Metering - Nikon D3X User Manual

Metering

Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The
following options are available:
Method
a
3D color
matrix II
Z
Center-
weighted
Z
b
Spot
1 When non-CPU lens is attached, average for entire frame will be used if
[Average] is selected for Custom Setting b5; otherwise, center-weighted
metering for non-CPU lenses will use 12-mm circle in center of viewfinder,
regardless of setting selected for [Non-CPU lens data].
2 For improved precision with non-CPU lenses, specify lens focal length and
maximum aperture in [Non-CPU lens data] menu (pg. 218).
3 Metered area is not actually displayed in viewfinder.
110
Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide
area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution
of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural
results.
Camera meters entire frame but
assigns greatest weight to area in
center of frame (defaults to 12-mm
circle in center of viewfinder; if CPU
lens is attached, area can be selected
using Custom Setting b5, [Center-
weighted area], pg. 316
meter for portraits.
Camera meters circle 4 mm (0.16 in.) in
diameter (approximately 1.5% of
frame). Circle is centered on current
focus point, making it possible to
meter off-center subjects (if non-CPU
lens is used or if auto-area AF is in
effect (pg. 76), camera will meter
center focus point). Ensures that
subject will be correctly exposed, even
when background is much brighter or darker.
Description
1
). Classic
2
Center weight area
Spot metering area
2
3
3