What does my camera’s +/- meter scale mean, and when should I go above or below zero?

Question

I’m learning how to use the exposure/metering scale in my camera. I understand that when the indicator is centered, the camera thinks the current exposure is correct. But when would I deliberately set exposure above or below the center point? Also, what do values like -1, +1, -2, and +2 mean on that scale?

user1620 · Accepted Answer

The metering scale you are referring to is used for two things.

In manual mode (M), it indicates how far you are from what the camera thinks should be the right value. It is the camera's guess (depending on the metering mode, see other questions in metering).

In all other modes, it is called exposure-compensation (EC) and is you telling the camera to adjust its measurement to something brighter or darker.

In general the camera meters so that the scene is on average of average brightness. By doing over the metered value, you are telling the camera you want something brighter and by going under the value you are telling you want something darker.

The metering scale is measured in EV (Exposure Value) where each full-step represent a doubling of brightness. So +1 is twice as bright, +2 is 4 times as bright and -1 is half as bright, etc.

What does my camera’s +/- meter scale mean, and when should I go above or below zero?

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