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Exposure, Metering – Nikon D80 User Manual

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

Exposure

Metering

Controls used:

button + main command dial

The metering method determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options
are available:

Method

Description

3D Color Matrix II

Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide area of the frame
and sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, distance,
and composition for natural results.

Center-weighted

Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area.
Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using fi lters with an expo-
sure factor (fi lter factor) over 1 × (

122).

Spot

Camera meters circle 3.5 mm (0.14 in.) in diameter (approximately 2.5 % of
frame). Circle is centered on current focus area, making it possible to meter
off -center subjects (if non-CPU lens is used or if Auto-area AF is selected
for Custom Setting 2 (

87), camera will meter center focus area). Ensures

that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much
brighter or darker.

To choose a metering method, press the

button and rotate the main command dial until

the desired mode is displayed.

12—Center Weight (

90)

This option controls the size of the area assigned the greatest weight in center-weighted metering.
The default is 8mm (0.31in.).

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;

117). With other CPU lenses, 3D range

information is not included (color matrix metering II).

Exposure