[mods - if this is in the wrong place, please move it and accept my apologies!]
This is only my second post - please be gentle, as it's not really a Magic Lantern thing, but I've Googled a lot, and accurate info is VERY hard to find. If anyone has done tests or knows the answer definitively it will likely be an ML user, so please indulge me...
Questions:
1. Does the 6D embed timecode in its HDMI output under any circumstances?
2. Does the 6D emit record start/stop pulses over HDMI?
Reasons for asking
I'm seriously considering a Tascam under-camera recorder/mixer, either the DR-70D or the DR-701D.
Speaking as an ex-broadcast professional of many years, both appear to have really poor software (stupid menu structure, etc.) and are physically fragile, but they are cheap, and seem to have reasonable audio specs (for semi-domestic kit). I want them for one-man-band interview recording mostly, where they'll do just fine, as long as I'm patient and gentle.
The important difference between the two for me seems to be in the timecode handling. The more expensive unit has HDMI pass-through and a BNC for LTC, allowing it to jam-sync (input only, sadly). Apparently it will also detect the record start from some Canon DSLRs (emitted over HDMI). Tascam support the 5DIII and 1D as emitting both jam-sync-able timecode and start/stop over HDMI, but are silent about the 6D.
I can't possibly afford to upgrade to a 5DIII, and anyway I quite like my 6D (for stills, at least!). I knew it had limitations, but it's comfy to hold and it's great to get back to full-frame DoF after years with APS.
I go back to the days when real film -- the funny stuff you could look through, with holes down the edges -- was the weapon of choice for TV news, and I used to dub films and video for TV ("rerecording" if you live West of the pond). So clapperboards (or even just hand claps in vision) don't frighten me, but they are a nuisance when working single-handed (and in post, later on). Both Tascam mixer/recorders will fire an audio slate tone towards the recording and the camera's audio tracks simultaneously on a button push, so sync is possible that way, but it's functionally worse than a handclap - you'd have to find the leading edge of the tone on both recordings, and retain the camera's audio track in post, just in case.
So, if anyone knows the answers on the 6Ds behaviour, please say.
Many thanks.
S.
PS: last time I asked Canon UK a simple technical question they were basically rude and unhelpful, so I haven't emailed them this time. It's not laziness - I'm happy to do so, but on past experience I don't think it's worth the effort. I like the kit, but find the company rather frustrating.
