Metering mode

Metering mode

Camera basics

What is metering mode?

Metering mode: In layman’s terms, it is Test the way the camera calculates the light and dark of the subject and adjusts the exposure value.

There are four common metering modes: evaluative metering, partial metering, spot metering, and center-weighted average metering.

Evaluative metering

Evaluative metering: also called average metering/split metering/short array metering/multi-zone metering, etc., it divides the viewfinder into multiple areas , each area is measured independently, and then averaged.

Features: Metering the entire picture. The more areas are divided into finer areas, the more accurate the metering results will be. The overall picture is soft and the contrast between light and dark is small.

Suitable for: group photos, family photos, general scenery photos, etc.

Highly recommended for novices.

Spot metering

Spot metering: Metering a point, usually no metering other than the center point of the entire screen.

Features: According to the needs of the photographer, the meter can be used to meter the object at a certain point in the picture to ensure that the object is exposed normally. It is often used in conjunction with the exposure lock. It requires a certain amount of experience and is not suitable for novices.

Suitable for use: environments with strong contrast between light and dark and large light ratio, such as: backlit portraits, partial close-ups of portraits, close-ups of news photography, stage photography, macro photography, etc.

The metering range is small and not recommended for novices.

Partial metering

Partial metering: Metering a certain part of the picture. Areas outside this part are not metered and can be regarded as larger spot metering.

Features: The metering range is larger than that of spot metering, and it is relatively friendly to novices. It is not as easy to make mistakes as inexperienced spot metering.

Suitable for use: when the subject and the background have a strong contrast between light and dark, and the subject occupies a small proportion of the frame.

For example: silhouettes, stage performances, backlit portraits, etc.

The frequency of use is low, novices can try it.

Center-weighted average metering

Center-weighted average metering: Similar to evaluative metering, it also measures the entire screen, but focuses more on the central area (Area A) of the screen. Metering, the area other than the central area (B) is used as auxiliary metering.

Features: Metering the entire picture, focusing on the central area, with high usage rate, very suitable for mass photographers who like to place the subject in the center of the picture.

Suitable for use: Suitable for central composition, such as: personal travel photos, special landscape photos, news photography, etc.

Traditional metering mode has high practical value.