Which metering method do you use? Why?
Aug 17, 2018 12:29:08 #
On my Nikon, I routinely adjust aperture, speed and ISO but I have my metering set to Center-weighted, ignoring Matrix and Spot modes. I shoot mostly outdoors often on a single subject so this seems the most appropriate...or is it? Do the metering methods deserve a lot of attention at the "enthusiast" level? How do you Hoggers set up your cameras' metering and why? Yes, I did a search but only found one similar post relating to Canon, which seems to have different names and four meter modes so it didn't help me.
Aug 17, 2018 12:33:15 #
Eric2018
Loc: Los Angeles, CA, USA
I almost always use spot metering. But which is best or most appropriate? Whichever method gets you the image you are trying to create.
-- Eric
-- Eric
Aug 17, 2018 12:35:54 #
I use spot, focus on the important point of the image, lock the setting, recompose and shoot.
Aug 17, 2018 12:37:27 #
I don't use my camera's meter at all; I use a Sekonic spot meter. This gives me the greatest precision in determining my exposure.
Aug 17, 2018 12:41:30 #
aphelps
Loc: Central Ohio
fourlocks wrote:
On my Nikon, I routinely adjust aperture, speed an... (show quote)
I mostly use center weighted with 0 to +0.3 ev compensation. Sometimes I use spot but only for high contrast, stationary subjects. I never use matrix because it seems to over- read light backgrounds resulting in under exposed subjects.
Aug 17, 2018 12:42:04 #
sandiegosteve
Loc: San Diego, CA
Typically either matrix or spot. Matrix works most of the time. For back lit people, spot on their faces work well. If I know highlights will be blown or shadows too dark, spot works.
Aug 17, 2018 12:46:26 #
For the digital I use matrix and no compensation. It works OK most of the time. When it doesn't work I don't use the meter I set the exposure by judging the scene.
For film with slides I use matrix and spot. With color negative I use center weighted and spot.
For film with slides I use matrix and spot. With color negative I use center weighted and spot.
Aug 17, 2018 12:50:16 #
fourlocks wrote:
On my Nikon, I routinely adjust aperture, speed an... (show quote)
It all depends on the lighting and the subject of the shoot. Heavy back light usually requires spot metering while outdoors can get away with full frame metering. Sports outdoors I chose center weighted since most of the shots will always have someone in the center of the shot.
Aug 17, 2018 12:58:41 #
fourlocks wrote:
On my Nikon, I routinely adjust aperture, speed an... (show quote)
It depends on what I'm shooting, I switch frequently. Lot of times I'm in evaluative, but switch to spot a lot, then there are times I use a meter!
Aug 17, 2018 13:17:05 #
On relatively low contrast scenes outdoors, I use the matrix setting most frequently, or occasionally center weighted. But a majority of the time I will have the spot meter set as the default - and will meter more than one area of interest. I'll then dial down or dial up the exposure to place my subject matter on the approximate zone where I want it. It's easier than it sounds and has taken more time to write it than to do it. I usually try to expose for the highlights since the switch to digital, or ETTR.
Andy
Andy
Aug 17, 2018 15:40:18 #
I shoot landscapes almost exclusively, and always use Matrix metering. Works for me.
Aug 17, 2018 15:48:42 #
PeterBergh wrote:
I don't use my camera's meter at all; I use a Sekonic spot meter. This gives me the greatest precision in determining my exposure.
When I do wildlife, they won't usually pause for me.
Matt Granger had some interesting thoughts on metering.
Aug 17, 2018 17:07:00 #
DaveO wrote:
When I do wildlife, they won't usually pause for me. ...
I should have explained that I shoot almost exclusively landscapes. Landscapes normally don't move -- and if they do, exposure is the least of your concerns.
Aug 17, 2018 17:11:41 #
PeterBergh wrote:
I should have explained that I shoot almost exclusively landscapes. Landscapes normally don't move -- and if they do, exposure is the least of your concerns.
LOL!
Aug 17, 2018 17:20:51 #
fourlocks wrote:
On my Nikon, I routinely adjust aperture, speed an... (show quote)
Four, that depends on the shot. Landscape can be shot with a fairly wide metering and I sometimes bracket to see later which lends better to a final PP.
many of my shots are individual subjects whether it be sports or models or street.
In a studio of course the lighting is controlled.
But if Iâm shooting ambient in the street or sports, my subject is whatâs important so I Spot Meter. My camer has the ability to tie the spit meter to any individual focus point and itâs invakuabke to getting proper exposure on faces, either in bright or low light.
If youâre shooting an individual, whatâs it matter WHAT any other exposure is?
The following was spot metered and focused on the face in ambient night light.
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