14a E-950 E-800 E700 Digital Camera Tutorial : Metering
Intro | Metering | Sensitivity | Exposure Compensation | Image AdjustmentUsers of the recent Nikon SLR Film camera range will be familiar with the Matrix Metering concept. This allows the camera to define its exposure setting from either a small area in the centre of the viewfinder (Spot), from a larger area in the centre (Centre-Weighted) or from a general impression based on the likely combination of foreground and background lighting (Matrix).
The images below show examples of the effect of changing the setting from Spot, Centre and Matrix.
- Spot metering is useful where the correct exposure is defined by only a single small mid-tone area of the image.
- Centre-Weighted metering can be used when this area is larger, such as a back-lit subject.
- Matrix metering is the default and is defined by the intelligent analysis of the picture into a number of smaller areas, each of which gives a different contribution to the whole, depending on its' position. The contribution is weighted towards the centre and lower centre of the image.
The examples below illustrate the effect and use of the three metering methods.
Spot metering (on face of subject) ensures that the lighting intent is captured accurately. Centre-weighted metering allows more even exposure, revealing detail in the clothes, whilst maintaining interest in the subject's face. Matrix metering calculates the best overall result from the centre subject and complex background.
Intro | Metering | Sensitivity | Exposure Compensation | Image Adjustment
