Metering Modes

[sdjl]

Hi all,

I've recently upgraded my camera to one that features several different metering modes. In the past I've let the camera deal with metering as I've not really understood which mode is best suited to which environment.

Does anyone have any suggestions or examples of different metering modes in action? I'd really like to understand where best to use Evaluative, Partial, Spot and Center-weighted Average metering to their best advantage.

Many thanks

David

[Merlyn]

The metering system in a digital camera measures the amount of light in the scene and calculates the best-fit exposure value based on the metering
mode. Automatic exposure is a standard feature in all digital cameras. All you have to do is select the metering mode, point the camera and press the shutter release. Most of the time, this will result in a correct exposure.

The metering method defines which information of the scene is used to calculate the exposure value and how it is determined. Metering modes depend on the camera and the brand.

Matrix or Evaluative Metering:

This is probably the most complex metering mode, offering the best exposure in most circumstances. Essentially, the scene is split up into a matrix of metering zones which are evaluated individually. Often they are based on comparing the measurements to the exposure of typical scenes.

Center-weighted Average Metering:

Probably the most common metering method implemented in nearly every digital camera. This method averages the exposure of the entire frame but gives extra weight to the center and is ideal for portraits.

Spot (Partial) Metering:

Spot metering allows you to meter a specific part of the subject or scene in the center of the frame (or on some cameras at the selected AF point). Only a small area of the whole frame is metered, about 3.5% and the exposure of the rest of the frame is ignored. Partial is about 9%. This type of metering is useful for brightly backlit, macro, and moon shots.

Hope this helps. Sorry, I do not have any example photos to show.

[mattdm]

Most cameras have very good matrix metering these days. In most cases, it's easiest to stick with this and then dial in EV compensations when you can tell it's necessary. Basically, the camera will try to make the photo overall be neutral grey. If you can see that the scene actually isn't overall neutral but rather bright or dim, you can tell the camera to "overexpose" or "underexpose", and it'll come out to the actually-correct exposure. Alternately, you can select spot metering, and pick only the part you care about.

This is the reason I'm excited about the face-detection features in the newest crop of point-and-shoots. Having the camera prefer to focus on faces is nice, but a little ho-hum. Having the camera automatically meter with a preference for making your human subjects be exposed correctly is huge.

[sdjl]

Hi Merlyn & mattdm,

Thank you both for your responses.
Whilst I know how each mode meters the subject, I was wondering if there are any rules to follow for which mode to use for particular subjects and environments.

I take quite a few photos under low light conditions (the joys of working in the entertainment industry!) and have been playing around with the different modes. I just thought I'd see if there are any particular details to look out for, rather than playing around

David

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by sdjl

Does anyone have any suggestions or examples of different metering modes in action? I'd really like to understand where best to use Evaluative, Partial, Spot and Center-weighted Average metering to their best advantage.

Hi David-
While I still don't fully know which mode to use in which situation, I found this article on Understanding Metering really helpful because it gives you visual examples of how changing the metering effects the photo. Hopefully this will give you some more information as well

[Learner]

Thank You for your tip on the article on "Understanding Metering" It is very helpful, and just what I need to learn at this time Thank You again.

[msafiedin]

i just moved from p&s to dslr
i was also experimenting the metering in my camera
now i fully understand how metering works
thanks all

[beckywithasmile]

I like center weighted focus and metering because then I can press the shutter half way down and still have "automatic-ish" metering and focusing. Because with my camera, I don't like the manual focus (it's hard to use).

[rebeccapierce2001]

THANKS! I will definitely be experimenting this week with metering.

[darkblade711]

Hey! Lots of information here on Metering! Very helpful indeed. I usually shoot in Auto Mode (as of the moment since I'm learning basics) and I use Center Weighted most of the time. It gives me the exposure I want for my photos.