TIPS
When to use MatrixThe easiest thing to do is to trust the Matrix meter for everything; it will be correct more often than most people's ability to override a conventional meter.
To understand how matrix metering works requires a knowledge of the zone system (See books in reference section) as well as the EV and LV (page 75) systems. Once you understand those, then read the documentation on the meters. Nikon has not publicized this much today, which is unfortunate because without this information it is much harder to learn how and why the Matrix meter does what it does.
For technically fluent photographers the Matrix meter is very predictable and easy to compensate when necessary, but it is far more complex than averaging meters. This complexity is what makes the Matrix meter so good, but also what makes it so difficult to learn and why some photographers still don't trust it.
When and how to use flashUse Matrix fill flash all the time unless you specifically don't want the subject highlighted or frozen in lower light. The Nikon Matrix' ability to balance flash and natural light is unbeaten. Use the SLOW REAR sync mode indoors to allow the background to look natural.
Use the Matrix setting, which on older flashes
Make sure you have plenty of flash power and range in very contrasty places (like shooting into the sun), otherwise turn off the flash. Here's why:
In contrasty light the Matrix meter will reduce the exposure of the ambient light by as much as 2/3 stop to bring very bright highlights down to within the range of the film, expecting that the flash will fill the even darker shadows. This usually gives great results since you usually have enough flash power to fill the shadows.
If you are outdoors and contrasty subjects are out of flash range, turning on your flash can actually result in as much as 2/3 stop underexposure for the whole scene since the ambient exposure is reduced and the flash won't be able to fill in the shadows! Don't worry, you'll see the insufficient flash power indicator flashing if this happens. Just don't presume that only the fill will be too dark because you also may have the ambient light underexposed, too, outdoors. I wasted a few rolls one time shooting up into backlit trees and ignoring my insufficient flash power indicator (the rapidly blinking ready light) thinking that only the fill would be a little darker. All the shots were too dark; I should have just turned off the flash.
You can confirm this effect simply by pointing your camera at a very contrasty scene. Turn the flash on and off while observing the exposure indicated by the meter. You will see the exposure reduce when the flash is turned on in very contrasty light.
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