metering

I get confused about metering. What metering does what? help?

I don't worry about the different types anymore like I did in the film days. My camera tends to stay in this "[]" one. It's all about the end exposure. I've just gotten a feel for how that will react to a scene and adjust my EV (exposure compensation) accordingly. Then fine-tune from there based on the histogram. Works like a charm for my work.

- Scott

You don't say what camera you have, so I'll list all the types:

Evaluative - Works better with Automatic Point Selection focusing (all points are potientially active and the camera selects one or more) than manual focus point selection. Light from the entire frame area is measured but more weight is given to the area around the active focus point(s). This data is then compared to a data base of lighting conditions and the best fit is selected. It is the most "camera does it all" metering mode, but can be modified or overruled by EC.

Center Weighted - Light is measured from the entire picture area but more emphasis is put on the central area. Gives more control and predictability to the photographer. Good for things like sports.

Partial - Light is measured only from the central 9% area.

Spot - Light is measured only from the central 3.5% area (unless you have a 1D series camera in which the spot can be shifted to other areas of the frame.) Partial and Spot are for the control freaks, but also require knowledge about how to relate the tone of the object measured to the best exposure.

thanks tzalman, so generally what would you use spot and partial for?

Trust me on this: The more you simplify your workflow, the more you can concentrate in the image you want to get.

People will tell you "Use this mode" & "Use that mode".
People will tell you "Use exposure Compensation" & "Meter off the sky/grass.".
I use manual & usually could not care less which mode I'm in or what the programming geek at Canon decided my camera should do: Need an exposure crutch?

More on how the subject affects the exposure in Post # 47

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5244678
Trust me on this: The more you simplify your workflow, the more you can concentrate in the image you want to get.

That is some fantastic advice. I think I'll use that line in an upcoming landscape photography lecture, if you don't mind. Seriously. That's one of the best ways I've heard it put and I've tried to describe it to people for a while.

- Scott

Feel free. It's probably been said since the beginning of time!
"Mammoth, no! Get Eohippus & we eat today!"

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5252304
Feel free. It's probably been said since the beginning of time!
"Mammoth, no! Get Eohippus & we eat today!"

It just sums up what I always try to explain to people so well. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Only worry about what REALLY matters.

wow haha thanks guys that's really helped a bunch I'll get out there and experiment!