How to use metering mode

Lead: Although the function of the camera is becoming more and more powerful, the metering of the camera may not be completely accurate. At this time, it is very important to master some basic photometry knowledge. Let's see how to use metering mode.

First of all, we need to be clear.

The subject of distinguishing black from white is the photographer.

In fact, the camera can't recognize the color of the subject like our eyes. The camera adjusts the exposure by measuring the brightness of the reflected light of the subject, and finally shows a moderate gray tone on the photo.

So suppose that when we shoot a black cat, we should reduce the exposure of the file 1-2, otherwise the original black color will turn gray. Similarly, when shooting a white scene, you need to increase the exposure of 1-2 files.

in short

When the theme is black and white, should we follow it? White plus black minus? Exposure principle.

So, how to use various metering modes?

Matrix photometry

Matrix photometry is to divide the shooting area into multiple areas, calculate the exposure value of each area respectively, and then get the appropriate exposure value through camera processing. This metering method is highly automated.

Applicability: We can choose matrix photometry to shoot in a large area with smooth light, side light and uniform luminosity, such as multi-group shooting and small contrast landscape shooting.

Note: Although this metering mode is very intelligent, it can simulate the human brain to judge whether the light is uniform or uneven when shooting, but this judgment will also be wrong.

Matrix photometry will misunderstand your intentions in the backlight environment, such as correctly exposing the face of a backlit portrait, and the final photo will not show the silhouette effect you want.

Central key photometry

Central focus photometry is a traditional photometry method. Its photometric algorithm is very direct, mainly based on the photometric data of about 2/3 of the picture center, without considering the photometric data outside the picture center.

Application: central key metering mode is adopted, which is suitable for documentary photography, such as street scenes and still life in the corner under the sun. Central focus photometry is an effective photometry method for senior photographers. This metering method is easier to control the effect than using matrix metering.

Note: If the subject to be photographed is not in the center of the picture or photographed under backlight conditions, the central focus metering is not applicable.

Spot photometry

Spot metering is only accurate in a small area, and the brightness of the scenery outside the area will not affect the metering, so the metering accuracy is very high. But spot metering can also be used to roughly understand the dynamic range of the scene. First of all, every scene has a difference between light and shade. Spot metering can help us evaluate the light-dark gap of the whole scene and predict the final exposure.

Applicability: Under the condition of strong contrast and complex light, spot metering mode can help you eliminate the adverse effects of dark background on metering system and make targeted and accurate exposure; It is also suitable for parties and other scenes.

Note: the area covered by the metering point is very small, so the metering result is very accurate, which is convenient for photographers to accurately expose. However, it may still cause problems.

The camera's metering system will expose the area where the metering point is located according to the middle tone. If this actual area is very dark, and the spot metering system determines it as a middle tone, then the subject will be too bright or even overexposed. On the contrary, if the actual area where the metering point is located is bright, then the shooting result using spot metering will be underexposed. Therefore, according to the actual situation, we need to properly use exposure compensation to make adjustments.

When you use different framing methods, the metering method of the camera will also change.

Viewfinder framing

The light is refracted by the camera lens and reflector and reaches the built-in photometric sensor. This photometric sensor will convert the optical signal into an electrical signal, and then transmit it to the camera's processor for operation to get the appropriate aperture value and shutter value.

Real time view

Due to the different optical path design, the exposure result is measured and calculated by the photosensitive element. Therefore, different framing methods will get different photometric results, and sometimes the difference between them is as high as 0.3.

Do you have any feelings after reading the above basic knowledge of photometry?