Nikon D90 - Manual (Page 107)

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Exposure
Metering
The metering method determines how the camera sets exposure. The following
options are available:
To choose a metering method, press the
Z button and rotate the main command
dial until the desired mode is displayed.
A 3D 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).
Method Description
a
3D color
matrix II
Recommended in most situations; selected automatically in auto and scene
modes. Camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according
to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural
results.
Z
Center-
weighted
Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area
(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;
recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×
(pg. 240).
b Spot
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
off-center subjects (if non-CPU lens is used, or if Auto-area is 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.
Z button
Main command dial