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Using electronic flash to sync 2 cameras?
If this is posted in the wrong place, I apologize. And this is not really a question per se, but I need an opinion of this ‘somewhat’ self-discovered method.
Last August, I taped an event with a single camera, and a week later made acquaintance with an individual that was at the same event with camera. Much of this persons footage was very good, so I struck a deal and set out to sync their footage with mine. This event was an indoor night time music show with many different rock bands.
In this world we live in, still camera flashes go off at any given event about every 5- 10 seconds or less.
By process of elimination one can line up the same flashes at the same point on the timeline, by matching the exact frames where the flash went off. It seems to work flawlessly in this dimly lit condition.I have this event to do again, and planning on a second camera for close-ups. The second camera will possibly be a hard drive type, and the primary camera (that is getting soundboard feed) is DV tape.
I have a hard drive HD camera that is on BO right now, but due to the Tsunami, delivery date is not known.Unbelievably, I still do not own a clap-board. Both cameras will probably be started and stopped numerous times during this 6 hour event.
Obviously, I will I have to use this ‘flash sync’ method every time the cameras are stopped and started. Or if I had a clap board each time, correct? It seems that an advantage of this flash syncing is that it can be seen a long distance away.
I seem to be getting more of this type of work, and need a little advice. I’m certain this is not the protocol method in the professional world. I have FCP 6, but know very little about multi camera function. Would that help me in this case?
Thanks for opinions of course!
Jonny Cates
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19 Replies
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With a live music event, it’s always easy to sync two cameras using a music note, usually a percussive drum hit. Doesn’t need to be the first note of the song, just a very clear note that’s heard on both cameras. Line that up and you’re in sync.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media -
My condolences, brother. You can’t use clap board in such uncontrolled environment as this, though you can use time-code generator for both cameras. There are some wireless solutions available on market. You can google it. It’s better buy one now and save hours of mundane and tedious job of syncing multi-camera coverage. This is a good investment.
Free-lance fcp editor in Moscow
http://www.mokaeff.com -
I think it’s a great idea Jonny. Very simple.
No need to have someone move somewhere in shot with a clapper and cameras reframe. Many cameras don’t have a timecode input these days (I suspect your hard drive camera may be in this situation). The duration of flash means it will only occupy one frame, but yes if you stop one or both cameras you’ll need to fire the flash again.
If both cameras are recording though audio Walter,s solution means you can sync anywhere though without re-firing the flash.
Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/ -
Ya know, that sounds very easy and logical. I guess a drum note, or whatever kind of spike note it is, could be anywhere on the timeline, at least anywhere during that particular song. Once it’s lined up – it’s all lined up on that take. Hmmm… I should have thought of this….
Thanks Walter!
Jonny Cates
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Phil, thanks for your positive opinion. I did understand Walter’s suggestion.
I will be starting and stopping the the main camera at least once an hour, since I’m dealing with mini DV tape. The other camera may be in a stationary position, but closer. It will be a hard drive camera that will record for several hours – I believe.
If this the case, it seems I would only have to flash-sync at the beginning of each tape change.As it turned out the last time, it did work out as a happy accident. It was a bit tricky, because there were so many flashes going off, that it became hard to tell one from another! This time, I thought I would pro-activly incorporate this idea again, but try and refine it a bit by using exact coordinates where and when the flash is triggered. I don’t have a timecode generator at this moment, but will look into it.
Thanks again!
Jonny Cates
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[Jonny Cates] “Thanks Walter!”
My pleasure. Chalk this up to “been there, sync’d that.” 🙂
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media -
I will look into a TC generator, but for now, I’m afraid I’m under a short time element of this job.
This event is taking place pretty soon, and I probably won’t have time to invest into a generator. Procrastination kills don’t it!Thanks so much for your valued opinion Everest!
Jonny Cates
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If you have a budget you might want to look at “Pluraleyes” (I have no vested interest) which is great for this sort of thing.
Matt. -
Wow! This looks really good. I’m reading about it right now….thanks Matthew!
Jonny Cates
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Flash sync has been used for many many years.
PluralEyes is the best and most efficient option today.
Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group
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