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Exposure, Metering, Reference: p, s, a, and m modes/exposure 45 – Nikon D40 User Manual

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Reference: P, S, A, and M Modes/Exposure

45

Exposure

Metering

The metering method determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options
are available when the mode dial is rotated to P, S, A, or M (matrix metering is used in other
modes):

Controls used

Metering

Metering is available with CPU lenses only. 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
; 97). With other CPU lenses, 3D range information is not included (color matrix metering II).

CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts, type G and D lenses by a letter on the
lens barrel. Type G lenses are not equipped with a lens aperture ring.

CPU lens

Type G lens

Type D lens

5—Metering (

75)

Metering can also be selected from the Custom Settings menu.

Method

Description

Matrix

Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide area of the frame
and instantly

sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, dis-

tance, and composition for natural results.

Center-weighted

Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area. Clas-
sic meter for portraits.

Spot

Camera meters exposure in active focus area only (if Closest subject is
selected for AF-area mode ( 24), camera will meter center focus area).
Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is
much brighter or darker.