which metering mode and why?

[sGu]

there are four different metering mode that i'm aware of:

1. Evaluative Metering
2. Partial Metering
3. Spot Metering
4. Centre Weighted Average Metering

I'd like to know which mode do you use most frequently. I know that partial and spot metering should be used when there is a strong backlight, what about the rest? any rules on should or shouldn't use them?

thanks

[PhotosGuy]

I almost always shoot on M, so it's Centre Weighted Average Metering for me.
I prefer to not give the cam an opportunity to "think". I want it to do what I TELL it to do!
:wink:

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use spot often enought to try and expose a small object (like a bird) properly.. and to ignore the background.. whatever it may be.

On the 10D I use Partial for the same reason.. though if the bird is small enough this may not solve anything 100%

I rarely shoot evaluative.. but when it's time for big scenic/landscape/sunsets etc... then I'll use landscape.

Centerweighted is great for portraits.

[robertwgross]

I believe the majority of the users here have cameras with no spot meter capability.

---Bob Gross---

[Tom W]

Center weighted averaging most of the time - that's what I'm used to using.

But I am starting to experiment with partial metering, given that I seem to like to take pictures of black objects with bright backgrounds very frequently.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I believe the majority of the users here have cameras with no spot meter capability.

---Bob Gross---

Which is too bad... as it deos come in handy in many instances.

I have allwyas considered this an unfortunate shortcomming of Canon's D30/D60/10D/300D series...

Some paid about $3K for the D30 and yet a $250.00 Minolta 35mm is equipped with a true spot meter.

[Tom W]

Could we just put a snoot on our lenses? ;)

[sGu]

i used to shoot a lot of centre weighted average, but since i got my 1D, more often i'll dial in spot metering just to get a correct reading on main object of my shot.

[Canuck]

Could we just put a snoot on our lenses? ;)

Go for it, please lets us know how you get on! :lol:

[Harry Settle]

Program 90% of the time. Tv and Av the rest of the time. Still trying to get the hang of full manual.

[eric1]

i use partial about 80% of the time.