How Do I Synchronize This Recording?

[crevice9]

I have a Panasonic HDC-TM90 camcorder (pdf manual is here), and an LG G7 ThinQ cell phone that I want to use to record a 2/dual camera angle music video with. They will only provide video. The audio will be recorded in multi track using either Studio One 5.2 Professional or Cubase 10.5 Professional, mixed down to a simple stereo track. I may do a different surround project later adding more cell phone cameras... but that's later. I could either bring the audio and video recordings into a CyberLink PowerDirector session or a Cubase session. I have access to a PC that has Adobe Premiere Pro on it but I've never even opened that program before... so I prefer not to go that route unless I need to.

I would assume that there is a way to sync all of these recordings using something more than my eyes and ears... but I'll do that if I have to.

Any Suggestions/Ideas/Instructions?

Thank you!

[Cornucopia]

Unless you can ensure providing an over-abundance of light for all your shots, and you are using pro cam apps, you will be at the mercy of the major flaw in recording using cellphones: Variable Framerate. (Those steps might still not be enough depending on the model)
With VFR recording, and with multiple cams, true synchronization is near impossible. Rough sync might be doable, but much depends on your level of tolerance.

In summary, I'd say if this is meant to be a pro project and publicly viewable, don't use phones at all.


Scott

[crevice9]

Unless you can ensure providing an over-abundance of light for all your shots, and you are using pro cam apps, you will be at the mercy of the major flaw in recording using cellphones: Variable Framerate. (Those steps might still not be enough depending on the model)
With VFR recording, and with multiple cams, true synchronization is near impossible. Rough sync might be doable, but much depends on your level of tolerance.

In summary, I'd say if this is meant to be a pro project and publicly viewable, don't use phones at all.


Scott

Actually this is far from a pro project. My 7yo nephew that lives out of state just found out that I play the drums and he called me very excited requesting a video!

Sooo that leads me here. I did start out before I became busy with life wanting to make decent videos a few years ago and purchased several 5500K studio lights. Given the location I'll be shooting in though I'm not sure if I'll have the room for them. I know I don't have pro gear but I would think there would be some way if only using a clapboard that you could sync videos.

My cell phone does have a pretty nice camera. It has a UHD 16:9 (60fps) 3840 x 2160 mode and I thought maybe I could lower that in editing to match to camcorder. I haven't used them yet but have installed a few different camera apps with adjustable frame rates. I also have a Logitech C920 HD webcam but I don't think that would be any benefit.

If possible I would like to do this basic project as a way to help me become more familiar with the process so that I could increase the level of what I can do. If I have to, I'll reduce to just the camcorder on this one.


Randy

[crevice9]

I don't know but this looks promising.

https://youtu.be/BOa9A3NzRt8

[crevice9]

Yeah... it looks like I need to migrate to Adobe Premiere.

https://youtu.be/OP261hxrhdM

[Cornucopia]

If you are doing multicam, preparation is key. That includes clapboard syncing.

It's possible to do it with phones for casual work and you aren't too picky. Still, best to have exorbitant amount of light. That is the Achilles heel in phones' camera systems. If you are sufficient there, and have the right apps, the job is workable.
Unless you intend to repurpose your footage, no need to go higher spec than planned for in your project. So, pick a common resolution, and a common framerate, and enforce it across the project. If you go higher, you have extra work in downconverting. If you start lower, you would have already lost your quality and you can't get it back.


Scott