Evaluative metering

[djKianoosh]

Is "evaluative" metering the same as what Nikon calls "matrix"? just wanted to make sure the terminology is clear. where does the term "evaluative" come from? canon-speak?

[Ben H]

I think so, yes. See here for more detailed info:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/matrix.htm

"Evaluative" because the camera uses a bunch of different algorithms to evaluate how the scene should be exposed.

[Yisehaq]

thanks guys that is very helpful. I have one question though when I see on many forum I read that "Evaluative metering gets the correct exposure 90% of the time." True or Flase?

[Ben H]

Well it depends on what you are shooting, of course!

But evaluative metering is a good general mode and is recommended for general shooting. My camera manual explicitly states this:

"Normally, evaluative metering is recommended."

[Marko]

thanks guys that is very helpful. I have one question though when I see on many forum I read that "Evaluative metering gets the correct exposure 90% of the time." True or Flase?

I'm not convinced it's 90% but it might be 80%

Here is the classic example to illustrate the point:

As far as Know If you fill the frame with 100% white (paper, sheet, towel whatever) there is NO metering mode that will give you a white result. It will ALWAYS be grey.

Why? Because the camera has no brain. It is set to average out the tones in any scene, so it makes the white sheet grey. And it is for this reason that you cannot depend on your camera's reading all the time. Only you, the human know what you are looking at.

[Yisehaq]

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a very good book concerning exposure. I think its a must read. I learned a lot from it.

My a suggest a postcast of his interview if Marko knows the guy?

[dmagick]

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a very good book concerning exposure. I think its a must read. I learned a lot from it.

My a suggest a postcast of his interview if Marko knows the guy?

I was going to suggest the same book I keep referring back to it every now and then.