Choose A Metering Mode

Rick Sammon

Published May 8, 2007
Updated June 30, 2016

Digital SLRs and some compact digital cameras offer different types of metering modes: multi-segment, center-weighted average metering, spot metering, partial metering and auto-exposure lock. For example, I used the exposure lock mode for this sunset photograph that I took in Rajasthan, India. I pointed my camera at the area surrounding the sun and depressed the shutter release half way. That locked the exposure setting—the ƒ/stop and shutter speed. I recomposed the shot with the camel and rider in the frame, then I snapped the shot.

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