What Is a Camera Metering Mode? Evaluative, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering

What Is a Camera Metering Mode?

Your camera constantly evaluates the light in a scene to help determine exposure. Metering modes change how the camera gives importance to different areas of the frame.

Evaluative or Matrix Metering

This mode evaluates multiple areas of the frame and uses the overall scene to calculate an exposure. It is designed as a general-purpose option and is commonly useful for everyday photography.

Center-Weighted Metering

Center-weighted metering gives greater importance to the central area of the frame while still considering surrounding areas. It can be useful when the main subject is near the centre and the background has significantly different brightness.

Spot Metering

Spot metering measures a small selected area of the frame. It can be useful when the brightness of the subject is very different from the background, but it requires more deliberate control.

Why Metering Mode Can Change Your Exposure

Two photographs of the same scene can receive different exposure recommendations depending on which part of the frame the camera prioritises. Understanding metering can help you diagnose inconsistent exposure.

Final Thought

Metering modes are not about one mode being universally correct. They are tools for telling the camera which part of the scene should have greater influence over exposure.