Timecode: A Beginner Filmmaker Guide
Today we’re going to discuss a crucial element of filmmaking that often gets overlooked, especially by beginners: Timecode.
What is Timecode?
A Frame Clock. Think of the timecode as a unique identifier for each frame of your video and audio recordings. It’s like a clock that assigns a specific time to every frame (it counts in frames instead of seconds), allowing you to synchronize your footage during editing perfectly. This is particularly important when working with multiple cameras or separate audio recordings.
Imagine trying to piece together footage from three different cameras without a timecode. It would be a nightmare! You’d be manually scrubbing through hours of footage, trying to match up the action by sight and sound. With timecode, each frame has a specific time assigned to it, allowing your editing software to align everything automatically.
Choosing the Right Timecode Generator
Now that you understand the importance of timecode, let’s explore the various devices that can generate it. These devices come in different price ranges and offer different features, so choosing the right one for your needs is important
Budget-Friendly Options (Under $300)
● Atomos UltraSync Blue
At $149, the Atomos UltraSync Blue is the first product to synchronize timecode over Bluetooth to an expanding range of compatible cameras, audio recorders, and apps that have implemented the timecode over Bluetooth protocol. It is small and lightweight, weighing only 36g, and can sync up to six devices simultaneously. The UltraSync Blue has a battery life of over 20 hours and can also connect to the Atomos AirGlu RF network.
○ Features:
■ Wireless timecode generator
■ Bluetooth connectivity for jamming and syncing
■ Syncs up to six devices simultaneously
■ Over 20 hours of battery life
■ Can connect to the Atomos AirGlu RF network
● Deity TC-1
At $199, the Deity TC-1 is a fantastic entry-level option. It’s a wireless timecode generator that uses Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz radio for communication, allowing you to control and sync it wirelessly. It boasts a locking 3.5mm timecode port, ensuring a secure connection, and supports all standard SMPTE timecode formats. A standout feature is the built-in scratch microphone, which proves handy when using cameras with limited audio inputs.
○ Features:
■ Wireless timecode generator with locking 3.5mm timecode port
■ Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz radio connectivity for jamming and syncing
■ Supports all SMPTE timecode formats
■ Less than 1 frame drift every 72 hours
■ Built-in scratch mic for cameras with only stereo mic input
■ Versatile mounting options
■ Up to 28 hours battery life
● Tentacle Sync E MKII
Priced at $229, the Tentacle Sync E offers exceptional versatility. It can function as a master timecode generator or synchronize with an external timecode source. The built-in Bluetooth allows for wireless setup and syncing using your smartphone. A unique feature is the included locking clamps that secure the 3.5mm connector, preventing accidental disconnections. The Tentacle Sync E also comes with a built-in high-quality microphone for recording reference audio, which is particularly useful for DSLR filmmakers. With a runtime of up to 50 hours, it’s ready for even the longest shooting days.
○ Features:
■ Timecode generator that can act as master or jam-sync to external sources
■ Bluetooth connectivity for setup and syncing
■ Lockable connector with included locking clamps
■ Built-in rechargeable and replaceable lithium-polymer battery
■ Accurate with less than 1 frame drift in 24 hours
■ High-quality built-in microphone for reference sound
■ Runtime up to 50 hours
Mid-Range Option ($300 – $500)
● Atomos UltraSync One
Costing $279, the UltraSync One goes beyond basic timecode generation. It incorporates genlock and word clock functionality, making it suitable for more complex multi-camera setups that require frame-accurate synchronization for both video and audio. The UltraSync One leverages a sub-GHz RF network for long-range wireless communication, ensuring reliable synchronization over distances of up to 200m. It features a high-resolution OLED display, professional locking connectors, and concealed internal antennas, all packaged in a compact and lightweight design. The UltraSync One is compatible with other Atomos AirGlu products, providing flexibility for expanding your synchronization setup in the future.
○ Features:
■ RF-powered wireless timecode and genlock/word clock solution
■ Configurable as transmitter or receiver, internal or external timecode generation
■ Long-range reliability with uncongested sub-GHz RF network (up to 200m)
■ 25-hour battery life
■ Compact size with OLED display, locking connectors, and internal antennas
■ Flexible workflow options, compatible with other Atomos products
● Ambient ACN-NL-L “NanoLockit”
Retailing for €279 ($295), the NanoLockit stands out with its high accuracy, drifting less than a single frame per day. Its integrated logging feature allows you to mark good and bad takes right on set, saving time during post-production. The Ambient Communication Network (ACN) ensures reliable wireless syncing between multiple NanoLockit devices. One of its key advantages is the professional, locking LEMO connector, which is the industry standard for reliable connections. If you’re shooting with a RED Digital Cinema camera, the NanoLockit’s metadata transceiver is a valuable bonus.
○ Features:
■ Highly accurate timecode generator with less than 1 frame drift per day
■ Logging feature to mark good and bad takes
■ Ambient Communication Network (ACN) for wireless syncing
■ Supports all TC frame rates
■ Professional, locking LEMO compatible connector
■ Metadata transceiver for RED Digital Cinema cameras
■ 25 hours operation on full charge
● Denecke JB-1 Syncbox
At $293, this Denecke product and all the others are known for their professional-grade quality and features. The JB-1 is designed for high-end productions that demand the utmost accuracy and reliability. It supports all standard SMPTE timecode frame rates, including the 23.976fps commonly used in high-definition filmmaking. Its sunlight-readable display with backlight ensures visibility in any shooting environment. The JB-1 has a bidirectional BNC connector, allowing it to both generate and receive timecode signals. A key feature is the user-programmable output levels, eliminating the need for external devices to adjust the timecode signal strength.
○ Features:
■ Generates and jam syncs to all SMPTE timecode frame rates, including 23.976
■ Sunlight-readable display with backlight
■ Bidirectional BNC connector
■ Selectable TC output levels, eliminating the need for external pads
■ User-replaceable internal LiPo battery cell with 150 hours battery life
■ Reprogrammable for new features and updates
Conclusion
When deciding on a timecode generator, carefully consider your budget and the specific needs of your projects. For smaller productions with basic syncing needs, the budget-friendly options will likely suffice (or a simple clap of hands). As your productions grow in scale and complexity, investing in a mid-range or high-end option might be necessary to ensure smooth and reliable timecode synchronization.