Spot metering
Also known as: spot meter, tap to meter
A metering mode that measures light from a small point in the frame, so exposure is set for exactly that subject regardless of the rest of the scene.
Updated
What it means
Spot metering reads only a small area, often the center or a point you tap on the screen, and sets Exposure for it. Everything else in the frame is ignored. If the spot sits on a face, the face is correctly exposed, even if the sky behind it turns white or the background falls into shadow.
It is the most precise of the metering modes and also the least forgiving. Professionals use it to measure exactly what matters, while beginners can get surprising results if the spot lands on something very bright or very dark.
Many phones and some action camera apps implement it as tap to expose, often combined with focus on cameras that have autofocus.
How it works in practice
Use spot metering for strongly backlit subjects, such as a surfer with the sun behind them, a skier against a bright sky, or a speaker in front of a window. Meter on the face or body, then lock exposure so it does not drift.
On a tripod or for a static scene, spot metering on a mid-tone area, such as grass or a gray rock, gives a balanced result. For sunsets, metering slightly to the side of the sun keeps the colors rich without turning the foreground pitch black.
Pair it with zebras or a histogram to see what you are giving up in the rest of the frame.
What to watch out for
Moving subjects break spot metering. If the rider leaves the spot, the camera suddenly meters the background, and exposure jumps. For action, a wider metering mode or a locked exposure is safer.
Metering on something white, like snow or a white shirt, makes the camera darken the whole image, and metering on black does the opposite. Choose a mid-tone point whenever possible.
Remember that the camera may keep the spot setting between sessions. An unexpected dark or bright clip later in the day often comes from a forgotten metering point, so check it when footage suddenly looks wrong.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip uses your clips as exposed and does not brighten silhouettes. Metering correctly on your subject means the AI can see faces and action clearly when it picks moments for your highlight.