Nikon D90 user manual Exposure, Metering, To choose a metering method, press, Method Description

Exposure

Metering

The metering method determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available:

Method	Description
	Recommended in most situations; selected automatically in auto and scene
3D color	modes. Camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according
a matrix II	to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural
	results.
	Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area
Z Center-	(defaults to 8-mm circle in center of frame; can be selected using Custom
	Setting b3, Center-weighted area, pg. 178). Classic meter for portraits;
weighted	recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×
	(pg. 240).
	Camera meters circle 3.5mm (0.14in.) in diameter (approximately 2.5% of
	frame). Circle is centered on current focus point, making it possible to meter
b Spot	off-center subjects (if non-CPU lens is used, or if Auto-areais selected for AF-
	area mode as described on page 173, camera will meter center focus point).
	Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much
	brighter or darker.

To choose a metering method, press the	Zbutton
Z button and rotate the main command
dial until the desired mode is displayed.

Main command dial

A3D Color Matrix II Metering

In matrix metering, exposure is set using a 420-segment RGB sensor. Use a type G or D lens for results that include range information (3D color matrix metering II; pg. 228). With other CPU lenses, 3D range information is not included (color matrix metering II).

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