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In my previous, old cameras, the "spot metering" is in the center of the frame, no matter what.

I'm hoping the Canon 6d spot metering is centered around the focus point, not the frame.

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As Per page 150 of this 6D manual, the 'Spot metering' setting:

... is for metering a specific spot of the subject or scene. The metering is weighted at the center covering approx. 3.5% of the viewfinder area.

Spot metering area diagram from manual Spot metering area diagram from manual.

When the camera is in this metering mode the selected focus point is not taken into consideration.

However, I understand that in 'Evaluative metering' mode, the camera will bias the area around the active focus point considerably, so that may be the mode that you're looking for.

'Evaluative metering' mode

In 'Evaluative metering' mode the camera will split the viewfinder into a grid of of many small sections called zones. (63 in the case of your camera)

63 zone evaluative metering pattern
63 zone evaluative metering pattern from this article.

Each section is then independently metered for light level and a complex algorithm within the camera decides on the best overall exposure, taking into account which AF point(s) are used, which way up the camera is, and what mode it's in.

In this mode the zones close to the AF point(s) in use, are given a higher priority, in the exposure calculation.

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  • But what is the % of viewfinder covered in evaluative metering?
    – Alex
    Nov 17, 2014 at 4:02
  • In Evaluative metering mode, light readings are taken from 100% of the viewfinder area, however not all of the readings contribute equally to deciding the exposure settings. I've amended the answer with more information. Nov 17, 2014 at 11:01

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