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Metering Modestechnical

How the camera measures light to pick an exposure.

Evaluative/Matrix reads the whole frame and is the safe default. Center-weighted favors the middle. Spot meters a tiny area — useful for backlit subjects or the moon, where the surroundings would mislead the average.

Use this when

  • General use: Evaluative / Matrix
  • Backlit subject, the moon: Spot

Common mistake: Using spot metering by accident and getting wildly inconsistent exposures.