Nikon D-40 - D40 6.1MP The Smallest Digital SLR Camera, Owner'S 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.