Metering Modes

What is metering?

Metering is how the camera measures the brightness of a scene to determine the correct exposure (shutter speed and aperture combination). The camera's built-in light meter reads reflected light and suggests settings that render the scene at a medium brightness.

Metering types on Mavica cameras

Multi-zone (evaluative) metering

The default metering mode on all Mavica models. The camera divides the frame into multiple zones, measures each one, and uses an algorithm to balance the exposure. It works well for most scenes but can be fooled by strong backlighting or very bright/dark subjects.

Spot metering

Available on select models, spot metering reads light from a small area in the centre of the frame (typically 3–5% of the total area). This gives precise control over which part of the scene determines the exposure.

Models with spot metering:

• FD88, FD90, FD91, FD92 — activated via dedicated button
• FD95, FD97 — activated via menu
• CD300, CD400, CD500 — activated via menu
• CD1000 — activated via dedicated button

Models without spot metering:

• FD5, FD7, FD51, FD71, FD73, FD75, FD81, FD83, FD85, FD87, FD100, FD200, CD200, CD250, CD350

When to use spot metering

Backlit subjects

When your subject is in front of a bright background (window, sky), multi-zone metering will underexpose the subject. Switch to spot metering and aim the centre point at your subject to get correct exposure on what matters.

High-contrast scenes

In a scene with very bright and very dark areas (sunlit building next to deep shadow), spot metering lets you decide which brightness to expose for.

Stage and performance photography

Spotlit performers against a dark background are a classic case where multi-zone metering fails. Spot meter on the performer's face for correct exposure.

Metering activation methods

Different Mavica models activate spot metering in different ways:

On models with a dedicated button, you press and hold it while composing — the meter reads from the centre point. On menu-activated models, spot metering stays active until you switch it off.

Practical tips

1. Lock and recompose: With spot metering active, aim the centre at your subject, half-press the shutter to lock exposure, then recompose and take the shot.
2. Bracket your shots: On a floppy disk you only get 5–10 shots per disk at Fine quality, but bracketing (taking the same shot at different exposures) helps in tricky lighting.
3. Combine with exposure compensation: Use spot metering + exposure compensation for ultimate control on models that support both.