The exposure meter in digital cameras is a powerful and flexible device. As a rule there are three modes of measurement, but they are not available in “AUTO” mode.

Multipoint or Multisegment – light measurement is taken from many points in a shot, then an according data array common exposure can be calculated with great precision for almost all conditions. The number of points measured varies in different cameras from 64 to 512.

Although it is not perfect for every situation, this metering mode is an excellent choice for photography in most conditions.

Central Weighted – almost the same, but the calculated data from the central zone of view have a higher priority. It is reasonable, because usually that’s where the main subject is.

Being more suited towards casual photographers who want to take everyday snapshots, this metering mode takes more consideration into the amount of light located in the center of the scene so that objects centered in the photograph are properly exposed.

Although you do not need to avoid this metering mode altogether, using the Center-Weighted metering mode may give you more impressive results with many of your photographs.

 “Spot” – a special metering mode. In this case measurement is taken from a very small central point. No other part matters. This mode is not used very often, when you are shooting an object with a very dark or a very glaring background. Mostly it’s indicated by a small ring the in centre of viewfinder.

 As you can see, the Matrix / Multi-segment metering mode is the best choice out of the three to use for most forms of photography. Choosing this mode over the standard Center-weighted metering mode will be sure to give you more impressive results, but when this mode doesn’t quite cut it, then the Spot metering mode is more than likely to offer better quality photographs in high-contrast lighting conditions.