I do not have the cash for a meter (need flash and lens first). Since my last outdoor pics were kinda overexposed, this time I set the film speed to 200 and used apperature priority to see what the camera would set the shutter at. Then I set it to full manual and use that setting. is that doing kinda what a light meter does, or am I totally confused as to what it does?

Scott,
I forget what camera you have. but if it's digital it should have an exposure meter and you should be able to figure out from that what settings to use. I have found with some bodies you need to go a step or two over on exposue meter.

JS

Sounds like you have a light meter built into the camera, why can't you use it full manual mode? Set the shutter speed to freeze the appropriate action and then see what your light meter in the camera says. Adjust the aperture accordingly and you should be set. But, then again I might be confused as to what you mean.

Scott,
If you are using the Rebel you have an exposure meter, read the manual, watch it when you compose your shot and find out where it works best. As I said before I have 1 or 2 steps up normally works, but some cameras could go the other way.

JS

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll be shooting Softball thursday, and Soccer in changing light wednesday (late game) so I will keep this in mind while I shoot.