Blackmagic Forum

Hey folks,

i was happy how well the camera does actually receive timecode from different audio recorders, but sometimes it suddenly swiches back to its own timecode (wich corresponds to the internal clock) - this is very annoying. As i do not have the sound recorder anymore and cannot reproduce the error, so i would like to ask if any of you had this problem, too.

I really wish for using it in the future as i do not want to rely on waveform-conforming or a Tentacle Sync.

What device will be used to supply the timecode signal? The internal PCC clock is not accurate enough to maintain the timing.

I use the timecode signal directly from a Zoom recorder output to the PCC's 3.5 audio input when both are mounted nearby, or a Tentacle initialized by the Zoom to the PCC 3.5 input when the camera is more remote. In both situations the timecode signal is constantly provided from the external source.

My understanding is that the time-sync can be lost if the camera body loses power. Did your situation happen in the middle of a take?

I haven’t used the feature of connecting the camera audio input to the Timecode output on my MixPre-6 II. If only shooting with the single camera and the audio recorder, I use a Tentacle to drive the Timecode on the camera and the recorder with all devices running 23.976 fps.

At this time, with firmware 5.0.1, 23.976 fps is the only solid and reliable. Other frame rates will suddenly lose a frame or so somewhere between 10-40 minutes. Not as bad as totally losing the Timecode but still then requires manual intervention in post.

I have been advised that 5.0.2 will be available with further improvements. Hoping 24/25 fps are reliable in that release before long.

I think the OP is talking about jam-syncing the BMPCC 4K, then disconnecting the timecode source, and at some point later the BMPCC 4K loses the sync.

I understand you are correct, Michael. I was posting an alternate to relying on that technique by having a Tentacle left on each device so Timecode would be more reliable. On a multi-camera shoot though, I can’t do what I recommend unless I jam sync the MixPre and hope it stays good.

I've had very good luck jamming...but I'm shooting narrative stuff, rarely longer than 10 minute takes.

Did you happen to find the solution? I have been experiencing the same issue, when I turn off the camera sometimes the timecode continues sometimes it resets, I am using the Rode Wireless Pro to jam sync. I tried on two bmpcc 4K cameras and it is the same.

Resurrecting a pre-pandemic thread. Thanks for doing the research. Unfortunately my only experience is with the Tentacle Sync which continuously jams reliable Timecode for several hours on my BMPCC4K.

Just hook a Deity TC-1 to each. Wirelessly sync them. Done.