What is metering

[iBats]

the title says it all, i know on my camera (nikon d3000) that there are different metering options, what exactly does this do/ affect?

 

[Goontz]

Metering is metering how much light there is. The different metering modes on your camera decide exactly how the camera meters the light (so that it can get proper exposure). You can meter the entire scene, only the active focus area, etc. Your camera's manual will explain each mode in more detail.

 

[iBats]

thanks, this has been driving me crazy for a while now and google lies so

 

[bigtwinky]

It affects how the camera will expose the image, or more precisely, what areas of the image the processor will take into consideration when deciding on its aperture / shutter values.

Spot metering means that its using only a small spot of the frame to determinate exposure
Centered weight average is a bigger area and it takes the average of what it sees in this area.

Terms are different for Nikon.

More info is probably available in your manual

 

[SrBiscuit]

Let me google that for you

sorry, couldnt resist.

goontz and twinky are righto.
nice job fellas!

 

[Dominantly]

Read this
Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure

 

[Dao]

The manual that shipped with your camera has the answer to your question.

Under "P,S,A and M mode" > "Exposure" > "Metering"

The one I saw online is on page 74

 

[TJ K]

Check out the boook understanding exposure. You can pick it up here