Metering modes: multi, center-weighted and spot
Metering decides how your camera measures light. Learn what each mode does and when to switch, especially for backlit portraits and high-contrast scenes.
Your camera measures the light in the scene to suggest an exposure. Metering mode decides which part of the frame it pays attention to. Most of the time the default works, but knowing the alternatives saves tricky shots.
Multi or evaluative metering
The camera divides the frame into zones and balances them. It is the best default for landscapes, travel and everyday scenes. Many Sony cameras also give extra weight to detected faces.
Center-weighted metering
Measures the whole frame but emphasizes the center. It behaves predictably, which some photographers prefer for portraits and video.
Spot metering
Measures a tiny area, usually where your focus point is. Use it when your subject is much brighter or darker than the background: a person in front of a bright window, a performer under a spotlight, or the moon.
Highlight-weighted metering
Sony’s highlight mode protects the brightest areas from clipping. It is useful on stage, at sunset and for white dresses in bright sun.
The real fix: check and compensate
Whatever mode you choose, it is still guessing. Look at the histogram and use exposure compensation. Backlit portraits often need +1 to +2 stops so the face is not a silhouette.
Next: Autofocus modes: single, continuous and when to use each
