What is the best way to meter light on a SLR camera?

Hello!

For reference, "Which metering mode to use under what circumstances".

1. Evaluative metering (multiple metering):

When shooting, the camera divides the image into multiple areas for metering, and then calculates the most suitable value for the entire picture. Average exposure to ensure accurate exposure in the end. The average metering mode is mainly suitable for objects where there is no strong contrast between the subject and the background, and the brightness difference is relatively mild. Multi-zone evaluation metering is currently the most advanced intelligent metering method. It simulates the human brain's judgment of uniform or uneven lighting conditions that are often encountered when shooting. Even people who are not familiar with light metering can use this method. This method can generally result in a more accurately exposed film.

Application environment: group photos, family photos, general landscape photos.

2. Center-weighted average metering (center-weighted metering)

Average metering of the entire image, but slightly more emphasis on the central subject. The center-weighted average metering mode is a very reliable metering method that is suitable for almost all shooting subjects. In summary, when shooting content that requires both the representation of the subject and the overall exposure, you need to choose a center-focused average metering system.

Application environment: personal photos, special landscape photos.

3. Central spot metering (that is, "fixed-point metering"):

Spot metering only accurately measures the light of a small area, and measures the light and dark of the scene outside the area. Light has no influence, so the metering accuracy is very high. Its main purpose is to meter light in a specific small area in the distance.

If the contrast between the subject and the background is relatively large, you can consider using spot metering, such as backlighting.

Application environment: stage photography, personal art photos, news feature photos, etc.

Different metering modes will result in different imaging effects. Not every photo can strictly adjust the metering mode. It is possible that the beautiful scenery will be lost in an instant during your adjustment. However, Some photos also have to adjust the metering mode, otherwise they will be a complete mess when taken, so you need to learn and master them in practice and use them flexibly.