What are the specific operation steps of spot metering of Nikon SLR camera?

Photography is the art of using light, so it is very important to do a good job in photometry. Correct metering will directly affect the quality of photos. In order to take photos with accurate exposure, photometry is essential. Let's briefly talk about some problems of photometry.

Measurement mode:

Generally speaking, the metering modes of cameras are divided into the following three types: spot metering, central focusing metering and evaluation metering (Nikon called matrix metering). Canon also added some metering, but generally speaking, spot metering, central focusing metering and evaluation metering are three main types.

Spot photometry

Spot metering is a common metering mode, which can measure the key position of the picture according to your own preferences, and is more suitable for the environment with strong contrast between light and shade (such as backlight). When shooting portraits, you can use spot metering to measure the face, and in the case of relatively large light, you can measure the position that needs correct exposure.

(Backlight shooting sample)

Next, let's talk about central button metering. This metering mode is a more traditional metering mode, which we can understand literally-focusing on central metering and taking into account the surrounding areas. This metering mode is generally suitable for traveling and taking photos. , so I don't explain much.

Evaluation photometry (matrix photometry)

Evaluation photometry is to measure the whole picture and evaluate the reflection of the whole picture. It is also a relatively simple knowledge point. Having said that, how to measure light? With the development of science and technology, it is easier to measure light with a digital camera now, unlike the film era, which requires a special exposure meter to measure light.

(exposure meter)

On our SLR camera, one is that there will be an electronic light measuring ruler in the viewfinder, a light measuring ruler in the main screen and a light measuring ruler in the shoulder screen. This metering scale is a reference for us to measure whether the metering is accurate (overexposed or underexposed). Before shooting, we choose the metering mode and then press the shutter half-way, then the camera will automatically measure the light, and the result will be directly reflected on the metering scale, and then adjust the shutter aperture to achieve the desired exposure. So we can do two things by half pressing the shutter, metering and focusing.

Photometric focusing linkage and non-linkage

What is photometric focusing linkage (point measurement linkage)? As the name implies, metering and focusing are done in one go. The position of metering will change according to the focus (at this time, the focus and spot metering are the same point). You just need to choose the appropriate focal length and press the shutter half-way, at this time, focusing and photometry are completed at the same time. Is it convenient to call wherever you point? Of course, some cameras don't have this function, which can be used as a reference.

Photometric focus is not linked.

In this case, you need to use the middle spot metering, then press AE exposure lock, and then select something else to focus on. Many times the subject is not in the center of the picture. If there is no metering and focusing linkage, we will choose the way of metering and focusing linkage!

Point measurement linkage and photometric focusing linkage are not used much in practice. The purpose of these metering modes is to make us take photos with accurate exposure by measuring the subject more accurately. In the process of shooting, we will choose different metering modes according to different environments, which will help us to improve the accuracy of photo exposure.

Finally, talk about exposure locking.

Literally, it can be understood that after metering, we temporarily keep our metering results through the function of exposure locking. Exposure locking is often used in environments with large contrast between light and dark. It is also mentioned that exposure locking will be used when metering and focusing are not linked.