DJI Pocket 3 - The Alternate Timecode Method
The Dilemma
The DJI Pocket 3 has been a sales hit. It offers so many excellent option for video content creator on the go. Its a device that can fit inside your pocket, but still provide a worthy platform for vlogging, slow motion video, DJI Mic 2 audio options, 4k 120 fps slow motion, D-log M flat color profile for color grading in post, and reasonable low light performance. There is a much more than this simple description that the might little video and photo taken device can do, this article though is only concerned with one option in the DJI Pocket 3. For a device like this, timecode can be a production savior.
Timecode or How We Made All Devices Love Each Other
Timecode is an agreed upon standard that allows multiple devices to sync to a certain absolute time clock. The time is embedded into the audio or video file in various ways and formats. When all devices in the production sync through some format to some time standard, in post production those video and audio devices can then be aligned to the same moments in time. For more technical information about the functioning of timecode check out these web resources:
Do You Need Timecode?TimecodeIn Sync: Understanding Timecode Synchronization For Audio Production
Testing Timecode with the DJI Pocket 3 at Seattle’s Pike Place Market
DJI Pocket 3 and Native Timecode
The DJI Pocket 3 does have a native option for timecode. It can be what they call “Jam Synced”. In this implementation of timecode the device takes an initial sync and then the devices, the timecode generator and the DJI Pocket 3, run separate clocks. So how is this Jam Sync done?
Setting Up the DJI Pocket 3
for Jam Sync
To setup timecode Jam Sync with the the Deity TC-1 and the DJI Pocket 3 you will need:
The DJI Pocket 3.
The Deity TC-1 timecode generator.
The Deity C21 USB-C to 3.5mm TRS.
In the DJI Pocket 3, swipe down show the menu option and then select the settings icon.
Scroll down and select the Timecode menu. In this menu note the frame rate the Pocket 3 is set to.
In the Deity TC-1 make sure the mode is set to Auto Jam instead of Master Run. Use the scroll wheel to move to Auto/Master, push/click the scroll wheel and set the mode to Auto.
Scroll to the frame rate and push/click the scroll wheel. Make sure the frame rate selected matches that of the Pocket 3. Use the push/click wheel to submit.
Now move to the L-IN/L-OUT/A-OUT section. Enter with the push/click scroll wheel and set the option to L-OUT.
Connect the 3.5mm TRS end of the C21 cable to the TC-1.
Then connect the USB-C side of the C21 cable directly to the DJI Pocket 3. The Pocket 3 will show syncing and then display the same timecode value as the Deity TC-1.
Step Away for an hour and test…
While waiting enjoy some of the images from Seattle’s Pike Place Market from this testing project.
So What Happens?
I tested this Jam Sync Concept. What I did not notice in the video was time was off right away. But after an hour time sync is completely unusable.
Jam Sync test results after an hour with the Deity TC-1 and the DJI Pocket 3.
So Who is At Fault?
What device failed in this test. None really. The Deity TC-1 is a dedicated timecode device with an expensive crystal clock. It is accurate to up to one frame, say out of 24 frames per second, in 24 hours. The DJI Pocket 3 is a very innovative mini camera with a gimbal which could fit in your pocket. The Pocket 3 would be very expensive if it contained the same quality crystal clock. The Deity TC-1 is designed for on set productions like feature films and documentaries.. The DJI Pocket 3 is an extremely popular personal blogging and video device made for the general masses. They both are great performers in their respective market segments.
A Splash of Color From Prints at Pike Place Market, Seattle
I Still Need Reliable Timecode
on the Pocket 3 Though…
Well if Jam Sync did not work, how do I solve my binaural audio dilemma? Well timecode usually can be setup in a few ways:
Jam Sync - Both the timecode device and the audio or video recorder agree to single point in time and then try to stay in the same time space from then on.
Continuous Injection - Many higher-end audio and video recorders let you hook a timecode device like the TC-1 to them on a continuous basis. The result is the audio or video track continually writes the metadata from the timecode device to the audio or video track as time metadata. This timecode metadata then is read automatically in a video editor like DaVinci Resolve.
Audio Metadata Recording - Instead of recording the metadata directly into the audio or video track, the timecode is recorded directly as an audio track. This audio track contains a series of beeps, clicks, and events which represent specific the timeclock. Then in your video editor like DaVinci Resolve that audio gets converted to timecode.
Let’s walk through the concept of timecode again, but this time with an audio sync. We will add the Deity PR-2 as our audio device. So for this timecode test we will need:
The DJI Pocket 3.
The Deity TC-1 timecode generator.
The Deity C12 locking 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS cable.
The Deity PR2 audio recorder.
The DJI Mic 2.
Sidus Audio Bluetooth bluetooth timecode sync app for Apple iOS and Android.
Most mirrorless cameras include an audio in. For the DJI Pocket 3 external audio is provided through the DJI Mic 2 series. We will use this mic to write timecode embedded audio to the Pocket 3.
Attach the Deity C12 audio cable on the locking side to the Deity TC-1.
Attach the other side of the TRS cable to the DJI Mic 2.
On the Deity TC-1 set the output to A-Out. This sends audio timecode out the 3.5mm TRS jack. Also make sure the bluetooth option is on.
Boot up the Deity PR2 and make sure its bluetooth is on.
Start the Sidus audio app and select to SYNC all.
Sync All setting in Sidus Audio App
Timecode now synced with Deity TC-1 and Deity PR2
Turn on the DJI Pocket 3 and then turn on the associated DJI Mic 2. You should set the audio level to about 70 percent.
Once this is running you can use the “Link” button on the DJI Mic 2 to start and stop recording. Every time you start a recording the appropriate timecode audio metadata is being recorded to the DJI Pocket 3.
The Last Step In The Chain
When all your recording is done import the Deity PR2 audio and the video shots from the DJI Pocket 3. On the DaVinci Resolve Media page do these things:
Right click the DJI Pocket 3 video clips and select Audio Sync > Update Timecode From Audio Track.
Once those are done select all DJI Pocket 3 clips and all PR 2 audio clips. While they are all highlighted right click and select Audio Sync > Automatically Sync Audio and then make sure the radial for Timecode is selected.
Then select the Sync button.
This takes all the audio and embeds it in the DJI Pocket 3 video clips. You can then edit the clips as desired in the timeline with perfectly synced audio via timecode.
Please check your preferred video editor for how it syncs timecode or just switch to DaVinci Resolve ;-)
The End Result,
Great Audio In Sync with Video
In running this timecode test at Seattle’ Pike Place Market I proved that timecode sync of binaural audio through the DJI Mic 2, DJI Pocket 3, Deity TC-1, and Deity PR2 works constantly without the need for large amounts of audio or video equipment. To see this sync in action watch the video below.
Thanks for taking this Expedition In Light…