<p>I've found that using spot metering with any of the programmed, shutter or aperture modes is dangerous while using autofocus. You go to focus on some point either by choosing the focus point or by recomposing and then exposure changes as you move around to compose. Therefore, I try to avoid spot metering when using autofocus in any of the P, S, A modes.<br>
Most of the times, I prefer to use spot metering first in manual mode to set the exposure and then once that's done, I can concentrate on focusing, sometimes picking a point and autofocusing, then turning of auto focus on the lens and now I'm completely free to compose without fear of things changing on me.<br>
Having said that, you could see that if I don't have time to do the manual set up, like when things change rapidly as in sports shooting, then I'd go into matrix or center weighted metering, then choose one P, S or A depending on what's going on.<br>
I have no idea how this would work with non-Nikon cameras though but I guess the point is that if you use spot metering, things might change on you if don't use manual mode.</p>
Why use Manual mode instead of Shutter or Aperture Priority?
in Beginner Questions
Posted
<p>I've found that using spot metering with any of the programmed, shutter or aperture modes is dangerous while using autofocus. You go to focus on some point either by choosing the focus point or by recomposing and then exposure changes as you move around to compose. Therefore, I try to avoid spot metering when using autofocus in any of the P, S, A modes.<br>
Most of the times, I prefer to use spot metering first in manual mode to set the exposure and then once that's done, I can concentrate on focusing, sometimes picking a point and autofocusing, then turning of auto focus on the lens and now I'm completely free to compose without fear of things changing on me.<br>
Having said that, you could see that if I don't have time to do the manual set up, like when things change rapidly as in sports shooting, then I'd go into matrix or center weighted metering, then choose one P, S or A depending on what's going on.<br>
I have no idea how this would work with non-Nikon cameras though but I guess the point is that if you use spot metering, things might change on you if don't use manual mode.</p>