EX1 to Cineform workflow: how to best sync TWO cameras? at DVinfo.net

Alex Raskin · October 2nd, 2008, 10:57 AM

Say, there's a shoot with two EX1's.

Footage is transcoded into Cineform before editing.

Since Cineform (to the best of my knowledge) does not retain original timecode from MP4s, question arises:

- What is the best way to synchronize two cameras during the shoot, to avoid post-production headaches?

So far I was simply using a clapper, which is also a pain because both cameras need to clearly see it, and that is not always possible. Plus, start/stopping the cams multiple times requires clap sync each time. Not fun. And, manually finding the clap moment in the footage and aligning the clips in timeline is tedious and not precise.

Any better ways of doing so?

Maybe a flash - but then there's no loud accompanying sound like with clapper, which helps aligning the clips quickly. And, due to EX1's rolling shutter, it may not even capture the flash correctly!

What would you guys do?

Alex Raskin · October 14th, 2008, 10:53 AM

>> bump <<

anyone? anyone? Bueller?

Adam Gold · October 14th, 2008, 11:32 AM

I don't have an EX1, but when using Premiere with Cineform with footage from my FX1s/FX7s, I just visually align the audio waveforms. Just find the first audio peak in the clip and align it to the same peak in the corresponding clip from the other cam.

The challenges you are experiencing with using a clapper are the same ones faced by Hollywood, but it's just the nature of the beast. But the above method is easier.

Tim Bucklin · October 14th, 2008, 11:33 AM

Hi Alex,

Our next release will have timecode support for EX1 MP4s, so hopefully that will help with your multi-camera editing!

Perrone Ford · October 14th, 2008, 11:36 AM

I like the idea of using a cheap camera flash unit. EASY to see and sync, and only bursts for a frame or two. Dead simple.

Alex Raskin · October 14th, 2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bucklin

Our next release will have timecode support for EX1 MP4s

Tim - thanks, that'd be cool!

When do you think will you roll out beta for this? I use Prospect HD.

October 2nd, 2008, 10:57 AM	#1
Alex Raskin Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,435	EX1 to Cineform workflow: how to best sync TWO cameras? Say, there's a shoot with two EX1's. Footage is transcoded into Cineform before editing. Since Cineform (to the best of my knowledge) does not retain original timecode from MP4s, question arises: - What is the best way to synchronize two cameras during the shoot, to avoid post-production headaches? So far I was simply using a clapper, which is also a pain because both cameras need to clearly see it, and that is not always possible. Plus, start/stopping the cams multiple times requires clap sync each time. Not fun. And, manually finding the clap moment in the footage and aligning the clips in timeline is tedious and not precise. Any better ways of doing so? Maybe a flash - but then there's no loud accompanying sound like with clapper, which helps aligning the clips quickly. And, due to EX1's rolling shutter, it may not even capture the flash correctly! What would you guys do?

October 14th, 2008, 11:33 AM	#4
Tim Bucklin Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Solana Beach, CA Posts: 112	Hi Alex, Our next release will have timecode support for EX1 MP4s, so hopefully that will help with your multi-camera editing! __________________ Tim Bucklin CineForm Software Engineer

October 14th, 2008, 11:36 AM	#5
Perrone Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4,100	I like the idea of using a cheap camera flash unit. EASY to see and sync, and only bursts for a frame or two. Dead simple. __________________ DVX100, PMW-EX1, Canon 550D, FigRig, Dell Octocore, Avid MC4/5, MB Looks, RedCineX, Matrox MX02 mini, GTech RAID, Edirol R-4, Senn. G2 Evo, Countryman, Moles and Lowels.

October 14th, 2008, 10:53 AM	#2
Alex Raskin Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,435	>> bump << anyone? anyone? Bueller?

October 14th, 2008, 11:32 AM	#3
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	I don't have an EX1, but when using Premiere with Cineform with footage from my FX1s/FX7s, I just visually align the audio waveforms. Just find the first audio peak in the clip and align it to the same peak in the corresponding clip from the other cam. The challenges you are experiencing with using a clapper are the same ones faced by Hollywood, but it's just the nature of the beast. But the above method is easier.