5 Metering & Exposure Tips Every Nikon User Needs To Know

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!
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[@ColoradoRicardo]

Steve has an amazing gift for photography, technology and teaching. Very thankful that he shares so freely. Definitely worthy of our support.

[@gatsby498]

These vids never fail to deliver. Thanks!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you, Steve. I always appreciate your thoughts on these things.

[@ShaneBaker]

Thanks Steve. The AE Lock and focus point/exposure correlation is gold!

[@prchise]

As always, I have learned something really useful today. Thanx, mate. No BS, just pure photography!

[@davidaldridge3669]

Another typical Steve Perry video - informative, useful, well-presented and concise. As a Nikon user, I really appreciate Steve's gems of wisdom. Many thanks!

[@andywilk38]

Superbly explained and articulated! Thank you!

[@nishantdeshpande3233]

Just like your other videos, very practical , easy to follow and most importantly very relevant. Thank you!

[@monrodeo100]

I love my D850 all because of you and your knowledge of what it can do. You took my photography to the next level and profitability.

[@mattklingle7004]

Love this. Extremely helpful. I've been shooting for 7 years and definitely learned new things

[@joeyalbergo]

Watching this again now that I understand a bit more. You're videos and knowledge are wonderful. Thank you

[@dlimayasserjosephstephen3548]

Thank you, I have learnt everything about my Nikon from you.

[@kebe7494]

Good pointers. Like the no BS straight to the point approach. Been shooting Nikon for a few decades but I still learn things here.

[@goranelmertoft9034]

I can just say that I love all your videos. Thank you man.

[@paulhastings288]

So few people can explain stuff as well as you Steve. Despite being an experienced shooter, you can put yourself in the position of a beginner. Nice work, I love your stuff and I have both the metering and focus books, both excellent.

[@jeffselfphotography3066]

Never knew about turning the auto-ISO on and off like this. Lifesaver!

[@rolandomunari588]

Thanks very much Steve, always very informative and clear 👍

[@MrRudyc]

Well done as always, Steve. Thanks 😊 a lot

[@tomfranz25]

Like every time when Steve makes a video with fine technical tips , it is brillant , absolutely, the best in his category ! 😉

[@scarface1961]

Steve, thanks. I am traveling and getting more keepers because of much of the information I received from your video and from your Nikon AF ebook. This was another great video. It really helped.

[@TheChameleon2008]

Awesome video and this is why you the best!!!

[@kontrolla1]

Thanks for another great video Steve

[@buc71x24]

Always helpful., much appreciated.

[@gstrummer]

FANTASTIC!!!!!! Thank you.

[@wasimmalik4764]

Your way of explaining is so amazing ❤️

[@maldridge7630]

Excellent, thank you!

[@phooesnax]

Excellent as always!

[@JazzLowrider]

You are an excellent teacher 👏, thanks for the great tips.

[@jss27560]

I liked, subscribed, and selected notify because you are my hero.

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and tutorial 👌

[@Pine4205]

I always enjoy your videos and I also enjoy your books.

[@billkendall5914]

YIPEE!! Love 'em - thanks!

[@paulhills1967]

Thanks Steve. Great tips!

[@charlesdavis6371]

GREAT tips. One of the best videos I've seen. (and the book was well worth the price)

[@nickgeomap]

Great content and presentation. That Auto-ISO switch trick is excellent!

[@tedboatsman9307]

Steve Perry is amazing. I learn so much from him.

[@mituldesai666]

Very well explained several modes and function.. Useful and Informative.. Liked..

[@WillyFF_]

Great. Love this! New sub!

[@marcoorion]

Thank you sooo much!!!!!

[@billcrook9602]

Very informative. Many thanks.

[@skiprope536]

Great VIDEO. As always!

[@jangovovo]

Hi Steve i just wanted to thank you for all your helpful videos, you did help me a lot! I‘ve bought all your book not because i like to read but to support you! 😊 ps i‘ve read and enjoy every single one 👍🏽! Thx

[@SandraJsAdventuresOutdoors]

I love your videos, I learn something every time. You are the best, thank you Steve. :)

[@michaelobrien8219]

thx for this excellent video - I find your examples are really helpful

[@sarfaraz.hosseini]

Great job. Thanks!

[@Alpha6.31]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@wildearth22]

Nice video Steve as expected 👍🏻

[@ShakyasomMajumder]

Superb explanation as usual!

[@robertdavis1255]

Great information... Thanks..

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

as always, very helpful. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[@vlas8329]

Wow o wow .. so much covered so succinctly

[@Graygeezer]

That tip about minimum ISO is super important. I thought my Nikon was broken when it was giving me ISO 400 in bright daylight after shooting in low light a few days before. Gotta keep up with that!

