Nikon D300 D300 User's Manual - Page 126

Metering Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available: Method Description a 3D color matrix II Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural results. Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to area in center of Z frame (defaults to 8-mm circle in center Center- of viewfinder; if CPU lens is attached, weighted area can be selected using Custom Setting b5, [Center-weighted area], Z pg. 277). Classic meter for portraits. 1 Center weight area 2 Camera meters circle 3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter (approximately 2% of frame). Circle is centered on current focus point, making it possible to meter off- b center subjects (if non-CPU lens is used Spot or if Auto-area AF is in effect (pg. 64), camera will meter center focus point). Ensures that subject will be correctly Spot metering area 2 exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker. 1 1 For improved precision with non-CPU lenses, specify lens focal length and maximum aperture in [Non-CPU lens data] menu (pg. 197). 2 Metered area is not actually displayed in viewfinder. 100