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Matrix Metering

I typically use 3D Matrix metering (evaluative on Canon cameras) for its ability to quickly and correctly evaluate a scene. Nikon cameras divide the scene into segments (420 or 1005 individual segments depending on your camera model). The camera then meters each segment individually, comparing highlights and shadows, contrast, color, and even subject distance from the camera based on the selected focus point. The camera then processes the information and compares the data to tens of thousands of known situations and gives me a base exposure based on my camera’s settings. As long as the exposure range is not greater than my sensor can render, I will get a good exposure. When the light is contrasty, the camera gives me the best overall exposure. It’s up to me to decide on how to deal with the shadows and highlights.

Figure 2.8 illustrates the accuracy of Matrix metering on an image with multiple light values—from the white of the eagle’s head to the dark brown of its body and the medium tones of the chick, the background, and nest.

Figure 2.8 The eagle and its chick were correctly exposed using Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix metering.

Continuous Focus

To capture a sequence of images in sharp focus, I set my focus to Continuous AF (AI Servo on Canon cameras). I then focus on my subject’s eye and begin panning with it as it moves. The camera continually focuses with my moving subject, fine-tuning as the distance changes.

Nikon has upped the ante with its Dynamic AF setting (Figure 2.9). All I need to do is select the focus point and depress the shutter button halfway down to acquire focus. When I begin to pan with a moving subject, Dynamic AF takes over, expanding the focus area to include several focus points (9 or 21 on the D3 family; refer to your manual to see if your camera offers this feature). As long as I can keep the subject within the expanded focus area, the camera will continue to track focus with a moving subject.

Figure 2.9 Dynamic AF uses multiple focus points grouped in a cluster to maintain focus on a moving subject.

Continuous Advance

Part and parcel of the continuous focus setting is continuous advance (Figure 2.10) where the camera fires continuously as long as you hold down the shutter (or the buffer fills). High-performance cameras have large buffers to allow for a greater number of sequential images. The buffer is where images are stored while the camera writes the files to the Compact Flash card (or SD media). The Nikon D3S has a 36-frame buffer (in RAW), which at 9 frames per second means I can capture 36 images in 4 seconds. Or, I can shoot in small bursts and keep following the action while my camera writes the files to the card. Now that’s performance!

Figure 2.10 The continuous high setting allows me to shoot at up to nine frames per second on the Nikon D3S.

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Note

Most cameras have continuous advance. Refer to your manual for the frames per second rating and buffer size of your camera.

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Using continuous Dynamic AF along with continuous advance allows me to capture peak of action. Figure 2.11 illustrates continuous Dynamic AF and continuous advance used together to capture a sequence of images as I tracked a coyote mousing in the snow in Yellowstone National Park. I focused on his eyes and followed him as he worked the meadow. When he jumped in the air, I simply held down the shutter while panning with his movement, confident that Dynamic AF would keep him in focus.

Figure 2.11 I was able to capture a sequence of images using Nikon’s continuous Dynamic AF along with continuous advance.

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Note

A side benefit of using continuous advance is that typically the middle frames in a sequence are the sharpest. So, if you fire off three or more frames, you have a higher chance of one or more images being tack sharp.

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Highlight Warning

One of the many benefits of digital photography is the rear LCD of a DSLR camera that allows you to review the images you have captured. Although it is a great tool for providing