So I just finished my book, understanding exposure

[90blackcrx]

Pretty much finished it up, someone explain metering to me. Maybe I missed it or something but he never went into detail about this.

[Sam]

Metering is your method for measuring light.

[90blackcrx]

Metering is your method for measuring light.

Sorry, I know what it is but how is it done ?

[Curtis N]

Here's an example.

If he says "meter on the sky", he means point the camera at the sky and (in manual mode), adjust aperture or shutter speed until the pointer on the scale in the viewfinder is in the middle (the zero mark).

To use the techniques that Peterson recommends, it will help to review the metering modes in your camera's instruction manual, so you know what the camera is "looking at" when you are using it to meter.

[pacific]

For 90% of what I shoot now, I shoot in manual mode (after reading this book). The book explains different ways to meter. I found it to be a great tool, when combined with using the histogram (when shooting digital).

[tzalman]

Pretty much finished it up, someone explain metering to me. Maybe I missed it or something but he never went into detail about this.

If you want an explanation of the three metering modes in your 350D, it is this:
Evaluative measures all the light hitting the screen and calculates an average value, but in the calculation gives more weight to the area around the active focus point. Large area of very bright or very dark will throw the caculation off.
Center-weighted does the same as above but the extra weight is always given to a 9% area around the center point.
Partial measures only the 9% center area.
Elie

[Dan-o]

What confused me and maybe you are having the same problem in the meter will move once you recompose the shot. In Curtis's example of metering for the sky, once you recompose the shot to say a tree in the forground the meter will jump to the left saying you are under exposing the focal point.

Another example at night when I shoot my daughters soccer game I will spot meter off the faces and set my exposure off that. Now I have my camera set to expose that one thing well. If I shoot an opposing player with a dark blue jersey the shot will be under exposed. Hope that helps I'm not very good at explaining things.:lol:

[PhotosGuy]

As with all things, what the cam thinks is the "correct" exposure isn't (usually) the right exposure? Too many factors come into it to let some programming geek at Canon try to figure it out for me. So I usually shoot on "M" & make my own MiSTeaKs? ;)

General stuff:
Gray card: Why your meter may be lying to

you! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54281)
I found something that I didn't expect!

What’s best for exposure, Gray cards, white paper, expensive attachments for the lens?
Gray Card…White Paper. What’s best? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58677)

Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)
Don’t have a gray or white card, or hand held meter with you? “Film tricks” can help you out.

RE: "MiSTeaKs" When I screw up...
Why I love RAW - '53 Ford Sunliner (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43761)

Curtis's thread: How NOT to expose to the right
How NOT to expose to the right (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=93712)

[90blackcrx]

If he says "meter on the sky", he means point the camera at the sky and (in manual mode), adjust aperture or shutter speed until the pointer on the scale in the viewfinder is in the middle (the zero mark).

Would the zero mark be in the exposure bar you mean ?

Guys I have not yet really messed with manual, just used AP mode but after reading this book, I feel confidant.

[E-K]

Would the zero mark be in the exposure bar you mean ?

Yes. I believe the Canon manual refers to as the "Exposure Level Indicator", so I hope we're talking about the same thing (the one in the finder or on the B&W LCD). It's not actually marked zero though (it's the home base shaped mark between -1 and +1).

e-k

[Curtis N]

Guys I have not yet really messed with manual, I would strongly recommend you read it. Not skim it, not just look at the pictures and bold print. Read all of it. Read the fine print in the little shaded sections. Read it with your camera handy so you can practice the various techniques and capabilities. When you're done, read it again, then keep it handy for reference. I kept my manual in my bag for several months and there were times when I was glad I had it.

You will learn much more, faster, than you can learn here. If something about the manual confuses you (which is perfectly understandable), then feel free to ask.

Ok, you can skip the part about direct printing. ;)

[90blackcrx]

I think you misunderstood, I read the manual, I have not messed with manual mode.