 1/10,000 sec) it's only visable for 1 frame of video. Find that frame and align them all in post and your all set. Used electronic flashes with a test button can be found at most camera stores for $35 and up.

Jeff

Yes we have used a flash and you are right. it works if you have plenty of time to align everyting in the editing phase.

Thanks for the reply and the advice.

Don't know if this is useful to you, but check out this little gadget that reads timecode from your XL1's LANC output and transmits it to a smart slate.

http://www.spcomms.com/ltcexport/ltcexport.PDF

- Clayton Lai