Nikon D500 User Manual

128

Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The 
following options are available:

L

: Produces natural results in most situations. Camera 

meters wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to 
tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G, E, or D 
lenses (

0 322), distance information (3D color matrix metering 

III; with other CPU lenses, camera uses color matrix metering III, 
which does not include 3D distance information).

M

: Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest 

weight to center area (if CPU lens is attached, size of area can be 
selected using Custom Setting b6, Center-weighted area, 
0 295; if non-CPU lens is attached, area is equivalent to circle 
8 mm in diameter). Classic meter for portraits; recommended 
when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×.

N

: Camera meters circle 3.5 mm (0.14 in.) in diameter 

(approximately 2.5% of frame). Circle is centered on current 
focus point, making it possible to meter off-center subjects (if 
non-CPU lens is used or if auto-area AF is in effect, camera will 
meter center focus point). Ensures that subject will be correctly 
exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

t

: Camera assigns greatest weight to highlights. 

Use to reduce loss of detail in highlights, for example when 
photographing spotlit performers on-stage.