Adjusting DSLR exposure & focus in Glide-Cam, Dynamic and Outdoor shoots?

[benlen]

Hey folks,

Something that has mystified me so far about DSLR filmmaking is how videographers pull off Glidecam and run and gun shots with DSLRS outdoors and still manage not to over or underexpose their footage.

So far, in my DSLR video shooting, I've almost always set up a static tripod shot, gone full manual, adjusted the exposure, shutter speed, and aperture, and shot my clip, redoing it if the exposure meter indicates overexposure.

The state where I live (Maine) is notorious for partially cloudy weather all year, which causes issues when doing outdoor shooting. What was previously a perfectly exposed shot is seconds later under or overexposed because of cloud movement over the sun.

Now that I have a GH3 (got rid of my old T4i), I'm interested in picking up a Glidecam, but I wonder: how do videographers who use Micro 4/3 and DSLRS maintain even exposure throughout a shot where the exposure could theoretically change radically? When using a Glidecam I can't imagine you had time to fiddle with a variable ND on the end of the lens. Moreover, how do they focus their footage accurately with so much movement?

Thanks to everyone in advance who answers. These forums have been hugely helpful for me in getting into DSLR Cinematography, and I greatly appreciate it.

 

[mit]

What you see is probably the result of judicious editing...all the bad takes didn't make the cut!

When I use Glidecam with a DSLR, I stop down more than I otherwise would to get a relatively deep focus, and then use my best guess as to where I'll need the focus point for the next bout of action. Sometimes you'll have to pause and re-adjust before carrying on again.

Exposure changes are very difficult to ride whilst in motion, but again just use your best guess and shoot flat.