XF305 timecoding issue (really stuck now)

[Ruy Fajardo]

Hi Nick i hope you can solve this pretty soon. I have had success with Telestream´s Episode Encoder, this software is not cheap but it worths the price, is really good and quality the same or better than FCP.

I dont know if you are working on FCP7 or FCP6, ive had some issues with FCP6 and this digital workflow.

Ive had trouble with other camcorders when i just delete clips instead formatting the cards, i thought it was not necessary to format, but once i had a headache i format always.

I always do the same as you do (cut some at the beginning and at the end) i try to export and bring the same format i use in the capture scratch folder. Im not converting to prores because that is a lot of space in HDD. i guess it is converted to mov xdcamex hq and thats what i like.

To format go tho the bottom icon in the menu (maybe a tool icon) and then you will find it.

best

[Al Bergstein]

Yep. I always format in the camera. Eliminates any possible issue with deleting files and the cleanup of them.

I would ask your clients what they are doing with the files. They might not need ProRes but simply think it’s the easiest thing to do. Many professional clients are very familiar with XDCAM workflows. Sony uses it, and Sony is often a standard in many shops. Also P2 (which is not the format) from Panasonic. It’s just a question of what they are doing with it.

It sounds as if you should spend some time seriously working on learning the file transfer types used by the industry, and talking to your client. Could save you some time! (G)

Al

[Nick Ball]

Hi all.

Canon have just got back to me with a possible answer to the above problem with the XF305 timecode.

They have managed to replicate the problem through testing out my suspicions of the cause. We film most of our material with pre-record because we film mostly wildlife. If you stop recording but quickly (within 1 or 2 seconds) start recording again with the pre-record on, it will completely mess-up all the timecode. And, usually the reason you’ve started recording again is because it’s a poignant moment and the footage is footage you need, thus a nightmare if you can’t use it.

Canon called yesterday and explained that they managed to replicate the problem over and over again, and that this is indeed an issue. However, I got a call back later and the tech assured me that upon upgrading the firmware to the latest 1.0.4.0 version he couldn’t reproduce it. I’m in the process of testing this myself to see if it is indeed a fix.

Just thought I’d let you all know. If any of you can test as well then we can see if it actually is resolved of whether Canon are just getting lucky.

Cheers,

Nick