Which Metering Mode??

[jamesdavidboro]

I tend to use Matrix but then i've read on the net that other people swear by Center weighted. Just wondering what other people use and why?

 

[Light Artisan]

I use whatever mode the scene calls for.

 

[ChevyBaby]

I use whatever mode the scene calls for.

That's the best answer! You use what is going to give you the right setting depending on what your scene / lighting is.

 

[jamesdavidboro]

So when would you used Center weighted? I do switch to Center Weighted when, say, i have a really bright or dark object at the edge of the frame but i tend to use Matrix as my default. I've heard others swear by Center weighted for everything because Matrix has a tendancy to under expose.

 

[KmH]

So when would you used Center weighted? I do switch to Center Weighted when, say, i have a really bright or dark object at the edge of the frame but i tend to use Matrix as my default. I've heard others swear by Center weighted for everything because Matrix has a tendancy to under expose.

I use spot mode mostly.

I usually meter the highlights, the deepest shadows, and then my subject. From those 3 readings I then select my exposure settings with the goal of favoring the highlights.

That is also know as ETTR, or Expose-To-The Right which is a reference to the histogram of the scene.

Understanding Digital Camera Histograms: Tones and Contrast
Understanding Digital Camera Histograms: Luminosity and Color
Expose Right

 

[MohaimenK]

Ok, just watched a whole video on it last night. It really depends. But in his video he used spot metering mostly to meter different spots of the scene then it gave him the exposure to use. It sounds confusing but when you watch the video you'll begin to realize that you can get away with spot metering or partial metering just about always

 

[ChevyBaby]

now that you mention it, yeh matrix does under expose. i'd say i work the same sort of way with centre weighted, dark objects wise.

 

[MohaimenK]

I usually meter the highlights, the deepest shadows, and then my subject. From those 3 readings I then select my exposure settings with the goal of favoring the highlights.

That is also know as ETTR, or Expose-To-The Right which is a reference to the histogram of the scene.

Understanding Digital Camera Histograms: Tones and Contrast
Understanding Digital Camera Histograms: Luminosity and Color
Expose Right

I guess I was typing as you wrote your post. That's exactly what they were doing. Do you also use the zoning method?

 

[Vinny]

I started out using matrix when I switched to a DSLR but have been using mostly center weighted and occassionally spot. After reading up on what matrix metering is all about I decided to stick with what was on my Nikon FE or at least similar to it. Spot metering is convienient for when you have a brightly lit subject and want that to be exposed correctly.

 

[gifarkas]

I use whatever mode the scene calls for.

That's obviously true, but if I had to pick, I personally use spot or center weighted most of the time. Just pick the main subject of the image and expose for that.

 

[ababysean]

where is this video mo?

 

[MohaimenK]

Its called "perfect exposure for digital photographers" I still have to finish watching the last 2 parts.

 

[reznap]

I leave my camera on 'evaluative metering' most of the time. If the histogram is skewed left or right or if there are (big) blinking highlights in the preview I might adjust the exposure or try spot metering.

Center weighted is similar to what film cameras did.. 60% for the center area, 40% importance for the edges of the frame. It worked pretty well most of the time - but matrix/evaluative take it a step further from what I understand and are consistently a bit better.

 

[table1349]

Short, sweet and to the point. Metering Modes Explained

 

[kundalini]

Spot metering most of the time.

Center weighted when I'm concentrated on the subject and immediate background area.

Matrix when shooting landscapes or am not that concerned.