Timecode and syncing workflow


The Sony A7s has unexplored features for multi-cam editing: Until I have further information, I’m not going into details here. Just for starters: TC refers to timecode. UB refers to User Bits. It is eight digits in the hexadecimel system written asXX:XX:XX:XX. The cool thing is you can assign values yourself to this. E.g., in ... Read more

The Sony A7s has unexplored features for multi-cam editing:

A7s workflow

Until I have further information, I’m not going into details here. Just for starters:

  • TC refers to timecode.
  • UB refers to User Bits. It is eight digits in the hexadecimel system written asXX:XX:XX:XX. The cool thing is you can assign values yourself to this. E.g., in a mult-cam setup, if you have four cameras (C1 to C4), you’re in reel three (R3), scene 12 (12) and shot 4 (04), you can write out the UB code as follows: C3:R3:12:04. This helps synchronize cameras in a multicamera editing environment. Whether or not this is useful remains to be seen.
  • Rec flag is a record start/stop flag

Initially, I felt the Sony A7s is capable of genlock via an external recorder. Let’s see if this is true or not. I’m pretty sure the camera will throw up more secrets as time goes by!

Author Bio
Photo of author
Sareesh Sudhakaran is a film director and award-winning cinematographer with over 24 years of experience. His second film, "Gin Ke Dus", was released in theaters in India in March 2024. As an educator, Sareesh walks the talk. His online courses help aspiring filmmakers realize their filmmaking dreams. Sareesh is also available for hire on your film!

Support this Site

If you find my work valuable, please contribute to help keep this site independent and active. Choose the amount that feels right to you.

cards
Powered by paypal