Z8 timecode

[Trazan]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

 

[PLShutterbug]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

It's been probably a week since I actively used SnapBridge with my Z8. I just checked, and the camera is less than a second off my iPad time, which is regularly synced with NIST.

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

In a different topic I explained how you can actually use just the cameras to synchronize their times via the "Connect to another camera" feature. Put one in control mode, and the others in remote mode. Sync the time. You now have a common timesource.

Next, set the timecode count-up mode to "FREE" on all cameras - it will start incrementing even when the camera is off.

Finally, set the timecode to "Current time" on all cameras. And hey presto, your camera timecodes are synced. Down to the smallest increment. Drift between cameras is very small over several hours, so it's perfectly fine for a day of shooting without using anything else. The timecode can also be output to HDMI, so separate recording devices can use that supplied timecode.

 

[Trazan]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

Not true - the Z8 and Z9 both have the ability to output timecode via HDMI.

 

[Trazan]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

Not true - the Z8 and Z9 both have the ability to output timecode via HDMI.

I meant LTC. Can't jam-sync the Sound Devices to HDMI timecode, unfortunately.

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

Not true - the Z8 and Z9 both have the ability to output timecode via HDMI.

I meant LTC. Can't jam-sync the Sound Devices to HDMI timecode, unfortunately.

Ah. Gotcha.

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Can the Z8 timecode jam? And is the timecode steady enough to run by itself for a day?

Being able to run the camera without attaching or setting up additional timecode units would be very welcome

As you are no doubt aware the purpose of saving timecodes with recordings is to enable recordings to be sync'd across multiple devices in post production. AND such timesync data has to be accurate and precisely the same in every recording device for this to be successful.

So yes you can instruct the Z8 and Z9 to utilise current time and you can use snapbridge to set the time AND when recording the timesync records time in 1/100th second intervals.

Without a live common timesync source (like an ultra sync one or blue - both of which are tiny) you may have to correct the recorded timesync values if there are any difference --- that is fine for one or two clips but not for hundreds or thousands.

And what about field recorders and other recording devices on your set?

Far FAr easy to just pick up an UltraSync Blue - pair all recorders to it and use it as the timecode source -- then you have no issues down the line.

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

Not true - the Z8 and Z9 both have the ability to output timecode via HDMI.

I meant LTC. Can't jam-sync the Sound Devices to HDMI timecode, unfortunately.

This is a little out there, but ...

How about using an HDMI splitter - you can get a cheap one from amazon for anything from $12 to $20 - like this one or this one.

You can then hook your camera up to the input jack of the Sound Devices recorder, and after having set up the timecode on the Z9, just record some random stuff to generate HDMI output that may well have the timecode on the audio out?

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

By far the quickest easiest and cheapest solution is to buy an UltraSync One or Blue assuming you audio recorder can pair/work with it.

One source that all recorders sync with (accept Timecode jamming from).

[you will get there in the end].

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

By far the quickest easiest and cheapest solution is to buy an UltraSync One or Blue assuming you audio recorder can pair/work with it.

One source that all recorders sync with (accept Timecode jamming from).

[you will get there in the end].

I think the issue is that his Sound Devices recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth, so that means he’d need an UltraSync One. And the Z8 can not have timecode input via wired connection - it can only get it from it’s timeclock, manual input or Blue. So he’d need both, and he’d need to configure the One and Blue in a master/slave relationship so that he can sync the timecodes.

Economically it would be wonderful if the Z9 or Z8 could take timecode LTC via the mic jack input, because then he could do an LTC jam into his Sound Devices recorder and to the Z8 or Z9 with a single source.

But on the plus side, it should be doable with one of each.

 

[Trazan]

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

By far the quickest easiest and cheapest solution is to buy an UltraSync One or Blue assuming you audio recorder can pair/work with it.

One source that all recorders sync with (accept Timecode jamming from).

[you will get there in the end].

I think the issue is that his Sound Devices recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth, so that means he’d need an UltraSync One. And the Z8 can not have timecode input via wired connection - it can only get it from it’s timeclock, manual input or Blue. So he’d need both, and he’d need to configure the One and Blue in a master/slave relationship so that he can sync the timecodes.

Economically it would be wonderful if the Z9 or Z8 could take timecode LTC via the mic jack input, because then he could do an LTC jam into his Sound Devices recorder and to the Z8 or Z9 with a single source.

But on the plus side, it should be doable with one of each.

Yeah, it seems like an UltraSync One/Blue combination is required. Or maybe they'll release a BlueOne so I can get by with only one

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

By far the quickest easiest and cheapest solution is to buy an UltraSync One or Blue assuming you audio recorder can pair/work with it.

One source that all recorders sync with (accept Timecode jamming from).

[you will get there in the end].

I think the issue is that his Sound Devices recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth, so that means he’d need an UltraSync One. And the Z8 can not have timecode input via wired connection - it can only get it from it’s timeclock, manual input or Blue. So he’d need both, and he’d need to configure the One and Blue in a master/slave relationship so that he can sync the timecodes.

Economically it would be wonderful if the Z9 or Z8 could take timecode LTC via the mic jack input, because then he could do an LTC jam into his Sound Devices recorder and to the Z8 or Z9 with a single source.

