Nikon D800 - Manual (Page 139)

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Exposure
Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The
following options are available:
Metering
Option Description
L
Matrix : Produces natural results in most situations. Camera meters
a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone
distribution, color, composition, and, with type G or D lenses
(
0 373), distance information (3D color matrix metering III; with
other CPU lenses, camera uses color matrix metering III, which
does not include 3D distance information). With non-CPU lenses,
camera uses color matrix metering if focal length and maximum
aperture are specified using Non-CPU lens data option in setup
menu (
0 213); otherwise camera uses center-weighted metering.
M
Center-weighted : Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest
weight to center area (if CPU lens is attached, size of area can be
selected using Custom Setting b5, Center-weighted area,
0 289;
if non-CPU lens is attached, area is 12 mm in diameter). Classic
meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an
exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×.
*
N
Spot : Camera meters circle 4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
(approximately 1.5% of frame). Circle is centered on current focus
point, making it possible to meter off-center subjects (if non-CPU
lens is used or if auto-area AF is in effect, camera will meter center
focus point). Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even
when background is much brighter or darker.
*
* For improved precision with non-CPU lenses, specify lens focal length and
maximum aperture in Non-CPU lens data menu ( 0 213).