Exposure; Metering - Nikon D3000 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).
1
Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the R button.
Press the P button to place the cursor in the information display.
R button
2
Display metering options.
t
Highlight the current metering method in the
information display and press J.
3
Choose a metering method.
Highlight one of the following options and press
J.
Method
L Matrix
Center-
M
weighted
N Spot
74
Information display
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 distribution, color, composition, and, with type G or D lenses
(0 158), range information (3D color matrix metering II; with other CPU
lenses, camera uses color matrix metering II, which does not include 3D
range information).
Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area.
Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an
exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×.
Camera meters current focus point; use to meter off-center subjects (if
e Auto-area is selected for AF-area mode as described on page 44,
camera will meter center focus point). Ensures that subject will be
correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.
P button
Description