BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Questions

Metering Modes on Nikon 35mm SLR

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January 28, 2002

Matrix:
Samples various points throughout the image and uses an average of them to set exposure. This method is more sophisticated than "center" (see next description) because the microprocessor inside the camera evaluates the pattern of highlight and shadow from each point in the matrix, and then determines how to weight each point. It tends to be fooled less by more unusual or difficult scenes that can fool "center weighted" metering.

Center:
This method evaluates various points throughout the frame and uses an average of them for setting exposure. Points near the image center, and usually nearer the bottom of the frame, have more influence, or "weight" in the averaging method. This is much better than a simple, unweighted average across the entire frame. Usually the subject of interest is *not* at the very edge of a frame. If the specific method (should be described in the camera manual) also adds a little more weight to the bottom half to avoid being fooled by a bright sky, this can throw an exposure slightly off when you turn the camera vertically. Both of my "AE mode" cameras use "center weighted" averaging, and they are not easily fooled. Most are not, but a few can be.

Spot:
You should have a center spot in your camera's viewfinder with a "split image" and perhaps a small "microprism" ring around it that are (can be) used to help focus the lens. In "spot metering" mode, your camera only measures what is inside that center spot and uses it for setting exposure. Both of my "AE mode" cameras can be used in a "spot mode" also. With very unusual scenes that (with some experience) will fool the matrix or center-weighted modes, it's sometimes better to use the spot metering. I've also used it just as you would a hand-held spot meter, recorded the recommended exposures, done my own averaging, then manually set the exposure. Using the "spot" metering effectively requires some practice and experience. However, it can be result in its user being able to perform metering more sophisticated than even the matrix system. It's a powerful tool for setting an exposure based on the regions of highlight and shadow detail desired in the photograph. This requires knowing what the latitude of your film is. Latitude is how many stops of exposure you can have between highlights and shadows that will both contain details. It's greatest utility is with very high contrast scenes that exceed film latitude. The photographer must then decide what highlights, and/or shadows to give up details in. Spot metering various areas of different brightness in the scene is the only accurate method for doing this.

-- John

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February 01, 2002