ARRI ALEXA Mini LF Ready to Shoot V-Mount Set (LPL) - Manual (Page 56)

Main Parameters 56
Automatic White Balance
Automatic white balance calculates the white balance based on the camera's live image and overwrites
the active white balance value. The result is stored as first entry in the WB list. Automatic white balance
can be triggered through a dedicated button in the white balance screen or through a user button
assigned with Auto WB . For information on how to assign functions to user buttons please see "User
Buttons", page 107.
1. Select HOME > WB.
2. Press
Auto WB .
The EVF and the SDI outs display an image overlay showing the center area used for white
balance calculation.
3. Press the Auto WB button again within one second to execute automatic white balance.
The calculated white balance is set and stored as first entry in the white balance list.
Note: Under- or overexposed images may cause the automatic white balance to fail. Always trigger
automatic white balance with properly exposed images.
14.7 Timecode
Timecode ensures that every image of recorded footage can be identified with a unique value and
synced with corresponding media, such as sound or the second camera in a 3D application. When
used with other metadata, such as reel names, all recorded media retains its unique identity.
The following are two ways of using timecode on a production:
Free Run Timecode, Time of Day
Use: This format is often used on multi camera productions with sync-sound, i. e. the sen-
sor frame rate matches the project rate, sound and image timecode match and allow
for easy syncing in post.
Setup: The sound department acts as the timecode master, and generates timecode which
uses the time of day as a value, and a time base matching the project frame rate.
Twenty-four hours of time will translate into twenty-four hours of timecode. Timecode
is fed to the camera via the TC connector. The project fps setting must match both the
sensor frame rate and the time base of the external timecode signal.
The camera can be set to timecode mode jam sync, in which it samples the timecode
value once from the timecode connector and then continues counting based on its
own high precision crystal clock. The timecode source can be disconnected from the
camera after jamming in jam sync mode. This mode ensures stable timecode with an
offset of less than one frame for each eight hours, after which the camera has to be
re-jammed.
Alternatively, the camera can be set to timecode mode regenerate (regen). In regen
mode, the camera uses the timecode value of the external timecode source. This en-
sures correct timecode for an infinite duration, but the timecode source must remain
connected to the camera. Please note that while recording the camera ignores exter-
nal timecode and is using its internal clock to avoid potential timecode jumps, which
can occur due to connection problems such as a faulty timecode cable for example.
Variations: If shooting starts close to midnight, the timecode may be started with an offset time of
day to prevent a rollover at midnight.
Restrictions: Free run timecode is only possible, if the camera is running at sync-sound speed. If
the camera is over- or undercranking, the timecode frame rate will no longer match
the sensor frame rate, and timecode values would either be duplicated or dropped. To
prevent this, the camera will automatically switch to run mode rec run when the sen-
sor frame rate is changed.