So I hear about spot metreing and all the others and know how to select these functions on my cam but I've got no clue how they actually work (affect your pic) and what they mean... Help anyone?

Spot metering is usually 1-3% of the viewable area on the viewfinder. (Normally from the center focusing point on a SLR/DSLR) if camera supports it My Canon 1V does but my DSLR doesnt. usually it is high spec cameras that are more likely to support spot metering. Spot metering is useful for metering a specific area of the frame and can produce a very accurate exposure if done correctly, if done incorrectly it may produce a poor exposure. Some situations arent really that good for spot metering, for example a scene that has very bright highlights, partial or center weighted may produce a more consistent exposure. Simon

Ah ha!!! I think ... so I use spot metering when? Still a bit confused. Do I not use it for say a landscape or sunset pic? Also how will Multi focus work?

Message edited on: 01/03/2006 04:46

Spot metering is great for landscapes if the scene is evenly lit, (if the light source is behind you or 45 degrees back left/right) Use the spot meter on a mid tone (gray card or something in the mid range like concrete/road etc Sunsets can be tricky to meter whatever method you use depending on the light conditions. I never use multi focus for landscape as the center focus point is always the most accurate. For landscape I generally use a stopped down aperture and focus 1/3 ish into the frame (other more complex methods too.)

Okay!!! Tx I think I've got the hang of it now :}

I use spot metering a lot. Keep in mind, this method helps you select the area of the shot the camera meter uses. Remember, if you meter on highlights the rest of the image will be darker and if meter on shadow the highlights might blow out. You can pick a balance with spot metering.

Ah ha. So that what I'm doing most of the time darkening my shadows...