But on the plus side, it should be doable with one of each.

Yeah, it seems like an UltraSync One/Blue combination is required. Or maybe they'll release a BlueOne so I can get by with only one

I still think you should try the “hack” I suggested with an HDMI splitter for $16 and see if you can make it work. Just think of the fun satisfaction I’ll have when you report that it works. And you really want that, right? Right?

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

Yeah, it seems like an UltraSync One/Blue combination is required. Or maybe they'll release a BlueOne so I can get by with only one

You only use ONE UltraSync to jam timecode to all your devices - the Blue uses Bluetooth. The one has more options and there are a host of physically attached alternatives.

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Yeah, it seems like an UltraSync One/Blue combination is required. Or maybe they'll release a BlueOne so I can get by with only one

You only use ONE UltraSync to jam timecode to all your devices - the Blue uses Bluetooth. The one has more options and there are a host of physically attached alternatives.

The One doesn’t do Bluetooth, and the Z8 and Z9 do not allow for timecode input other than manually entered, internal timeclock or bluetooth.

So that means you can’t use the One with a Z8 or Z9.

His Sound Devices recorder doesn’t support jamming with bluetooth. So that means he can’t use the Blue with that.

The Z8 and Z9 don’t support LTC output, so he can’t use them as a source for his recorder.

Those combined seem to imply that you will need to use both an UltraSync One and an UltraSync Blue to sync timecode to both these devices.

 

[Trazan]

What I'd really like to do is jam-sync my Sound Devices recorder to the camera, or vice versa. But it seems that this is not an option, as the Z8 does not have timecode output, or input. And the field recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth...

By far the quickest easiest and cheapest solution is to buy an UltraSync One or Blue assuming you audio recorder can pair/work with it.

One source that all recorders sync with (accept Timecode jamming from).

[you will get there in the end].

I think the issue is that his Sound Devices recorder can not fetch time code via bluetooth, so that means he’d need an UltraSync One. And the Z8 can not have timecode input via wired connection - it can only get it from it’s timeclock, manual input or Blue. So he’d need both, and he’d need to configure the One and Blue in a master/slave relationship so that he can sync the timecodes.

Economically it would be wonderful if the Z9 or Z8 could take timecode LTC via the mic jack input, because then he could do an LTC jam into his Sound Devices recorder and to the Z8 or Z9 with a single source.

But on the plus side, it should be doable with one of each.

Yeah, it seems like an UltraSync One/Blue combination is required. Or maybe they'll release a BlueOne so I can get by with only one

I still think you should try the “hack” I suggested with an HDMI splitter for $16 and see if you can make it work. Just think of the fun satisfaction I’ll have when you report that it works. And you really want that, right? Right?

Ah, I see what you mean when looking at the links I don't have a Z8. Just considering it at the moment, and what extras I then would need. I'm 99.99% sure the Z8/9 won't output LTC "audio", but if someone can and wants to test, I'm all in for that :-D

 

[Jones Longshot]

Is the Ultrasynch a better alternative to the Deity TC-1? I feel like implementing Timecode in camera without the ability to jam synch is almost pointless. I'm hoping you guys with more knowledge and experience will add more to this thread.

--
https://www.joneshendershot.com
https://youtube.com/janeinspain

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

Is the Ultrasynch a better alternative to the Deity TC-1? I feel like implementing Timecode in camera without the ability to jam synch is almost pointless. I'm hoping you guys with more knowledge and experience will add more to this thread.

UltraSync blue/one are both supported by Nikon for the Z8 and Z9

AND I know they work - I have them and use them.

I have never heard of the product you mentioned.

 

[Trazan]

Is the Ultrasynch a better alternative to the Deity TC-1? I feel like implementing Timecode in camera without the ability to jam synch is almost pointless. I'm hoping you guys with more knowledge and experience will add more to this thread.

UltraSync blue/one are both supported by Nikon for the Z8 and Z9

AND I know they work - I have them and use them.

I have never heard of the product you mentioned.

But the UltraSync Blue is the only one talking to Z9/8, no? Or does the One also transmit over bluetooth?

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

Is the Ultrasynch a better alternative to the Deity TC-1? I feel like implementing Timecode in camera without the ability to jam synch is almost pointless. I'm hoping you guys with more knowledge and experience will add more to this thread.

UltraSync blue/one are both supported by Nikon for the Z8 and Z9

AND I know they work - I have them and use them.

I have never heard of the product you mentioned.

But the UltraSync Blue is the only one talking to Z9/8, no? Or does the One also transmit over bluetooth?

Yes - I only use the Blue and prefer not using cable connection for TC.

Please look in the reference guide / ultrasync /atomos web site and you will see. There are various products in the Atomos range that work together and with the various types of Timecode sources and recorders. Many Cine cameras and field recorders need a wired Timecode connection.

All my gear uses Bluetooth - hence why the BLUE is so useful. BUT this means I have to set the time in the blue manually. The blue can be a slave to another TC master and that can be used to set the time precisely.

I am exploring some of the connect and sync products, but the blue works great for now.

--
areallygrumpyoldsod
Nikon and Hasselblad shooter -- wildlife and and -- https://www.andymillerphoto.co.uk/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajm057/