Is this possible in Edius??

[Raja]

With a 2 camera shoot, I normally sync the two cameras on the timeline and then providing both cameras clips were kept recording, all stays in sync. But the problem is when one cameraman does a start/stop (scene change), it causes the two tracks on the timeline to go out of sync. Then I have to re-sync and continue from that point. I have to do this on every scene change and re-sync.

If on location, i was to set both camera timecodes to 'free-run', (meaning the time code keeps running regardless of whether the camera is recording or not), then even if the both cameramen start/stop at their will, the timecodes will be the same on the recorded footage on both cameras (as we set them both to zero at the start). Our cameras (Sony DSR-390's) allow a 'free-run' mode.

This would be a HUGE timesaver in syncing clips, as one could separate clips on timecode break (during batch capture) and then Edius could sync the two tracks automatically (by looking at the timecode on both clips and syncing)

Can Edius look at the timecodes on the two clips and sync them automatically?

Hope i was clear in my description above.

[Jason Ramsey]

I cannot think of the shortcut key at the moment, but I have done exactly this with 41 minutes on each camera. One continuously rolling, the other starting/stopping. You hit the key, and they will drop straight onto the timeline based on timecode. It doesn't matter if you start stop. That's what the free run timecode is for, and EDIUS handles it properly.

Then, all you have to do is adjust slightly for your cameras if they don't handle free run entirely properly... could be a few frames, could be a second. Having ripple mode on when you slide one track will keep all clips on that track moving together.

Later,
Jason

[Raja]

Any ideas on what the short cut is or how to achieve it?

[Jason Ramsey]

I believe if you go into multicam mode, and then go to mode...sync point.... timecode.

If you highlight the clips in the bin and press shift+enter that *should* drop them on the timeline based on their timecode. I am going off of memory though, and only did it once before.

Jason

EDIT: Also make sure you have the point set on the timeline at the beginning (or wherever you want the clips to begin). And, highlight the first track that you want (i.e. 1v) to start dropping the clips on. EDIUS will create any add'l tracks needed, or will drop each additional camera on the next track up from the first one you selected.

Sorry if I've left something out, but that should get you started.

[Raja]

Thanks for that. I'll try it.