HPX2000 timecode output in 24PN

I'm using a Sound Devices 744T recorder to do double-system sound with the Panasonic HPX2000. When we attempted to sync the camera and recorder, theTC TYPE (29.97 DF, NDF, 24, etc.) display on the recorder indicated a TC rate of 29.97 yet the actual timecode was only running at 24 (The frame numbers never went past 24). The problem is that there is an error of TC of between +1 and +6 frames, depending on where the last two digits (frames) are upon pausing the camera. Both the recoder and camera were set to 23.98. I did change the recorder's rate to 29.97, 24, and 30 for troubleshooting purposes but the TC error still happened.

I've used this recorder to sync to Varicams, Sony900s, RED and a bunch of SD cameras with no problems. Does the TC output of the HPX cameras vary with the actual set frame rate or do they send it 29.97 at all times (like the Varicam) and we just possibly have a bad TC card in the camera?

Also, the camera records 4 tracks of audio, but has only two useable inputs. The front mic input has no level control and cannot be monitored when using the rear inputs. Is there a way to force the camera to record only two tracks (to save P2 space) or better yet, disable all audio tracks altogether?

The manual has no info on any of this.

Thanks.


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