2. D7500 Online Manual
  3. Exposure
  4. Metering

Metering

(P, S, A, and M Modes Only)

Choose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the camera selects the metering method automatically).

a
Matrix: Produces natural results in most situations. Camera meters wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G, E, or D lenses (0 Recognizing CPU and Type G, E, and D Lenses), distance information (3D color matrix metering III; with other CPU lenses, camera uses color matrix metering III, which does not include 3D distance information).
Z
Center-weighted: Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area (size of area for viewfinder photography can be selected using Custom Setting b5, Center-weighted area, 0 Center-Weighted Area). Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×.
b
Spot: Camera meters circle centered on current focus point, making it possible to meter off-center subjects (if auto-area AF is in effect, camera will meter center focus point). Diameter of circle for viewfinder photography is 3.5 mm (0.14 in.), or approximately 2.5% of frame. Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.
4
Highlight-weighted: Camera assigns greatest weight to highlights. Use to reduce loss of detail in highlights, for example when photographing spotlit performers on-stage.

To choose a metering option, press the W (Z) button and rotate the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed.

W (Z) button

Main command dial

Control panel

Live View

In live view, the selected option is displayed in the monitor.

Highlight-Weighted Metering

Center-weighted metering may be used if highlight-weighted metering is selected with certain CPU lenses (AI-P NIKKOR lenses and AF lenses that are not of type G, E, or D; 0 Recognizing CPU and Type G, E, and D Lenses).

See Also

For information on:

  • Choosing whether matrix metering uses face detection, see A > Custom Setting b4 (Matrix metering, 0 Matrix Metering).
  • Making separate adjustments to optimal exposure for each metering method, see A > Custom Setting b6 (Fine-tune optimal exposure, 0 Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure).