Best way to sync 2 cams with a free run time code

[Raja]

What is the best way to sync 2 cams? They both have free run time code.

This is what I tried:

In multicam mode, set sync mode to 'Timecode'. Added cam1 onto VA1, and it comes on the timeline with the gaps in between the clips where the cam was in pause mode. Then i added cam2 to VA2. This method does have gaps on cam1 (VA1) even where cam2 clips are not there. It involves going thru and deleting all gaps on VA1.
Is there a way to add cam1 to VA1 as normal (no gaps), and then when adding cam2 on VA2, it automatically gaps/shifts the clips on cam1 (VA1) where needed.
Plus, I've had to set a sequence preset start timecode, and when adding cam2 clips to VA2, i have to position the timeline cursor to the same as the first clip of cam2, as it syncs from that point onwards. Can't Edius just drop in the clips on the timeline automatically regardless of where the timeline cursor is positioned??

Cam1 and Cam2 were start/stopped throughout the recording.

Any other technique I'm missing here??

[Alade]

First Rule I learnt, NEVER run/stop cameras in multiicamera shoots...tape is toooooooo cheap for that....I never do it.......once my cameras start, they run til the tape run out, or stop when it is absolutely needed to do so....I have shoots that are over 3 hours long, and I use in my JVC 5000, DVCam tapes which give me more time that regular tapes, so my friend, I wish you the best of luck.....

[Raja]

First Rule I learnt, NEVER run/stop cameras in multiicamera shoots...tape is toooooooo cheap for that....I never do it.......once my cameras start, they run til the tape run out, or stop when it is absolutely needed to do so....I have shoots that are over 3 hours long, and I use in my JVC 5000, DVCam tapes which give me more time that regular tapes, so my friend, I wish you the best of luck.....

We use XDCAM 50GB discs (over £40 a disc) with approx 2.5hrs capacity (HD). Anyway, thats not the issue.
I've got them to sync, but I was wondering whether I'm missing an easier quicker way. Currently I have to set the sequence timecode to match the first clip of cam1, then add clips. Then move the cursor to the timecode of the first clip of cam2 on VA2, then add them clips.
If this is the correct way, then its not too bad, but the reason I ask is just in case I'm missing an important technique where I just drop cam1 clips onto VA1 and cam2 clips onto VA2 and they sync automatically.

Cheers

[SRsupport]

In version 5.11 there 5 ways to sync the cams. New functionality has been added to accomodate recordings with stop and starts.

Edius will automatically sync if the reelname is used all clips of one reel will go on 1 track automatically and the gaps (start and stops) will be created to allow syncing of tracks based on REC time or timecode.


The syncing possibilities are now more advanced.

Please check pages 418 and 419 of the manual. Although the explanation is a bit vague it will give you an idea on what you can achieve with the different syncing options.
I have not checked if the relationship with reelname is explained

[laddi.b]

Well done Edius.

[RonnieMartin]

I agree to never turn any of the cameras....... What we used to do when working without a director and switcher "gorilla style", was to let all cameras roll one minute before the event. Then point them at the stage where an associate was holding a small flash camera. In post we would just put all three captures on the time line one above the other and find the frame with the flash. That would sync all three cameras. This was long before Edius had multicam and we put a PIP on the other timelines so that as we scrolled through the footage we could see if we wanted to cut to one of the other cameras. It was very primitive but it worked.

Good Luck


Ronnie Martin

https://www.dirtracingvideo.com

[Raja]

In version 5.11 there 5 ways to sync the cams. New functionality has been added to accomodate recordings with stop and starts.

Edius will automatically sync if the reelname is used all clips of one reel will go on 1 track automatically and the gaps (start and stops) will be created to allow syncing of tracks based on REC time or timecode.


The syncing possibilities are now more advanced.

Please check pages 418 and 419 of the manual. Although the explanation is a bit vague it will give you an idea on what you can achieve with the different syncing options.
I have not checked if the relationship with reelname is explained

I did hear something about Edius creating the gaps now. Thats exactly what I'm looking for.

[SRsupport]

The way it works now it that is you have footage from a camcorder which was recorded by start and stop Edius will now put all the clips on the timeline in the same track if they have the same real name.



Example cam 1 has recorded clips with start and stop reel name is camera 1
cam 2 has recorded continues real name is camera 2


What will happen is that when you use the (Rec time /freerun) edius will drop all the clips of cam 1 on one track while syncing the time code to the second cam.
This will auto create gaps for time missed by the 1 camera.

So all the people who said don't start and stop have not looked at this new feature in Edius because now you can do just that and have Edius sync the clips automatically.

But the manual is really lacking an useful explanation of this.

[THoff]

Also, freerun timecode implies that it keeps advancing even if the camera has stopped recording. Otherwise you are talking about recrun, and there you absolutely must not stop recording.

[SRsupport]

Unless there is a tc /sync generator involved with nice tc blackboxes wireless tc. :)

The OP uses freerun.

[Raja]

.......is that when you use the (Rec time /freerun) edius will drop all the clips of cam 1 on one track while syncing the time code to the second cam........

Thanks for the explanation, will try it.

As I've used freerun timecode, should I be using 'Rec time' as the sync option, or should it be 'Timecode'?

[SRsupport]

It should be Rec time IIRC. :)

[yuda]

Multicam

I have a Sony Z5 and shoot on CF cards. Can you explain step by step how to do it and how do I name the reel number? I saw Mike
Downey doing it at NAB but I can't repeat it at home.

[Raja]

I too transfer files from XDCAM disc (MXF). I selected all the clips and tried to assign a reel number, but it only changed the first one. Having to go thru 300+clips and change the reel number is hassle.

Also, I looked thru the Edius 5 guide (quick start guide, the only that came with it) and the help files and couldn't find anywhere any explanantion about the multicam feature and its different sync points.

So:
1. Any ideas how to rename all clips to a reel name?
2. Where can I find the 'how to' instructions on Multicam?
3. What is 'Overwrite cut point' in multicam mode? Its ticked by default.

Cheers

[Raja]

Tried everything. Just can't get multicam to auto sync the clips without having to position the timeline cursor first. Tried 'rec time' and 'timecode' sync points.
Just a quick explanation by a multicam expert would do.
Cheers