Nikon 25414 D2Xs User's Manual - Page 100

Taking Photographs-Exposure Exposure Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure Metering The metering method determines how the camera sets exposure: Method Description 1,005-pixel RGB sensor sets exposure based on variety of information from all areas of frame. With type G or D lens, camera uses 3D color matrix metering II for natural results even when frame is dominated by 3D color bright (white or yellow) or dark (black or dark green) colors. With other matrix II/ CPU lenses, 3D range information is not included; instead, camera uses Color color matrix metering II. Color matrix metering is available when focal matrix II/ length and maximum aperture of non-CPU lens are specified using NonColor CPU lens data item in shooting menu ( 131; center-weighted metering matrix is used if focal length or aperture is not specified). Matrix metering will not produce desired results with autoexposure lock ( 97) or exposure compensation ( 99), but is recommended in most other situations. Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to area in center of frame (defaults to area shown by 8-mm reference circle in viewfinder). Center- Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an exweighted posure factor (filter factor) over 1 × ( 249).* Camera meters circle 3 mm (0.12˝) in diameter (approximately 2% of frame). Circle is centered on current focus area (in group dynamic AF, on center focus area of current group; 78), making it possible to meter off-center subjects (if non-CPU lens is used or if dynamic-area AF with Spot closest subject priority is in effect, camera will meter center focus area). Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.* * For improved precision with non-CPU lenses, specify lens focal length and maximum aperture in Non-CPU lens data menu ( 131). Before shooting, press the metering selector lock button and rotate the metering selector to choose a method suited to the composition and lighting conditions, and confirm your selection in the viewfinder. b6-Center Weight ( 194) This option controls the size of the area assigned the greatest weight in centerweighted metering. 86