Question - Focussing and Metering?

Question
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Hey, random question.

You know how your metering and autofocus are set on a half pressed
shutter (I guess in settings you can change that). What do you do if you want to
meter 1 place and focus on another if it's done at the same time? If you
change the settings so the half press only does one, how do you set the
other?

Answer
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I'll answer this question two ways. First way being the fast/doesn't always work/quick candid shots way, and the next when you want precise control and know exactly what you want.

Basically what you're describing is metering off of something in your picture, setting your camera to those exposure levels and then focussing on another part of your scene.

1st way

Set your camera to center weighted metering or spot metering (for really
difficult lighting situations). Next find your AE-L button (you may have to
configure a function key to be AE-L) or Lock slider (I know this exists on
the Nikons, not too sure on the Canons). AE-L stands for auto exposure lock. Next point your camera at what you want it to meter off of. Press and
hold the AE-L button or slide the lock slider into the lock position. Now
recompose your scene and press half way to focus camera on your subject
and take the shot! I know it's not exactly fast sounding, but it is quicker
in implementation.

2nd Way

Welcome to the wonderful world of manual photography.

To do this, you have to venture away from the program auto modes and
shutter modes. Set your camera to spot meter, meter off of something
(you want neutral gray tone). Change Aperture and Shutter speed to expose
your light meter to balance. Then move to your subject and take the shot. Why
do I like this way better? I can play with depth of field or shutter speed
however I want to get the desired affect.


For Point and Shoot Cameras,

It depends on the camera model. The generic Cameras usually can only focus and meter when the shutter button is pressed halfway. For more advanced cameras such as the Canon G9 and the Nikon P60, you will be able to do what I described above.