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Camera Light Meters
A
light meter is used to measure the amount of light
needed to properly expose your image. Modern cameras
have a built in computer that can either digitally
or analogically advise the photographer. They come
in either built in or a hand held device.
Camera
Meters: The built in
camera meters are genuinely fine
meters and in most instances do an
excellent job of judging the amount
of light needed to make a picture.
The point and shoot cameras have a
built in metering system that
evaluates and sets the proper
exposure controls. All you need to
do is push the shutter release.
Remember that this type of meter
takes an average of the existing
light and sets the controls
accordingly. Thus you have no say in
what the pictures light quality will
be like. It will be average at best.
The SLR on the other hand has many
different modes that can be used to
improve your images and create a
variety of special effects.
Hand
Held Independent Light Meters:
1. An
Incident Meter:It is the
same as the meter in your camera
that reads the amount of light
falling on an object. Its readings
are done through a milky-white dome
on the meter. The settings are an
average of the overall lighting of a
scene.
2. A
Spot Meter:Provides pin
point readings on a part of the
scene you are planning to shoot. It
is good for pictures that have a
strong back lighting. You can get an
accurate measurement of the subject
without back lighting interference.
3. A
Flash Meter:Provides the
accurate settings for your camera
from a flash, strobe, flood light
and natural light. You get your
exposure settings by entering the
ISO and the shutter speed, aiming
the meter at the light source and
the meter will tell you the correct
f-stop.
My suggestion
is that you use the meter in your
SLR, but if you really want a hand
held meter use a flash meter. They
are small and very accurate. But be
warned they are rather expensive.
Of course
if you have a point and shoot a hand
held meter is totally useless since
you can not change the settings on
the camera.
