Exposure; Controlling How The Camera Sets Exposure; Metering - Nikon D100 Manual

Exposure

Metering

The metering method determines how the cam-
era sets exposure. Before shooting, rotate the me-
tering selector to choose a method suited to the
composition and lighting conditions and confirm
your selection in the viewfinder. Three methods
are available (the type of metering performed may
vary with the lens used):
Method
In ten-segment matrix metering, optimal exposure is determined on
the basis of information from ten areas of the frame, each of which is
3D ten-
metered independently. 3D ten-segment matrix metering, which is
segment
activated automatically whenever a type G or D lens is mounted on
matrix/
the camera, makes use of information on maximum brightness, con-
Ten-segment
trast, and the distance for the subject for still more accurate exposure
matrix
control.
The camera meters the entire frame but assigns the greatest weight
to an area in the center of the frame 8 mm (0.31˝) in diameter (use
Center-
the 12-mm/0.47˝ circle in the center of the viewfinder as a reference
weighted
when metering your subject at this setting).
The camera meters a circle 3 mm (0.12˝) in diameter centered on the
current focus area and occupying approximately two percent of the
frame. When closest subject priority (
Spot
focus area will be used. Otherwise the metering is linked to the
focus area, allowing you to meter an off-center subject.
Matrix metering will not produce the desired results with autoexposure lock
( 84) or exposure compensation (
circumstances. Center-weighted metering is the classic meter for portraits,
preserving background details while letting lighting conditions at the center
of the frame determine exposure. Spot metering ensures that your subject
will be correctly exposed, even when the background is much brighter or
darker.
Metering is not available with non-CPU lenses.
Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure
Description
86), but is recommended in most other
67) is in effect, the center
75