Spot Metering on xxxD cameras.

[Michael]

I'm sure people using the 300D, 350D and 400D when asked about spot metering would go, "What? I don't have that on my camera." So how do they shoot people? Group shots? Night shots? Can it be done? Not to worry, with this simple technique, your camera will have "spot metering" the brute force way...

Firstly, you require a zoom lens. Perhaps a 17-85, 28-135, 28-300 or a 70-200 would be recommended.

Compose your image the way you want it to be, and note the focal length, for group shots, around 35mm would be good.

Now, set your camera to "Partial" metering and zoom/tele all the way to the person's face.

Aim around the forehead and cheek, note the exposure, gather roughly where it is and select Focus Exposure Lock (FEL) the * button.

Now zoom out to the focal length you have originally noted and take your shot.

[Nick]

Shouldn't this be done on partial metering mode?

[Michael]

Eh? You're right... I guess I relied too much on spot lately... 

[Michael]

Weblink: When to use what metering modes...