Help: Drop Frame or Non-Drop Frame? at DVinfo.net

Hugh Walton · March 23rd, 2007, 07:51 AM

I recently realized that I have the choice between Drop Frame or Non-Drop Frame Time-code on my Canon XH-A1 (Menu >>Signal Setup >>Time Code >>Frame Setting: Drop/Non-Drop). From what I have read it seems important to know which Frame Setting you are using, so that the Capture Preset in your NLE (I am using Final Cut Pro) is set accordingly.

In the past, before I read about Frame Settings, I recorded 24F footage with a Frame Setting of "Drop", but captured in Final Cut Pro using the "HDV Firewire Basic NDF" Capture Preset (NDF = Non-Drop Frame). Although I was able to capture the footage there were a few small problems.

I assume that the camera Frame Setting should match the Capture Preset Setting. Is this correct? Also, can someone help me to understand what setting I should use? I seem to understand the purpose of choosing Drop or Non-Drop, but I am interested to see if anyone has a preference or recommendation for what Frame Setting and Capture Preset to use?

Please help,
Hugh

Geoff Dills · March 23rd, 2007, 08:29 AM

Timecode can be either one...drop frame was created to keep up with real time, non drop will not by in sync with real time. So it is only important if you want your timecode to reflect the actual amount of time that's passed.

Doesn't really matter which you use...pick one and stick to it. I use Avid and it recognizes which one it is and remembers it, so if I stick a tape in already logged into the system and it reports a different timecode format, it alerts me.

March 23rd, 2007, 07:51 AM	#1
Hugh Walton Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 77	Help: Drop Frame or Non-Drop Frame? I recently realized that I have the choice between Drop Frame or Non-Drop Frame Time-code on my Canon XH-A1 (Menu >>Signal Setup >>Time Code >>Frame Setting: Drop/Non-Drop). From what I have read it seems important to know which Frame Setting you are using, so that the Capture Preset in your NLE (I am using Final Cut Pro) is set accordingly. In the past, before I read about Frame Settings, I recorded 24F footage with a Frame Setting of "Drop", but captured in Final Cut Pro using the "HDV Firewire Basic NDF" Capture Preset (NDF = Non-Drop Frame). Although I was able to capture the footage there were a few small problems. I assume that the camera Frame Setting should match the Capture Preset Setting. Is this correct? Also, can someone help me to understand what setting I should use? I seem to understand the purpose of choosing Drop or Non-Drop, but I am interested to see if anyone has a preference or recommendation for what Frame Setting and Capture Preset to use? Please help, Hugh

March 23rd, 2007, 08:29 AM	#2
Geoff Dills Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 85	Timecode can be either one...drop frame was created to keep up with real time, non drop will not by in sync with real time. So it is only important if you want your timecode to reflect the actual amount of time that's passed. Doesn't really matter which you use...pick one and stick to it. I use Avid and it recognizes which one it is and remembers it, so if I stick a tape in already logged into the system and it reports a different timecode format, it alerts me.