From Partial metering, we now take a look at how to use the EOS-3's built-in Spot metering mode. The Spot metering of the EOS-3 uses the center metering zone to cover about 2.4 per cent of the image area. It is highly effective for pinpoint meter readings. Focusing Point-Linked Spot metering is also possible with the EOS-3 when C. Fn 13-1 is set, which will link the meter to any one of the eleven focusing points scattered throughout the Area AF ellipse. This feature is great for using the Spot metering function when training on subjects that are not focused on the center AF point. As mentioned earlier, the EOS-3's 21-zone Evaluative meter is excellent for most exposure metering needs, and the need to use the other built-in options may not be necessary at all. The again, there are others who prefer to use time-proven metering methods, like the Spot meter instead of an Evaluative or even Partial. For those Canon 35mm cameras not featuring the Spot metering function, the owners manage by relying on a handheld Spot meter unit to get the job done. Personally, I would say that the Spot metering function was the best method to be used in a Canon camera before both the 16-zone (EOS 5/A2/A2E & EOS-1N/1N RS) and 21-zone Evaluative (EOS-3 & EOS-1v) options were made available. The 16-zone metering is far from perfect but my experience allows me to use exposure compensation whenever I encounter situations that I know the meter will not be able to give the correct readings. As for the 21-zone version, I keep asking myself why anyone would want to use the Spot metering option again. The answer, as it turns out, is that old habits are hard to discard (but not for me). But I can assure anyone that the photos, shown in this page and the next, all shot using the Spot metering function of the EOS-3, can also be photographed easily with either the 16-zone or 21-zone Evaluative meter and even the Partial option as described in the previous three pages. LCD Panel showing the Spot meter selected Buildings basked in evening sunlight glow     Backlit green leaves Outside a Japanese restaurant The four images above, including the LCD panel of the EOS-3, were photographed with the Spot meter. Except for the LCD panel (w/EOS-1N), the rest were shot with the EOS-3 camera. The commercial buildings, basked in evening sunlight glow, were shot with the Spot meter reading taken off the one in the central area but not directly from the sunlight's reflection in the window panes. As for the backlit green leaves, a Spot meter reading was taken from one of them, and this was the resulting exposure. If you want near pitch black or total black background, like what is shown in this shot of the leaves, the Spot metering is the best option there is for most photographers. In the next photo of the two guys sitting outside the Japanese restaurant, the Spot meter was aimed at the red shirt while ignoring all the surrounding areas. This is the ensuing result. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 .