Digital Camera Metering Modes

Most beginners to photography tend to shoot in automatic exposure mode, which is OK and you get a pretty good picture. Auto mode is a standard feature on all cameras.

Auto Mode measures the light in the frame and determines the best possible exposure for the picture.

Did you know that many digital cameras have more than one metering mode? they are:

• Matrix Segment Metering
• Center Weighted Metering
• Spot Metering

If you own a point and shoot digital camera, you may or may not have these features (check your manual if you're not sure).

If you own a DSLR camera you will have these features.

Learning to use these modes, gives you more control how the camera will capture the picture you are taking.

Matrix Segment Metering.

In this metering mode the camera takes into consideration everything in the frame. It will evaluate the lighting to each zone and then average out the total light readings to determine the best exposure for the picture.

Using Matrix Metering.

• Matrix Segment Metering Mode would be good for even lighting conditions.

Center Weighted Metering.

This metering mode averages the entire frame focusing on the center of the image for the best exposure.

Using Center Weighted Metering.

• Center Weighted Metering Mode would be good for general photography and portraits.

Spot Metering.

Spot metering mode is just what it sounds like. Your digital camera will take the metering from the very center of the frame, not paying attention to what is in the rest of the scene.

Using Spot Metering.

• Spot Metering Mode gives you more precise control to a specific area of the picture. It can be useful if your photographing something close-up and with macro photography.

We've only covered the basics of these metering modes; experimenting with them and stepping outside your comfort zone of - Auto setting - will help to improve your photography skills.

We spoke about zones above; most digital cameras have a series of zones around the frame. Read your manual for more information about your particular camera.