Multicam editing with Vegas

[P_Cherry]

Hi,

I know that exists plugins like Ultimate S2 for multicam editing in Vegas...

But is it possible to sync for example 2 or 3 cams together, when it will not shot all the time together ?

For example, I will start shotting for 1 minute from now, but another camera will start in 30sec from now...so some parts will be common, some parts will shot camera 1only, some camera 2...

And I would like to have sync 2-3 tracks...maybe according some time code...

?

Thanx

[Cornucopia]

What, and expect it to auto sync each clip? I don't think so.

The accepted practice is to genlock if you can, but even so you should still run cameras continuously (with Free-running Timecode) so there isn't a break in the timecodes.

You might be able to use a "digitize into clips according to timecode breaks" feature that is sometimes available in video capture/editing apps, but even then you usually still have to manually select the clips and make sure sync is right on a clip by clip basis.

Scott

[edDV]

Pros would have the two camcorders synchonized from a central sync source. This used to require genlock cables but now pro cams can be synchronized wirelessly.

If you are using consumer or even prosumer cameras expect them to be running at slightly different speeds even if you do keep them running continuously through the event. I've seen this drift even with Sony PD and VX camcorders. Pick one camcorder for reference. Audio and lipsync timing will need adjustment on the second camcorder to match the first. This only needs to be done in scenes where perfect lipsync is desired. Perfect lipsync will require sub-pixel time phase adjustments. Vegas can do this but the process is manual and trial and error.

[Cornucopia]

This is also one of those times where regular use of Clapper/2pop (both before and after shots) come in real handy.

Scott

[edDV]

PS: I mentioned lip sync as an issue but forgot to mention audio mixing. If you plan to mix audio tracks from both camcorders expect serious echo as the camcorders drift apart. Again subpixel audio timing adjustments will be required to sync the sound.

To avoid this problem, route main audio (wireless mics and house mixer, etc.) to a single camcorder to keep the key audio tracks in sync. This will save many hours in post. This is where the four separate track audio recording capability of the prosumer camcorder models comes in handy.