Canon EOS 7D - Manual (Page 107)

107
You can select one of four methods to measure the subject brightness. In
fully-automatic modes (1/C), evaluative metering is set automatically.
1
Press the <n> button. (9)
2
Select the metering mode.
While looking at the LCD panel, turn
the <6> dial.
q Evaluative metering
This is a general-purpose metering mode suited for
portraits and even backlit subjects. The camera
sets the exposure automatically to suit the scene.
w Partial metering
Effective when the background is much brighter than
the subject due to backlighting, etc. Partial metering
covers about 9.4% of the viewfinder area at the center.
r Spot metering
This is for metering a specific spot of the subject or scene.
The metering is weighted at the center covering about
2.3% of the viewfinder area. When spot metering is set,
the spot metering circle will be displayed in the viewfinder.
e Center-weighted average metering
The metering is weighted at the center and then
averaged for the entire scene.
q
Selecting the Metering ModeN