What are the 4 metering modes? Most of today’s modern cameras have at least three different metering modes to choose from; matrix (evaluative), center-weighted, and spot. Some cameras are also equipped with a fourth metering
What are the 4 metering modes?
Most of today’s modern cameras have at least three different metering modes to choose from; matrix (evaluative), center-weighted, and spot. Some cameras are also equipped with a fourth metering type called highlight-weighted metering mode. Both of my Nikon bodies have this newer mode and so I’ve included it here.

How do I use metering mode on my Canon?
How to Change Metering Mode?
- Set the power switch to < ON>.
- When the camera is ready to shoot, press < > (Metering Mode / White Balance Selection) button.
- With your eyes on the viewfinder or LCD monitor, turn < Main Dial> to change metering mode.
What type of metering is used in photography?
The most common metering modes in digital cameras today are:

- Matrix Metering (Nikon), also known as Evaluative Metering (Canon)
- Center-weighted Metering.
- Spot Metering.
What is the best metering mode for sports photography?
matrix metering
In sports photography, the best metering mode for general team sports is matrix metering. If there’s a subject or group of subjects in the center of the frame, center-weighted is highly recommended.
Is Spot metering good for portraits?
Is spot metering best for portraits? In portraiture your subject is the most important part of the image, so must be correctly exposed, especially their face. So, because such a small part of the scene is the most important part to be correctly exposed, spot metering is ideally suited to portrait photography.
How is spot metering used in portrait photography?
Spot metering is best used to correctly expose a subject or object in a scene. By placing the exposure important on that person or item, you make them the most important area in the frame. Portrait photography is a great area for this to work. Headshots, actors in a theatre setting, family photography or even street photography portraits.
How does metering work on a digital camera?
Metering modes are a function of your digital camera. When you focus on a scene or subject, the shutter release button has two functions. One is to place a focal point and the other is to ‘meter’ the scene. Metering the scene will only work if you are using any other camera function than manual mode.
What does TTL metering mean on a camera?
TTL metering is the industry’s way of telling you that your camera’s light meter is reading the brightness of a scene through the lens of the camera—not through a separately mounted meter. Some cameras do have a non-TTL metering system.
Where is the spot meter on a camera?
By default, the spot meter is at the centre of the viewfinder. But you can change the location of the focus point to your desired metered light. Remember that if you use spot metering, your camera will not measure the light in the rest of the frame. It only concentrates on the small area you choose.
Which metering mode should I use?
In general, evaluative metering is the best mode to leave your camera in. While the shot above is slightly overexposed, it’s about as good as the spot metered one, just in the opposite direction; it’s a hell of a lot better than the center-weighted average image.
Which metering mode is best for astrophotography?
multi
Best metering mode for astrophotography For shooting pictures of the Milky Way and the stars, multi is the best metering mode.
Which metering mode is the default on most cameras?
Evaluative metering
Evaluative metering is the default metering mode on most cameras. It ensures that the camera will automatically adjust to the right exposure setting even when the ambient lighting shows greater contrast.
How do metering modes work?
Metering is used to measure the brightness of the subject. The camera optimizes exposure by adjusting shutter speed, aperture (f-number), and ISO sensitivity according to the brightness of the subject, which is measured using the camera’s built-in metering sensor.
Does metering matter in manual mode?
So yes, metering is necessary in manual mode. There are ways to get around that, like the ‘sunny 16’ rule, but a light meter is a bit more precise than that. When you say portrait, are you talking about studio portrait with strobes, or candid portraits.
What is metering modes used for?
A metering sensor. The camera does not simply measure the overall brightness of the frame, but measures brightness separately in multiple areas of the frame. The metering mode determines which areas of the frame are used by the camera to measure subject brightness and how the camera sets exposure.
Does metering mode matter in manual?
So yes, metering is necessary in manual mode. There are ways to get around that, like the ‘sunny 16’ rule, but a light meter is a bit more precise than that. When you say portrait, are you talking about studio portrait with strobes, or candid portraits. That makes a difference.
What F stop is best for astrophotography?
Aperture: It’s generally a best practice to choose the widest aperture that is available for your lens. You want as much light as possible to hit your sensor. A range from f/1.4 – f/2.8 is ideal.
Is Spot metering best for portraits?
What is the purpose of metering modes?
The metering mode determines which areas of the frame are used by the camera to measure subject brightness and how the camera sets exposure.
Is High ISO good for low light?
Choosing a higher ISO setting is best when the light is low or you are not able to make a long exposure. Higher ISO setting means your camera’s sensor is more responsive to light, so it needs less light to reach the sensor to create a well-exposed photograph.