Metering and my XTI

I understand about getting the flash to read f8 or whatever f setting I want when doing flash photography. Like if the flash reads f5.6 1/3 I just lower the slider on my flash some more until it's f5.6.

But what do you guys do when just reading ambient light and no flash is being used? How do you set your camera? For example, if ambient light under a tree goes for f5.6 5, do you shoot at f5.6 knowing that you'll be overexposed?

Thanks!

Are you talking about like portrait under the shade, that the subject is properly exposed at f5.6, but the background is blown out?

Just general camera setup after metering the ambient with a L-358. What do you do if it falls on a partial f-stop. I don't think my XTI can do f5.6 5 or 1/3 for example.

Do you guys just shoot at f5.6 anyway knowing it'll be either overexposed or underexposed.

It does not even have to be on the shade.

I see. f5.6 and 1/3 is f6.3. I set my L358 to use 1/3 stop increments which will match the camera well, and I don't have think twice if the meter is using 1/10 and says 8 and 5/10

From lotto's PM ... I am now all set after setting my L-358 switches. Thanks!