Multi point,single point and evaluative metering

[keithallenlaw]

In reference to 30D and 5D

Has anyone discovered that single point focus overrides evaluative metering. Or said this way that evaluative metering is only evaluative
with multi point focus. Except manual mode. I found this very interesting and could not find any reference to it in the manual.

So, what does it become then?

I would like to know if the flash metering mode overrides the cameras metering mode or which mode the flash meters in. From my quick
test today it seems to be combination of subject related and evaluative. I found no difference in all 4 camera modes. I didn't try this
outside with back lit subjects though. Thanks!

[Max@Home]

Hi Keith!

Originally Posted by keithallenlaw

In reference to 30D and 5D

Has anyone discovered that single point focus overrides evaluative metering. Or said this way that evaluative metering is only evaluative
with multi point focus. Except manual mode. I found this very interesting and could not find any reference to it in the manual.

...I found a bit in the 30D manual, page 178, Function Availability Table, bottom section.

Metering Mode: Evaluative, Automatic AF point selection: AE lock is applied at the AF point that achieved focus

Metering Mode: Evaluative, Manual AF point selection: AE lock is applied at the selected AF point

...so single point focus doesn't override evaluative metering, but you force the eveluation around a certain point, being the AF point you selected.

...in multi point focus, the 'evaluation' takes place around the AF point that the camera selected.

I assume this applies to 5D also, will check and report back if it doesn't.

Originally Posted by keithallenlaw

I would like to know if the flash metering mode overrides the cameras metering mode or which mode the flash meters in.

...the flash metering mode meters for the flash ('flashlight', FEC), the camera metering mode meters for the camera ('ambient', EC), it's a simple as that

...You can set the flash to meter either evaluative or average, see page 173, C.Fn-14.

Hope this helps some, *my* €0.02 worth...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

[keithallenlaw]

Originally Posted by Max@Home

Hi Keith!


...in multi point focus, the 'evaluation' takes place around the AF point that the camera selected.

Hey Max! Thanks for the come back. I regards to your statement above. If true then what if you want to evaluate the *WHOLE* scene
as in landscapes. And you stop down, and then the camera FL's at only 2 or 3 points. Two or three points is not the *WHOLE* scene
is it? Wouldn't they all need to light up to get the maximum area of metering? And even at that, all the points don't cover the whole scene.
Interesting to me indeed Max and thanks for your cents!

[Max@Home]

Originally Posted by keithallenlaw

In regards to your statement above. If true then what if you want to evaluate the *WHOLE* scene
as in landscapes. And you stop down, and then the camera FL's at only 2 or 3 points. Two or three points is not the *WHOLE* scene
is it? Wouldn't they all need to light up to get the maximum area of metering? And even at that, all the points don't cover the whole scene.

...evaluative works in the assumption that you have a (prominent) subject and a background, it also suspects that you want your subject in focus, and thus meters 'evaluative' around the focus point that achieved focus in automatic AF point select, or around the selected focus point.

If, as you suggest, the whole scene is the subject, then center-weighted average metering might be a better metering method ??

...just *my* idea's, *my* €0.02 worth...

Kindest regards,

Max@Home

[keithallenlaw]

Originally Posted by Max@Home

...evaluative works in the assumption that you have a (prominent) subject and a background, it also suspects that you want your subject in focus, and thus meters 'evaluative' around the focus point that achieved focus in automatic AF point select, or around the selected focus point.

If, as you suggest, the whole scene is the subject, then center-weighted average metering might be a better metering method ??

...just *my* idea's, *my* €0.02 worth...

Kindest regards,

Max@Home

Whoa...I'm spinning faster. The more I dive into this subject the more confused I get. I'll just keep experimenting and learn by
trial and error, though at this point in my endeavors its more error. Thanks Max!