Normally, the Rebel uses "evaluative metering", meaning the camera tries to properly expose whatever is in focus. It tries to take backlighting, etc. into account, but doesn't always do a great job. If you let the camera choose which of the 7 AF points to use, it will set the exposure for whichever one it chose (it seems to favor closer subjects). If you've manually selected one of the AF points, like the center one (is this what you meant by "focal point center weighted?), it will focus and expose for that one, although again, it will take the entire scene into account.
If you want the exposure and focus to be at different points (or want to use partial metering), use the AE lock feature: center on the exposure point, press the shutter halfway to activate the camera, and push the "*" button; then center on the focal point (with that the center AF point selected) and press the shutter halfway and hold it to set the focus; finally compose and take the shot.
The Rebel also sort of supports centerweighted average metering. Put the camera in manual mode and watch the exposure level display while adjusting the aperture and shutter speed.
Message edited by author 2004-06-06 11:35:30. |
