Focusing and metering on a large group of people?

[hmmm]

Can anyone tell me which metering mode and focusing mode is best for getting a large group in focus is????
Nikon D200.

[autofocus]

I would say that standard matrix metering mode should be fine. The real question is how large is the group, and how will they be positioned? I think choice of F/Stop is probably most important in these shots. If you are dealing with a group all in one straight line, the problem is far less critical. However, 2 - 3 rows deep (or more) the problem becomes more critical. In the second scenario, and to maximize your depth of field , I would suggest shooting at around F/8, light permitting. With a three deep arrangement, (or more) I would probably focus on one of the subjects in the second row being that the general rule range of acceptable DOF is 1/3 distance in front of the focus point, and 2/3's distance behind the focus point. But just like your own eyes viewing an object the camera lens will work the same way...the point of focus person will be tack sharp with the rest of the subjects being acceptably sharp. Your overall distance to the group, and the choice of lens will also be a factor...shooting with a wider angle lens over a telephoto will also give you more apparent sharpness. Hope this helps

[wulf]

I've tried to make the title of this thread a bit more descriptive. Metering will depend on the light in the scene and focusing is mainly about depth of field (as auto-focus explains above).

Wulf