[@jayrojas2259]

I Liked, Subscribed and Notified, I'm a Nikon Z User, and found this information helpful, thanks!

[@CarolineGuzman]

THANK YOU!

[@CarlosReguse]

Another fantastic video about important techniques to master your camera. Special if it is a Nikon !!!

[@TShivanandappa]

U r the best teacher!!👍

[@tomfranz25]

yes I agree with you!

[@gordroberts53]

Thanks Steve, I've had my D850 since just after model release and this covered some stuff I did not know. So, bought your book and thanks for the extra on Deep Focus. Cheers, Gord

[@elmono3939]

Cool tips.... Thank you for reminding us what we think we know, but we don't

[@aussie8114]

I see a new Steve Perry video and I know I’m about to learn something 👍🏼

[@sajis79]

Super tricks. very handy

[@eastwind3550]

Thank you very much

[@robertleishman9361]

Good tips!

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

1:16 This tip to quickly turn auto-ISO on and off got me so excited. I ran to my camera bag and took out my camera to test it out. Thank you, thank you!

[@CGL43474_C]

MissLiveLaughLove1 glad I’m not the only that does this, haha.

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

@@CGL43474_C Haha! I was crazy excited.

[@Isaypreach]

Holy sh*t it works I just tried it on my nikon z 50 lol.

[@johnnicholson8345]

same

[@hurleygreen927]

Good info for my Nijkon D750 and DX 7200 cameras! Thanks for this...

[@travelgram2635]

This man is life saver

[@robb7342]

Steve, great tips. The Auto ISO toggle on/off will be very usefull.

buff grandioso, muchas muchas gracias.

[@miloradkaravidin8818]

Great tips especially for Dslr users.

[@nairbyad7188]

i've read the manuals, but never saw that auto ISO toggle. thank you!!

[@RoadhawK66]

Hey Steve, just upgraded to the D850 from a D300 and these are amazing tips. I find some of the terms Nikon uses are not straightforward or the way they are implemented but your tips, guides and explanations have been a godsend, thank you very much Sir!

[@mikkelstormhansen9733]

Thats a very big upgrade. Hope you have fun

[@brunogallet]

Thank you steve for this very clear subject. I was aware of the 4 first points, and regularly practice them, but not the last one, which is very important. Thanks again ! May be you could add that on the Z6 the size of the AF point in Wide (S) mode corresponds exactly to the size of the spot meter, and it is very usefull.

[@backcountrygallery]

That's a good point about the Wide (S) area - it is spot meter size!

[@rayrozema5960]

Great, thanks

[@smooth6718]

Best yet for me, Steve! I shoot with both a D500 and D850, and on your rec, several months ago, I switched to back-button focusing and auto-ISO. It took a lot of doing, but I finally got the hang of it, and as you predicted, I will never go back to shutter-button focusing. But, until this vid, I did not think that the sensitivity setting made any difference, only the max. So, on a recent pelican shoot, I noticed that in post my SS was 1/8000 s, and the exposure was lousy. I knew of no reason why, and erroneously concluded that I had accidentally hit the dial and had rotated the SS to 1/8000. After watching this vid, I immediately went to my D850 and found that the base ISO was 8000. Thus, I immediately changed it to 64. I also switched my D500 to 100. I had already bought your "Exposure" book, but it takes a lot of do-diligence to get through those 700 pages. Now, when I read this part in the book, I will totally understand the tip. Many thanks, Steve. Your vids are superb... but you really talk fast, so I simply hit the pause button and listen and watch again until I get your point.

[@SaifElnasrphotographylovers]

Not complement, facts, Speaking fast one of steve proven, muscle memory is photographic it’s there, hi Q n knowledge, for example those people can remember what’s on book from cover to it’s end, good teacher and not all human can, writer too, his books another prove and as teacher it’s his not only job but it’s subjects he loves, photography take over our lives, my issues solve by watching this video , love and respect to all.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

I’ve been shooting Nikon for over 10 years and didn’t know that AF modes would affect Matrix Metering. Wow! I love going back to the basics like this and learning new things. As always, great content!

[@KrazyWorldWars]

Samee

[@Tzazilas]

I've assigned the fn button of my d610 to AE-lock (hold) and it's a life saver. I'm using back button focus AF-on so this is the best way to use both when needed. I have also set the standby timer to infinity, so I just press it again if I want to have new metering.

[@robertoposa1120]

To like your videos is not enough - I give you 10 of 10 pts - thanks

[@gm010379]

THANKYOU

[@sanjaypatel9714]

very useful

[@MayurPanghaal]

Thanks a ton !! My focus was set to lock and I just couldnt figure out why my autofocus was not functioning. Then @3:03 I figured it out !! And Now its all good !! Thank you so much. ✌🙏

[@quicktastic]

Yup. I've been bit by that base iso value in auto-iso before. I 'assumed' it would always try to get to 64 if it could regardless of what your last manual iso setting was. Nope. Great tips as always.

