I put together a quick video about the use of spot metering. What it is, when to use it, etc.
I mainly framed this around the GoPro cameras, as that's what I use, but the same information applies to any other camera with a spot metering function.
Basically, spot metering changes how the camera's auto exposure functions. In standard mode, the camera will "look" at the entire frame to decide what the exposure value should be. In spot metering mode the camera looks at the very center of the frame only to decide what the exposure should be.
Knowing how this works it important becasue spot metering isn't always better to use. Sometimes you want to consider the entire frame, such as if your shot moves, if the dark/bright areas aren't in the center of the frame or if your entire scene is evenly lit. Spot metering works best when the camera is locked down or if you know you will always have the main subject in the center of the frame.
The best example for us motovloggers is a camera 2 facing back at the rider. That's a great time to use spot metering. It will help prevent drastic shifts in the exposure of the rider in changing light conditions.
I cover all of this and show some examples in the video.
(@dandoolittle, don't ban me for putting a video in the wrong place please ...)
I mainly framed this around the GoPro cameras, as that's what I use, but the same information applies to any other camera with a spot metering function.
Basically, spot metering changes how the camera's auto exposure functions. In standard mode, the camera will "look" at the entire frame to decide what the exposure value should be. In spot metering mode the camera looks at the very center of the frame only to decide what the exposure should be.
Knowing how this works it important becasue spot metering isn't always better to use. Sometimes you want to consider the entire frame, such as if your shot moves, if the dark/bright areas aren't in the center of the frame or if your entire scene is evenly lit. Spot metering works best when the camera is locked down or if you know you will always have the main subject in the center of the frame.
The best example for us motovloggers is a camera 2 facing back at the rider. That's a great time to use spot metering. It will help prevent drastic shifts in the exposure of the rider in changing light conditions.
I cover all of this and show some examples in the video.
(@dandoolittle, don't ban me for putting a video in the wrong place please ...)
