Spot Metering when recording Video -- R7

[zach_hafen]

When recording footage while hiking, the metering is having a very difficult time correctly exposing if the sky fill up more than 10% of the frame. The ground gets very dark and the footage is unusable. Is there any way to change the metering to spot metering so that this doesn't occur? I am using an R7 in video mode, with the dial set to Tv, recording in c-log. I do not see the setting to change the metering mode as I do when the camera is in picture mode.

[p4pictures]

You cannot choose the metering mode when shooting movies. It will always be evaluative. Best method is to use exposure lock with hold so that the exposure will stay the same as it was with the sky occupying a small part of the frame, then as you recompose moving the camera up the exposure won't shift so the sky will keep the same brightness. 

[zach_hafen]

OK, thank you for the reply. Can you explain how to "use exposure lock with hold"? Are you saying that when you hit the lock button on top of the camera it locks the exposure in until you hit the lock button a second time? Does it do this by default or do you need to choose a setting within the menu first?

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

When the camera is in movie mode, the default assignment of the * button is AE-lock with hold. With this configuration, when you press and release the * button the exposure will be locked, and you need to press the * button again to release the lock. This lock stays locked until you release it, you will also see the * icon to the left of the shutter speed on the LCD display to indicate the lock is on.

[zach_hafen]

Thank you so much! Do you think it's a possibility in the future for the camera to receive a firmware update that allows the user to change the metering mode when recording video? I would assume the hardware allows for this?

[stevet1]

I would be interested in learning this answer too.

I have a T8i and I know that in pressing the exposure lock in still shooting, it only holds that lock for about 6 seconds. If I want to hold that lock for a longer period of time, I can press and hold the AF-ON button, or the depth of filed preview button.

I also know that if I set my video mode to either Av or Tv, the camera treats it as if I was in the P mode - shutter speed and aperture are set by the camera. If I change the view of what I'm shooting, the aperture will fluctuate. If I have Auto ISO set, the ISO will change too..

Steve Thomas.

[p4pictures]

Unfortunately your Rebel T8i doesn't provide the AE-Lock with hold function for stills or movies. You can change the metering timer settings from it's default 8-seconds to up to 30 minutes on the SHOOT2 menu of the red shooting settings menu section.