5 Metering & Exposure Tips Every Nikon User Needs To Know

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Steve

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Want to get more from your Nikon metering system? In this video, I'll show you five quick tips that every Nikon user really needs to know. I take advantage of these tips and tricks all the time in the field - and surprisingly, most people I encounter seldom know any of these!

The tips in this video will help you leverage your metering system to help you work faster in the field and avoid unexpected pitfalls. Once you discover these tips and tricks, you'll wonder how you ever got along without 'em!

 
@Steve great job! I tried using matrix metering this past weekend and I was overexposing any bird with white on it... about 30 minutes before sunset. I was using Group AF point.. I even tried putting Exposure comp down to -.7 Now I think I know why... Thanks for this Video and great timing!
 
Hi Steve, I just came home shortly after you published this and checked it out immdiately - and my setttings as well ;).
Thanks a lot (also) for this one again (y).

Everything fine so far, but I have a question there:

Using D750 or D7200 I have to be careful with my max. ISO value because of the limitations in noise tolerance as depending on the backgournd I may be safe go higher or are forced to push it down - or I know I would have to crop of course :D. Currently I am using the D750 up to 6400 and the D7200 up to 2500 with the option to go higher when having a brighter background.

On my cameras I have access to the base ISO adjustment and the Auto ISO on/off via assigned button (in my case it is the video recording button) as you showed it in your video.
But up to now I couldn't find a way to allocate the max ISO setting to a button / button/wheel to change it on the fly. The workaround is to have it in "My Menu", but can you think of another way doing that. This would give really complete control without even taking the nose from the camera. Or do you know whether it is possible with other camera models ?
 
I made it to 1:30 and had to stop for a sec.
Millions of trips into the menu before this moment, how did I not know about this auto ISO feature before, this is the greatest thing ever! 😆
 
How much of an effect does the standby timer shut off have on battery life. Is there any concern here in that regard?
 
Want to get more from your Nikon metering system? In this video, I'll show you five quick tips that every Nikon user really needs to know. I take advantage of these tips and tricks all the time in the field - and surprisingly, most people I encounter seldom know any of these!

The tips in this video will help you leverage your metering system to help you work faster in the field and avoid unexpected pitfalls. Once you discover these tips and tricks, you'll wonder how you ever got along without 'em!

This weekend I had lots of questions about what my ISO was doing, and as I was playing around with metering modes and AF -- you answered those questions! My ISO sensitivity settings which I thought I'd dialed in where through the roof (now corrected) and I couldn't figure out why matrix was giving the results it was as I played with AF areas (my subject was not going anywhere fast; I just continue to play with what your book has given me!). Thanks much!
 
Hi Steve, I just came home shortly after you published this and checked it out immdiately - and my setttings as well ;).
Thanks a lot (also) for this one again (y).

Everything fine so far, but I have a question there:

Using D750 or D7200 I have to be careful with my max. ISO value because of the limitations in noise tolerance as depending on the backgournd I may be safe go higher or are forced to push it down - or I know I would have to crop of course :D. Currently I am using the D750 up to 6400 and the D7200 up to 2500 with the option to go higher when having a brighter background.

On my cameras I have access to the base ISO adjustment and the Auto ISO on/off via assigned button (in my case it is the video recording button) as you showed it in your video.
But up to now I couldn't find a way to allocate the max ISO setting to a button / button/wheel to change it on the fly. The workaround is to have it in "My Menu", but can you think of another way doing that. This would give really complete control without even taking the nose from the camera. Or do you know whether it is possible with other camera models ?
Sadly, there's no way I know of to set Max ISO on the fly. What I do is pick the absolute maximum I'm willing to tolerate and leave it alone. From there, I just keep an eye on where the camera is setting ISO (you may have to turn that in with those cameras, I can't recall). That way, if it's starting to get too high and I still have room to drop the shutter speed or open the lens, I can do that instead of dealing with the higher ISOs. So, by keeping an eye on it, I can set it to my real maximum and then just manage it as needed.
 
How much of an effect does the standby timer shut off have on battery life. Is there any concern here in that regard?
When the camera is active it does consume more power than in standby (especially if you have VR on or are using an EVF :) ). I usually set mine to about a minute and have gotten into the habit of turning the camera on and off as needed. The switch is right there at the shutter release, so it's a good habit IMO. Also, turning it off when I'm not using it also prevents me from accidentally rolling a dial and inadvertently changing something (a problem that has happened a LOT to me in the past ).
 
When the camera is active it does consume more power than in standby (especially if you have VR on or are using an EVF :) ). I usually set mine to about a minute and have gotten into the habit of turning the camera on and off as needed. The switch is right there at the shutter release, so it's a good habit IMO. Also, turning it off when I'm not using it also prevents me from accidentally rolling a dial and inadvertently changing something (a problem that has happened a LOT to me in the past ).
Thanks you for the reply and the video.
That was become a habit of mine also. I don't even think about I just turn it on and off. Unless, there is a need not to do so.
 
Your tips are always Spot-on ( 😁, get it?) but the second "burp" for me is how they cause me to recall other tips I should be remembering but probably are not remembering... until I'm seeing the new tips. The gift that keeps on giving—thanks!
 
Thanks Steve, the biggest thing i got from this is to regularly check the base ISO setting. It's not uncommon for me to think you're in manual ISO and go to make a change before you realise you're still on auto... Both my D500 and D850 were above base which is were i set them in the menu a while back.
 
Another awesome video. And yes, that book is on my "to get" list. Just gotta balance the budget. :cry: Thanks.

accidentally rolling a dial and inadvertently changing something

This was one of my biggest problems when I upgraded from D90 to the D500. Sort of got it under control but that tip about getting into the habit of turning the camera off I think will be my best solution.
 
Hi Steve, I own the book and was reading it within two days. Normally it's very dry stuff. But like you write it's very interesting. I'm know on trying it out with my Z7. Thank you for writing.
 
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