Pentax Optio S4 - AE Metering?

I was trying to get a couple of photos, using the AE Metering in every of the tree positions, but with no luck...

I try to take a portrait shot of someone, standing in front of a window, with the light comming in . BUT, in every setting, the captured photo was the same...

AE Metering isn't working for the S4? How much (percent) of the frame needs to meter, in the smallest (spot) position?

Thanks in advance (and sorry for my english)

Antonis.

Try using spot focus and spot metering. Aim the centre of the frame (on my Optio 33L this is marked out with white brackets) at a mid-tone area of your subject, that is an area that is not too light or too dark. Half press the shutter release, then while still half pressing, move the camera to recompose your shot if this is necessary. Press the shutter release all the way to finish taking the pic. This is called focus/exposure lock and it seems like a lot of hassle, but it will soon become second nature. You can try locking on various areas of the subject to see the different results. The effect is most obvious with spot metering & focusing, but it works, whatever metering or focus mode you are using, (apart from multi-segmented exposure mode?). The half press technicque is necessary on any film or digital AF / AE camera, and forgetting/not learning this is a common reason why people are disappointed in their photos.

Hope this helps,

Mark