Metering

[SouthwestSnapper]

You do realise that you just aren't going to get consistent correct exposure by using reflective metering of any sort no matter how complex and clever the camera is. Be it Spot Metering, Matrix, centre weighted, etc etc etc...these are all just a guess at best. as the camera really has no idea what colour the bird/animal/plant really is and therefore is getting a false reading...

The suggestion of using your hand is the best one here, however I use the palm not the back, as this rarely changes colour during the year! Do a very quick experiment with a grey card if you can borrow one and you will find it is(your palm) around 2 thirds to a stop over grey...using this method you can get spot on exposure every time and simply ignore the camera meter all together...(providing the subject is being hit with the same light, and not in full shadow)

I am about to sound like an old git now but im not....I pack a Weston Master V with invercone from 1963 (made over a decade before i was born!) in my kit and use this more often than not to read exposure..This was only around £40 from a well known internet auction site and will blow the elaborate metering in any camera costing thousands out of the water every time...I love the fact it requires no batts and is in effect solar powered, its built to last out of metal and can be recalibrated very easily by the owner with a small screwdriver!!! I would also help if you read up a little on the Zone system as this really will give you a full understanding of exposure that will last you for the rest of your life, no matter what happens with technology...

i hope this is helpful???