Nikon D780 DSLR Camera (Body Only) - Manual (Page 212)

166 Shooting Settings
Choosing How the Camera Sets Exposure
Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. Choose
the method used and area metered when the camera sets
exposure.
• In modes other than P , S , A , and M , the camera selects the
metering method according to the scene.
Exposure-Related Settings (Metering
and Exposure Compensation)
Option Description
L
[ Matrix
metering ]
Produces natural results in most situations. The
camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets
exposure according to tone (brightness)
distribution, color, distance, and composition for
results close to those seen by the human eye.
M
[ Center-
weighted
metering
]
The camera meters the entire frame but assigns the
greatest weight to an area in the center (the size of
the area can be selected using Custom Setting b4
[
Center-weighted area ]; if a non-CPU lens or an
AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8–15mm f/3.5–4.5E ED lens is
attached, the area is equivalent to a circle 12 mm in
diameter). This is the classic meter for portraits and
is recommended when using filters with an
exposure factor (filter factor) over 1Ч.