[@nightmareaccomplice5816]

At this point in time there are 19 ppl that put a thumbs down fr thus video. Its hard to imagine some wouldnt consider this video awesome and helpful! (Guess they know it all)! 😅 (and think they could do better)!😅 (Ive never seen better)!😳 THANKS STEVE!!!! I watch you videos all the time and they ARE THE BEST!!!😁

[@bobkoure]

My D750 doesn't have an ISO button on the top - but it does have a record button. Easy enough to map that button to ISO. Bought the book - looking forward to reading it.

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

👍 Thanks!

[@perhedlund685]

Tack.

[@Cervin_Suisse]

Hello Sir, thank you so ,much for all your very clear and instructive videos. My question is out of context but I wonder if you might be able to help me and many others who experience lens creeping. Is there an easy way to adjust the friction of the zoom ring on Nikkor lenses ? I saw that some manufacturers have a tensioning screw under the rubber ring. Thank you in advance for your reply. Best regards. Michael.

[@captinktm]

Great information. I can't get the forum to work?

[@ashok5591]

I shall see again because I shall have to learn more about metering mode . # Friend, will you please say in detail more about metering for the beginners, also with pictures!

[@kalyankal3773]

Nice

[@softlocationofficial2151]

Hi Steve, I’m really enjoying your Nikon videos. I have the D200. Yea it’s old but good. Do you have any suggestions for settings for photographing artwork (paintings, objects)? Thank you, Chris

[@thanosmanolis7783]

Nice vid!!!!! Just one question. What would you suggest for plane spotting (sometimes against the sun)? Many times the sky is property exposed and the plane is blacked out!!! I'm using a d850 and a tamron g2 150-600. Thank u for your time and again excellent video!!!

[@jd5787]

Great advice! #2 on on/off Iso doesn't work on my "newly acquired" D700 though. Works on my D800 ;)

[@exert2020]

I just use the live view as an exposure reference and change expose until highlights aren't blown out. Quick and works for me.

[@gewglesux]

Almost missed this one too..... Thanks YT.

[@wassyg7130]

Steve great stuff , i shoot with d850 and recently went on a two week trip , with AELOCK on so annoyed me , landscape photography , im trying to shoot @ 11,16 odd in apertures for DOF , YOUR thoughts please

[@HHTV60]

AE-L 'Hold' got me in trouble a few times, when I forgot to turn it off. Nikon D850 has another option: "AE-L (RESET ON RELEASE)." which can be more useful. You push the assigned button, it locks the exposure (no need to hold the button), but once the shutter is pressed, the AE-L ... disappears. Super handy for some situations.

[@espenrosenquist6683]

Thanks for sharing. Until recently I did NOT know that the spot metering moves with the focus point, so I used to expose, lock, and then follow my actual subject. On a D750 I more than once accidentally changed the quality setting blindly instead of the ISO. It was as you said, instantaneous changing to auto ISO, but why on good earth was that useless quality button right above it. Going to a D850, I now have to struggle with the awkward placement of the ISO button, making me use a three finger pinched grip to hold the button and rotating the wheels and then moving my index to the shutter. NOT good in hectic situations.

[@nitrousblast1]

Love your videos and that you haven’t switched from nikon

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks - but sadly, "yet" might turn out to be the operative word...

[@erikvdlooy6515]

Ah.... NOW I know how auto-ISO with a max ISO works....thanks Steve!

[@csc-photo]

Great video, thanks! For mirrorless, how do you feel about setting AE lock (as needed) to the half-press on the shutter? When I'm set up for BBF, I can't use AF-ON for AE lock. I suppose I could use Fn1 (AF mode) or Fn2 (subject tracking) but I like them as-is. I need to re-think my User 1-2-3 setups tonight. 🤓

[@backcountrygallery]

Try the Movie Record button - you can put AE-L Hold or AF modes on it (I use mine for AF modes).

[@neilmackey9626]

@@backcountrygallery on my (new-to-me) Z5, I programmed my AE-L (hold) to the Fn2 button. Simple press with no hold to engage, press again to disengage. I ended up taking a tip from you and programmed my movie record button for stills to "press/hold + back command dial" to cycle Focus Modes and "press/hold + front command dial" to cycle AF-area modes. So far, so good!

[@linaionta7590]

Hi, with regards to AF area mode, with the Nikon d5300 would it be best to use 11, instead of 39 focal points with the AF -S setting combined with the Matrix metering mode? Would this make for faster and sharper focus ? Thank you