Sony ILCE-7S - Manual (Page 94)

Menu item details
Multi (default setting):
Measures light on each area after dividing the total area into multiple areas and determines
the proper exposure of the entire screen (Multi-pattern metering).
Center:
Measures the average brightness of the entire screen, while emphasizing the central area of
the screen (Center-weighted metering).
Spot:
Measures only the central area (Spot metering). This function is useful when the subject is
backlit or when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background.
Note
[Multi] is selected when using the following functions:
[Intelligent Auto]
[Superior Auto]
[Scene Selection]
Zoom functions other than optical zoom
[86] How to Use Using shooting functions Adjusting the exposure
AE lock
When the contrast between the subject and background is high, such as when shooting a
backlit subject or a subject near a window, meter the light at a spot where the subject
appears to have the appropriate brightness and lock the exposure before shooting. To
reduce the brightness of the subject, meter the light at a spot brighter than the subject and
lock the exposure of the entire screen. To make the subject brighter, meter the light at a spot
darker than the subject and lock the exposure of the entire screen.
1. Adjust the focus on the spot at which the exposure is adjusted.
2. Switch the AF/MF/AEL switch lever to the AEL position, then press the AEL button.
The exposure is locked, and (AE lock) lights up.