Using the Partial, Spot and Multi-Spot Metering features of the Canon EOS-3 AF 35mm SLR camera. In the last two issues, I showed users of the Canon EOS-3 how to utilize the Program AE, Shutter-priority AE and Aperture-priority AE exposure modes in conjunction with the 21-zone Evaluative metering system. In this issue, the focus is on how to use the three other metering options available in the EOS-3, namely the Partial, Spot and Multi-spot, in order to create better pictures. There's no denying that the 21-zone Evaluative metering of the EOS-3 is already an excellent feature of the camera, and users have very little or no reason to resort to the other options available. Of course, each individual has his/her own prerogatives in using the best method in solving a problem and Canon has given the EOS-3 user a multitude of choices when it comes to metering. The EOS-3, like any other 35mm AF SLR camera, does not possess artificial intelligence, or AI as it is more commonly referred to, and as such, will not know which is the main subject you intend to shoot. It is up to the user to determine that but even if they do, chances are the appropriate AF point may not be locked onto the correct area of the subject, hence resulting in wrong exposures. The Partial metering feature is intended for a more precise evaluation of the brightness of the main subject and is best used for any situation where the user fails (or forgets) to get the camera to lock the focus/metering point onto the correct area when Evaluative is being used. The LCD panel shows the Partial metering selected Partial metering taken off the pipe     Meter reading taken from yellow/green combination Reading taken from the trees and yellow area of building In the photo of the partially submerged pipe (above), it could have been easily photographed using the Evaluative or the other metering options available - so this shot doesn't really prove anything, except for a successful manoeuvre. The 21-zone Evaluative meter would have handled the next photo without any hesitation too, but if you choose to use Partial metering instead, the reading has to be placed on a intermediate setting, such as the yellow/green combination of the buildings depicted. Otherwise the exposure will be incorrect. The reflection from any water surface is at least one stop darker than the actual scene. Although water is transparent and colorless, when it is available in abundance, the color is usually blue, green or muddy, depending on the amount of pollution or dirt in its content. For a photo like the one shown above (final shot), never meter off the reflection if you are using any of the camera's built-in metering system. The reading has to be taken off the actual scene for a correct exposure to be obtained. If this meter reading were taken (with Partial) off the reflection, it would have overexposed the upper part of the scene. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 .