What is spot metering and how to use it?

Spot metering is a precise metering mode, because only a small part of metering is used, and the exposure outside the range has nothing to do with it, so the metering accuracy is very high. This metering mode is deeply loved by professional photographers. Spot metering, as its name implies, is spot metering.

With what we always say? Point? The difference is, spot metering? Point? Generally speaking, it refers to the measurement of light, which accounts for about 9% of the whole picture. It is usually used when the photographer needs to try his best to ensure the exposure of a certain area, especially when the contrast between light and dark in the scene is strong, or when the subject is shooting correctly without interference from other nearby lights.

For example, taking portraits can completely measure faces. When taking a photo with a large light ratio (for example, half is in the sky and the other half is in the shadow), it is necessary to measure the part to be exposed correctly.

Because the metering point is not necessarily in the center of the composition, it is necessary to correctly measure the point you want to expose, and the composition needs to be re-composed after metering, so AE lock, that is, metering lock, is needed. After photometry is completed, you can lock the exposure, and then make composition and focus shooting.

But generally speaking, your focus is basically the point where you need to measure light correctly. With the camera linked by point measurement, the measuring point is the focus point, which can directly focus on composition and automatically measure light. If not, you need to measure light first and then focus on the above operation of composition.

Spot metering formula: If the subject wants to be brighter, it will be metered in a darker place; if the subject wants to be darker, it will be metered in a brighter place.

Here is an example to illustrate:

If I want to brighten the field, at this moment, I am facing a tree that is a little darker than the field, where the arrow points. Because the exposure here is lower than 18% by default when the system counts light, the camera will actively improve the brightness and return to neutral gray, so the field of view becomes brighter.

If I want to darken this area, then I will aim the spotlight at the bright part of the sky. By default, this point is higher than 18% medium gray, which will reduce the exposure. At this time, the venue was completely dark.

Spot metering mainly measures the light value of the focus area or the designated center 1% -5% of the picture area. It can be said that spot metering is used by more professional photographers. This? Major? Refers to a photographer who often practises and has certain practical experience. They know this? Point? Where to measure, the measured results will expose the picture according to the photographer's intention. This photometric method is often used in artistic photography.

What brightness does a photographer need to know? Point? Suitable for sampling, we need to know what brightness this point should be restored to in the final image. Should I say choose this? Point? The standard is that there must be a neutral gray brightness equivalent to 18%. According to this brightness, the picture taken by spot metering is bright, rich in color and moderate in contrast.

Use? Point? Shooting method of metering: By default, the metering point of spot metering is located in the center of the picture, and the center of the picture points to the part where you need metering. Press the automatic exposure lock key (AE? L) What is a Canon camera? *? Button), lock the exposure setting, and then press the shutter half way to change the focal length and re-compose.