Flash settings?

[dentheman]

When making settings for both internal and external flash on my 40D, there is a setting to choose between Evaluative or Average.   The 40D manual states I should use Evaluative, as Average is for averaging the entire (flash) scene, and is for advanced users.  Can anyone point me in the direction to learn more about the average setting?  In what cases would average be better than evaluative?

[Bob Atkins]

Ther are no right and wrong or even best and worst answers here.

Average metering tends to be a bit more predictable since it's averaging the frame. That can get you into trouble if your subject is close and your background is distant though since the subject will then see a lot more light from the flash than the background will.

Evaluative tries to be "smart" and so could respond to small bright areas and try to avoid overexposing them. However you might prefer them overexposed rather than the rest of the frame being underexposed.

It's really a question of experience and which gives you more of the results you want. Experiment with both in different situations and note when there are significant differences.