Timecode notation in camera at DVinfo.net

Mitch Buss · July 3rd, 2012, 01:18 PM

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone had any information on cameras that offer a timecode notation feature that lets the operator mark a specific moment in a clip while shooting. We are working on a new reality show and currently using EX3's which do not have that function, as far as I'm aware. And between our 5 camera operators, and the 20+ TB of footage we have shot already, it has been difficult at times for post to find specific moments, or for the operators to remember exactly where they are.

We are pretty heavily invested in SxS cards, so a Sony option would be great, but if there is any other camera that offers this, I would love to hear about it.

Thank you in advance for any information that is offered.

Mitch

Andrew Rowe · July 5th, 2012, 12:42 PM

Not a hardware solution, which is what you are asking for, but... I find it helps to shoot time-of-day TC (i.e. free run, with the TC set to match the actual time). This makes it easier to guess at the TC, and you can just note down the rough time in a pocket book manually. Alternatively, a blast of colour bars for 10 seconds as soon after the incident as you can get away with might be one possible workaround. Easy to spot as you scan through the video.

July 3rd, 2012, 01:18 PM	#1
Mitch Buss Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 184	Timecode notation in camera Hello all, I was wondering if anyone had any information on cameras that offer a timecode notation feature that lets the operator mark a specific moment in a clip while shooting. We are working on a new reality show and currently using EX3's which do not have that function, as far as I'm aware. And between our 5 camera operators, and the 20+ TB of footage we have shot already, it has been difficult at times for post to find specific moments, or for the operators to remember exactly where they are. We are pretty heavily invested in SxS cards, so a Sony option would be great, but if there is any other camera that offers this, I would love to hear about it. Thank you in advance for any information that is offered. Mitch

July 5th, 2012, 12:42 PM	#2
Andrew Rowe Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London, UK Posts: 39	Re: Timecode notation in camera Not a hardware solution, which is what you are asking for, but... I find it helps to shoot time-of-day TC (i.e. free run, with the TC set to match the actual time). This makes it easier to guess at the TC, and you can just note down the rough time in a pocket book manually. Alternatively, a blast of colour bars for 10 seconds as soon after the incident as you can get away with might be one possible workaround. Easy to spot as you scan through the video.