Where do I see the exposure meter on a Nikon D5100, and how do I read it?
Asked 10/19/2011
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I’m new to DSLR photography and use a Nikon D5100. People often say to “check the meter reading” for exposure. Where is that meter shown on the camera, and what does it mean? Also, does it work differently in Manual mode versus the automatic/semi-automatic modes?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I haven't used that actual camera but usually the meter readout is shown through the view finder. On cameras I have used its shown as a graduated scale at the bottom of the viewfinder with a pointer showing how far the current exposure is away from where the camera thinks the exposure should be. The scale will be 0 at the centre +1 (overexposed) on the right and -1 (underexposed) on the left. The idea is to get the pointer as close to 0 (ideal exposure) as possible.
Note this is where the built in light meter thinks the exposure should be, its not always correct especially in challenging lighting conditions but its good enough most of the time.
Originally by user6603. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6603
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On the D5100, the exposure meter is typically shown at the bottom of the viewfinder as a scale, usually from about -3 to +3, with 0 in the middle.
How to read it:
- indicator left of 0: your current settings are underexposed compared with the camera’s meter
- indicator at 0: your settings match the camera’s metered exposure
- indicator right of 0: your settings are overexposed compared with the camera’s meter
This is most useful in Manual mode, where you choose shutter speed, aperture, and ISO yourself. The meter then shows how your chosen exposure compares to what the camera thinks is correct.
In non-Manual modes, the camera usually sets exposure for you, so you won’t use the meter in quite the same way; instead, you can use exposure compensation to make the image brighter or darker.
One important note: the camera must actively meter the scene for the scale to display meaningfully. Also, the built-in meter is a guide, not a guarantee—difficult lighting can fool it.
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