Exposure; Metering - Nikon D5100 Reference Manual

Exposure

Metering

Choose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the
camera selects the metering method automatically).
Method
Produces natural results in most situations. Camera uses 420-pixel RGB sensor
to meter a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone
Matrix
L
distribution, color, composition, and, with type G or D lenses (0 198), distance
metering
information (3D color matrix metering II; with other CPU lenses, the camera uses
color matrix metering II, which does not include 3D distance information).
Center- Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area. Classic
M meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an exposure factor
weighted
metering (filter factor) over 1×.
Camera meters current focus point; use to meter off-center subjects (if e Auto- Camera meters current focus point; use to meter off-center subjects (if Camera meters current focus point; use to meter off-center subjects (if
Spot area AF is selected for AF-area mode during viewfinder photography as
t
N
described on page 42, camera will meter center focus point). Ensures that subject described on page 42, camera will meter center focus point). described on page 42, camera will meter center focus point).
metering
will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker. will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker. will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.
1
Place the cursor in the information display. Place the cursor in the information display. Place the cursor in the information display. Place the cursor in the information display. Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button.
Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
2
Display metering options. Display metering options. Display metering options. Display metering options. Display metering options.
Highlight the current metering method in the
information display and press J.
3
Choose a metering method.
Highlight an option and press J. To return to
shooting mode, press the shutter-release button
halfway.
68
button again to place the cursor in the information display. button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display Information display Information display
Description
ring viewfinder photography as ring viewfinder photography as
splayed in the monitor, press the splayed in the monitor, press the
P button