Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Timecode Sync
How timecode sync works on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, what the camera records, and how to use its timecode input for multi-camera workflows.
The short answer
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a dedicated 3.5 mm timecode input on its left side. You can feed linear timecode from an external timecode generator or another camera, and the BMPCC 4K will jam-sync its internal time-of-day timecode to that source. The camera accepts LTC timecode, so the signal must be converted from a typical generator output if necessary. Timecode is stored as metadata in the recorded Blackmagic RAW or ProRes file, and visual timecode can also be burned into the image using the LCD overlays and record settings.
Input and connections
The timecode connection is a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack located on the left side of the body, near the headphone and microphone connectors. It is an input only; the camera can receive external timecode but does not provide a timecode output socket.
Because the connection is a 3.5 mm jack, a cable or adapter with the correct termination is required. A standard cable from a professional timecode generator is often fitted with a BNC or XLR connector, so an adapter may be needed to reach the camera's mini jack. The camera expects LTC timecode at the input.
Setting the camera to receive external timecode
Check the timecode input setting through the camera's on-screen menu. Choose the external timecode input as the source rather than relying only on the internal time-of-day clock. With valid LTC present, the camera locks its internal timecode counter to the incoming frame values and keeps that reference while the connection is maintained.
What is saved in the file
The synchronized timecode is written as timecode metadata in the recorded clip. This does not change the image encoding or require a different recording format; the metadata is carried alongside the video in both Blackmagic RAW and supported ProRes recordings.
Practical implications for multi-camera use
For a multi-camera shoot, feed the same reference timecode to each capable camera before rolling. Each camera then records matching timecode metadata up to the precision supported by its clock stability and the length of the take. If a camera remains connected to a continuous external LTC source, it can continue to track that reference. A camera that was jam-synced once and then disconnected may drift over time relative to the master generator.
Timecode sync helps editors line up clips from several cameras, but it is not a replacement for genlock. The BMPCC 4K's timecode input synchronizes timecode metadata; it does not phase-lock sensor readout or frame starts between cameras.
Gaps and limitations
The exact menu labels and behavior can vary with camera firmware. Check the current Blackmagic Camera Setup and the camera's on-screen menus for the installed firmware version. The camera does not provide a dedicated timecode output, and external LTC must be supplied in a form that reaches the 3.5 mm input with the correct level.