Canon 20 D question. Photographing on stage..spot metering?

[sugar_babygirli]

Hi!

Well, I've read the manual over and over, but was wondering if any of you had experience photographing people on stage with bright lighting? I have in the past photographed this with my 4 mp camera that had spot metering. They turned out great for the most part and the faces weren't overexposed.

So, since the 20 D doesn't have spot metering, I use partial metering, correct? Does this work ok in your experience? And what if they are moving, do I use AI servo or whatever the other option was (haha sorry can't remember and I'm too lazy to look).

Basically, I just need a rough idea of what would be good settings where I could track a moving dancer, use some sort of metering, and have the exposure good, while preventing the dancer from being really blurry. (I dont ask for much, do I? :lol: )

Thanks heaps!

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use the 20D's "Partial" metering option ... it looks like this ( ) on your lcd.

I actually tend to prefer the partial to even a spot sometimes when using th 1D which has spot metering...

It works great.

I also use AI servo with the rear focus button (custom function #4-1)

[tim]

Why do so many people put the focus on the * key? I half press my shutter which works fine for me, but if there's a better way i'm always interested.

[RDKirk]

Why do so many people put the focus on the * key? I half press my shutter which works fine for me, but if there's a better way i'm always interested.

Separates the AF and the auto metering. It also means you can focus on a distance and it stays there until you specifically move it.

[tim]

I just keep my finger half pressed on the shutter. At least now I know why people do it, i'll keep it in mind if I ever need it, thanks.

[Reminisce]

Separates the AF and the auto metering. It also means you can focus on a distance and it stays there until you specifically move it.

Pretty much. Seperates exposure lock and focus lock. Putting focus lock on the * key has become natural for me, which took time to adjust to.

[sugar_babygirli]

Thanks for the help all! I will try the ( ) setting. :)