Glen Tortorella wrote: > Is multi-segment metering always better than center-weighted > metering? My ZX-M has TTL multi (2)-segment metering, while my Super > Program has open aperture, TTL center-weighted metering. From what I > know about the matter, multi-segment is more precise, but I thought I > would inquire about this, as I am not an expert.
Multi-segment metering generally is evaluative: camera makes light readings of several areas and compares a "signature" of the distribution of metered values to some reference signatures, develops an exposure setting based on that comparison. Center-weighted metering is simpler: it is integrating the brightness across the whole screen but biasing the center-most area as being most important, without regards to individual area measurements. There are times and reasons for the use of both metering options. If you want to use exposure automation to it's fullest capabilities in a hands-off manner, multi-segment metering generally does a better job since it is looking for scene signatures and trying to do a best fit, one way or another. However, exactly what it's doing is sometimes not easy to predict. If, on the other hand, you want to meter manually and stay in complete control of the exposure setting, CW Averaging is simple enough that you can generally understand precisely what the meter is doing and make your own judgments as to where to place the exposure. This is why any good modern camera worth using that allows manual settings has both .... Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
