V1.02
Thom Hogan’s Complete Guide to the Nikon D300
Page 257
The Viewfinder display shows the metering method icon for
your current selection as a reminder:
So Which Metering System Should You Use?
Short answer: matrix for most situations; center-weighted for
backlit subjects in very bright light (snow, sand, etc.).
Given that matrix metering is accurate most of the time and
that the other methods require some knowledge of exposure
and how to set it accurately, ask yourself whether or not you
have enough knowledge to do a better, more consistent job
than the matrix metering system is producing. I see three
instances where this is likely:
•
Very high contrast and bright scenes.
The matrix metering
pattern sometimes has problems with very bright scenes
with a great deal of contrast in them. Part of this is that the
matrix meter itself has a brightness limit of 17.3EV. The
other part is that the matrix does try to keep from blowing
out highlight detail.
•
You’re using Single Point autofocus.
As noted earlier, the
matrix system tends to overemphasize the value it sees
under the current autofocus sensor if you’re in Single
Point autofocus. Thus, if you focus on something darker or
brighter than a middle tone, the exposure may be off.
