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The current digital cameras allow users to choose and adjust the exposure metering mode, ie the manner in which the camera measures the brightness of the subject.
The regulation of this mode is done by evaluating the amount of available light to shoot, and it is determined on the basis of the exposure. However, at times, using the Program mode, shutter speed priority (Shutter Priority) or Priority to Aperture (Aperture Priority), the camera is not sufficiently intuitive to set the correct exposure.
Fortunately, the photographer has the ability to manually change the mode of exposure assessment used by the camera (see your camera's manual to see how to change the settings on your model).

In the digital SLR usually find these 3 types of evaluation:

Evaluative metering (Evaluative metering)

And 'the default setting for most cameras. The camera automatically sets the exposure mode, to enhance the scene and the subject of photography. The whole scene visible through the viewfinder of the camera is used to set the best exposure. This is the mode that you use when you're not sure which one is best suited to the scene.

Partial or spot metering (Partial metering)

This type of exposure mode is useful for backlit subjects. The exposure is determined by the central part of the shot - a very small area of ​​the frame (some cameras partial metering and Spot will have separate and differ in the size of the area for measuring exposure, in part about 8% of viewfinder at center of the spot and about 3.5% - see image at the top post).
Use this mode when you want to base the exposure of your photograph on a very specific area. But beware that in some cases, measuring in dark areas of the image, the picture may be overexposed in other rather well lit.

Centre-weighted average metering (center-weighted average metering)

This exposure mode gives priority to the central portion of the photograph, but also takes into account the parts around the frame in question.
Basically it is a middle way between Evaluative and Partial mode. Use this when your subject is at the center of the photograph and has a correct exposure, so they are not affected by exposure of the background.

Let's see a practical example. This image was taken using 4 types of assessment of exposure by the camera (details below).

1. Fully automatic mode (1/50s, f/5.6);
2. In aperture priority, evaluative metering (1/25s, f/4.5);
3. In aperture priority, partial metering (1/60s, f/6.3);
4. In aperture priority, center-weighted metering (1/30s, f/4.5).

The difference in exposure between the three photographs is minimal, but the example of a partial measure, from my point of view, is the best compromise between light and exposure to this particular subject.

Do you have any advice on this? Measurement mode that you normally use?