The Blackmagic Camera App, releasedBlackmagic Design in September, now offers functionality for video capture as well as the capability to sync timecode with Tentacle Sync devices. This feature is particularly useful when matching footage from your iPhone with other cameras or audio recording devices.
Setting up timecode sync is a straightforward process. Beginturning on a Tentacle Sync device and ensuring that its frame rate matches the one you will be using in the Blackmagic Camera app. For example, if you plan to shoot in 23.98p, set the Tentacle Sync to the same frame rate.
In the Blackmagic Camera app, navigate to the Settings page and select Timecode Display. By default, the app will be set to Record Run. If a Tentacle Sync device is active, it will appear in the Timecode Display menu. If multiple Tentacle Sync devices are connected, they will also be listed.
To ensure all Tentacle Sync devices are synced, set them all to the same frame rate and choose one device as the master device. Once set up, the timecode will be displayed at the top of the Blackmagic Camera app’s main screen when recording.
While the Blackmagic Camera app displays timecode correctly during recording, some users have noted that the recorded files are displayed as 23.00fps instead of the expected 23.98p. However, if the timecode matches across devices, this discrepancy should not cause any issues.
If you are using a Tentacle Sync Track E without any other Tentacle Sync devices, you can only set the wireless sync frame rate and time. This means that the timecode displayed in the Blackmagic Camera app will not match your iPhone’s time. However, if the timecode matches the Track E files, it should function fine alongside other Tentacle Sync devices.
The combination of an iPhone, the Blackmagic Camera app, and a Tentacle Sync Track E is ideal for small interviews or simple shots when you don’t want to use additional equipment. Additionally, you can connect the Track E to your iPhone using a 3.5mm cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to record audio directly in the Blackmagic Camera app.
One caveat to note is that when using AirDrop to send recorded files from the Blackmagic Camera app to a Mac, the files will not have embedded timecode. Additionally, ProRes files sent via AirDrop will be converted to H.264/MPEG-4.
The ability to sync timecode between an iPhone and other devices is a valuable feature. While an iPhone may not replace professional cinema cameras or mirrorless hybrids in many cases, it can serve as an additional angle or for pick-up shots. By offering timecode integration, LOG, and ProRes recording, the Blackmagic Camera app and Tentacle Sync provide a cost-effective solution for professional workflows.
Source: Matthew Allard ACS
Definitions:
– Blackmagic Camera App: A mobile application developedBlackmagic Design that allows users to control their Blackmagic cameras and capture video.
– Tentacle Sync: A timecode syncing solution that enables users to sync timecode across various devices, cameras, and audio recording devices.
– Timecode: A system for synchronized timing used in film, video, and audio production to ensure that multiple devices and recordings are aligned accurately.
Sources:
– Source articleMatthew Allard ACS on Newsshooter.com
How to Sync Timecode in the Blackmagic Camera App with Tentacle Sync .
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