Exposure

Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure

Metering

In P, S, A, and M modes, the metering mode determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available when a CPU lens is attached (metering is not performed when a non-CPU lens is used).

Method

 

 

Description

 

Metering is performed by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which sets exposure

 

based on variety of information from all areas of frame. This method is

 

particularly effective where frame is dominated by bright (white or yel-

3D color

low) or dark (black or dark green) colors, when its results approach what

is seen by human eyes. 3D color matrix metering, which uses range infor-

matrix/

mation from lens in adjusting exposure, is available only with type G or D

Color

lenses. Color matrix metering, which does not include range information,

matrix

is available with other CPU lenses. Matrix metering will not produce

 

desired results with autoexposure lock (

 

84) or exposure compensation

 

 

 

(

 

86), but is recommended in most other cases.

 

 

 

Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to area in center

Center-

of frame 8 mm (0.31˝) in diameter, shown by corresponding 8-mm refer-

ence circle in viewfinder. Classic meter for portraits; recommended when

weighted

using filters with exposure factor (filter factor) over 1 × (

 

191).

 

 

Camera meters circle 2.3 mm (0.09˝) in diameter (approximately 1% of

 

frame). Circle is centered on current focus area, making it possible to

Spot

meter off-center subjects (if Closest subjct is selected for AF-area mode,

camera will meter center focus area).

Ensures that subject will be cor-

rectly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

To choose a metering mode, press the button and rotate the main command dial. Metering mode is displayed in the control panel:

11—Center Wtd ( 145)

This option controls the size of the area assigned the greatest weight in center- weighted metering.

75

Exposure—Photographs Taking