Here’s a useful way to think about the metering modes to help you better understand when to use them. Think of the metering modes like the shooting modes in your camera. Your camera has a full auto mode, semi auto or semi manual mode (aperture priority and shutter priority) and a full manual mode.
Likewise, you can categorize the metering modes in the same fashion:
- Full auto = evaluative or matrix metering
- Semi auto = center-weighted average metering
- Full manual = spot metering
Full auto mode
Evaluative or partial metering: In this metering mode, the camera takes a reading from multiple sections of the entire scene, placing emphasis on the autofocus point.
Evaluative or matrix metering allows the camera to “do all the work.” You simply point and shoot. The camera determines the proper exposure by analyzing the light from the “entire scene” so you can’t really control the exposure.
In evaluative metering there is slight emphasis placed on the autofocus point of the scene, so you have a little bit of control there. However, besides the selection of the autofocus point, you really have no control over how the camera sets the exposure and therefore you must rely solely on the camera’s algorithm.
Use evaluative or matrix metering mode when you want speed and convenience over precision.
Semi auto or semi manual mode
Center-Weighted Average Metering: Your camera takes a light reading from the center area of the scene (6o to 80%) feathering to the edges and leaving the corners untouched.
Center-weighted average metering is the middle point between full auto and full manual. Think of it like the camera does “half the work” and you do the “other half.”
This mode gives you better control over what areas of a scene you want to expose, thus increasing your likelihood that you get the exposure you want, but to get the best use out of center-weighted average metering - you have to know where to take the meter reading from.
Use center-weighted metering modes when you want speed and convenience with some precision.
Full manual mode
Spot Metering: In this metering mode, the light reading is taken from a small spot of roughly 3% of the scene.
Spot metering gives you full control over what area of your picture you want to take a light reading from and thus requires that you know which spot to select. Spot metering forces you to understand how your camera works and makes you “think” about your photograph.
Just as you should learn how to use full manual shooting mode on your camera, I advise you to learn how to use the spot metering mode as much as possible. In the long run, you will be a better photographer for it.
Use spot metering mode when you want full precision and control.
