Camera Metering Modes
Metering Modes
In this guide, we look at the four most common metering modes and when best to use them.
What is a Metering Mode?
A metering mode is a feature that allows a camera to determine the optimal exposure settings for a given scene. By analyzing the amount of light in the frame, the camera can calculate the appropriate combination of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to produce a well-exposed image. There are several metering modes available in most cameras, including evaluative/matrix metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering. Each mode has its strengths and is best suited for different shooting scenarios, giving photographers flexibility and control over their exposure settings. They also have slightly different names depending on the brand of the camera. These modes can usually be found in the quick menus on cameras due to often needing immediate access to them.
The camera metering is based on the assumption that the brightness of the scene should be 18% reflectivity of a particular level of grey. If it calculates the scene to be above 18% value, it will show the image as being overexposed and if it calculates it to be less than 18% grey it will show as underexposed.
When shooting in modes like automatic, shutter priority, or aperture priority, the metering mode you use will determine what exposure settings are used. When shooting in manual mode, the metering mode will determine the light meter reading, which tells you whether the camera thinks the image is under or overexposed.
Metering Modes
Evaluative/Matrix/Multi-Pattern
This metering mode divides the scene into multiple zones and evaluates each zone independently to determine the optimal exposure settings. By considering various factors such as brightness, contrast, subject distance, and colour, the camera's system calculates the appropriate exposure settings to produce a well-balanced exposure across the entire scene.
Uses: Great for most situations however, limits creative control.
Spot
Spot metering is a metering mode found in many cameras that allows the camera to measure the light in a very small area of the frame, typically around 1-5% of the total frame area. The focal point is the area for metering.
Uses: For specific parts of a scene, such as a subject's face in a portrait or a specific object in a high-contrast scene such as capturing the moon.
Center-Weighted
The exposure reading is calculated based on the light in the center of the frame. This means that the majority of the exposure settings are determined by the light in the central area of the image, with less emphasis on the corners or edges.
Uses: Situations where the subject is in the middle of the frame and you want to ensure proper exposure for the main subject without being affected by the brightness or darkness of the background.
Partial
Partial metering, found on Canon cameras, is very similar to spot metering except it measures a slightly larger area (e.g. 6.5% of the scene around the focus point versus 1-5%).
Uses: Useful for wildlife and nature photography, where the subject will occupy much of the frame and when the background is a lot brighter or darker than the subject.
The holy grail tip
If you’ve read our other guides you've come to realise we are very down to earth and although recognise the convenience and opportunities of modern technology, also appreciate a reflective and somewhat simple approach.
Ok, so here is the crème de la crème of light metering:
Look at the light. Analyse it, experiment and play with it.
Examine the highlights, shadows, refractions and colour changes and you’ll be amazed at what opportunities open up. Technology is great but when combined with an understanding of light, your images will be phenomenal.
