How To Sync Timecode On the Sony FX30

The Sony FX30 has quickly become a go-to camera for creators and filmmakers. It’s compact, affordable, and punches way above its weight when it comes to video features. That’s why it’s often seen as a B or C cam on larger productions — or even the main camera for indie shoots and content creators.

One of its secret weapons? Timecode support.

If you’re shooting with multiple cameras or syncing with an external audio recorder, timecode can seriously speed up your workflow in post. Today, we’re going to walk you through how to get timecode working on your FX30, step by step.

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FX30 Digital Cinema Camera - Body Only

$1798

Looking for a camera that gives you cinematic video without draining your wallet? The Sony FX30 might be just the ticket. It’s part of Sony’s Cinema Line, so it’s built to shoot gorgeous 4K footage and can handle slow-motion without missing a beat. Its autofocus is smart enough to keep up with fast action, and if you love tweaking colors, Sony’s picture profiles offer plenty of room to experiment. Despite its compact size, it’s ready for serious setups with handy mounting points for accessories like handles and monitors. Whether you’re a solo creator or a pro needing a solid second camera, the FX30 strikes a sweet balance between portability and big-screen flair.

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Why Timecode Matters

Whether you’re working a commercial shoot with a full team or you're a solo filmmaker juggling two camera angles and an audio recorder, syncing everything up later can be a headache. Timecode takes that headache away. It embeds a universal timestamp into your footage, so when you drop everything into your editing software (like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve), it knows exactly how to line it all up. Clean and easy.

FX30 + Timecode = Pro Setup, Budget Price

The FX30 is actually one of the most affordable cameras that supports SMPTE LTC Timecode. That means you can write timecode straight into the video file’s metadata — there is no need to sync by eye or rely on claps or waveforms.

But! You’ll want to make sure your FX30 is on the latest firmware first. Sony didn’t enable timecode input via the Multi port until a few updates after launch.

As of writing this, we’re on firmware v5.00, but yours might be newer by now.

👉 Download the latest FX30 firmware here

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Set Your Timecode Mode

In the FX30 menu:

• Go to TC/UB
• Choose Time Code Run
• Set it to Free Run (not Rec Run)

Why Free Run? It keeps the timecode running continuously, even when you're not recording. This helps keep everything in sync.

2. Display Timecode on Screen

• Menu → Setup → Display Option → TC/UB Display Setting → Set to TC

This just lets you visually confirm your camera is receiving the right timecode.

3. Use a Timecode Generator

Technically, you can manually set timecode on the FX30, but clocks drift. For true sync, you’ll want a dedicated timecode box. Popular options:

• Tentacle Sync Track E
• Deity TC-1

Both are compact, reliable, and work great with the FX30.

4. Grab the Right Cable

You’ll need a timecode cable that plugs into the Multi port on the side of the camera. Sony makes one, as do Tentacle Sync and Deity.

Personally, we like Tentacle Sync’s cable — it’s simple, works great, and keeps your rig clean.

5. Sync Everything to the Same Clock

Once your generator is connected, you’ll want to:

• Sync all your devices (FX30, other cams, audio recorder) to the same Time of Day clock
• Check that the frame rate on your camera matches the frame rate of your timecode generator (super important!)

What If You Have Mismatched Frame Rates?

There’s a workaround — record timecode as audio.

You can feed the LTC signal straight into your camera’s mic input. Most editing software can still read it, even if the timecode isn’t embedded in the metadata. Just note: you’ll lose your in-camera audio, since timecode takes over that input.

A Quick Real-World Example

Let’s say you’re filming a corporate interview with:

• Sony FX30 (B-cam)
• Sony FX6 (A-cam)
• Zoom F8n Pro (audio recorder)

Here’s what you’d do:

1. Mount a timecode generator to each device
2. Open the Deity Sidus Audio app to sync them all to time of day
3. Plug in the timecode cables
4. Check your screens to confirm the timecode matches
5. Hit record and roll with confidence — everything’s perfectly synced.

No more dragging clips around in post. Just drop your footage in and get editing.

That’s a Wrap

Timecode might sound intimidating at first, but the FX30 makes it super accessible. With a little setup, you can run multicam shoots like a pro and save yourself hours in post.

Got questions? Check out the YouTube video linked above for a visual reference or email us at hello@shopmoment.com — we're happy to help. And if this kind of quick tutorial was helpful, let us know!