Best way to sync 2 XL1’s? at DVinfo.net

Richard Lubash · December 5th, 2001, 06:46 PM

I have done a fair amount of single camera work but no 2 camera shoots and now have the need to run a fixed wide shot and a roving shot of a series of events that will include live verbal presentations. I would appreciate any direction as to where I might find information, articles etc. as to what is necessary as far as equipment and setup so that the footage shot on both XL1’s can be used in sync during the editing process.

Thanks,

Richard Lubash
2K-Plus

John Klein · December 6th, 2001, 11:38 PM

The only good way is to use a camera flash fired after each vidCam is running. Then in your editing, you synch each tape to the frame with the flash on it as your starting point.

At least that's what I'm going to be trying to do.

It's possible, in theory, to miss it, though. I flash burst is roughly 1/900th of a second or shorter. Considering film is shot at roughly 30 fps for 1/60th of a sec. each , you might miss the strobe firing. Usually not a problem. But it's not 100% foolproof.

My advice is to use the strongest flash setting on the strobe. It is always the longest duration flash which increases your chance for success. I think my stongest flash is 1/400th sec. whereas the least setting is closer to about a 1/10,000th, which is more likely to slip through the (video frame) cracks.

Remember to re-synch every time there's a break in the taping.

I'd probably also fire the strobe a couple of times (during the taping) for longer shots just to assure everythings still ok. Or maybe just once to start and once at the end? You never know if two identical cameras will truly spec out the same.

Luckily in editing, if there's a problem by being off a frame here or there, you can adjust it to "fit."

December 5th, 2001, 06:46 PM	#1
Richard Lubash Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 61	Best way to sync 2 XL1’s? I have done a fair amount of single camera work but no 2 camera shoots and now have the need to run a fixed wide shot and a roving shot of a series of events that will include live verbal presentations. I would appreciate any direction as to where I might find information, articles etc. as to what is necessary as far as equipment and setup so that the footage shot on both XL1’s can be used in sync during the editing process. Thanks, Richard Lubash 2K-Plus

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December 6th, 2001, 11:38 PM	#2
John Klein Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 182	The only good way is to use a camera flash fired after each vidCam is running. Then in your editing, you synch each tape to the frame with the flash on it as your starting point. At least that's what I'm going to be trying to do. It's possible, in theory, to miss it, though. I flash burst is roughly 1/900th of a second or shorter. Considering film is shot at roughly 30 fps for 1/60th of a sec. each , you might miss the strobe firing. Usually not a problem. But it's not 100% foolproof. My advice is to use the strongest flash setting on the strobe. It is always the longest duration flash which increases your chance for success. I think my stongest flash is 1/400th sec. whereas the least setting is closer to about a 1/10,000th, which is more likely to slip through the (video frame) cracks. Remember to re-synch every time there's a break in the taping. I'd probably also fire the strobe a couple of times (during the taping) for longer shots just to assure everythings still ok. Or maybe just once to start and once at the end? You never know if two identical cameras will truly spec out the same. Luckily in editing, if there's a problem by being off a frame here or there, you can adjust it to "fit."