Nikon D100 Product Manual - Page 87

Taking Photographs-Exposure Exposure Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure Metering The metering method determines how the camera sets exposure. Before shooting, rotate the metering 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 Description In ten-segment matrix metering, optimal exposure is determined on 3D tensegment matrix/ Ten-segment matrix the basis of information from ten areas of the frame, each of which is metered independently. 3D ten-segment matrix metering, which is activated automatically whenever a type G or D lens is mounted on the camera, makes use of information on maximum brightness, contrast, and the distance for the subject for still more accurate exposure control. Centerweighted 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 the 12-mm/0.47˝ circle in the center of the viewfinder as a reference 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 Spot frame. When closest subject priority ( 67) is in effect, the center 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 ( 86), but is recommended in most other 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. 75