center-weighted light meter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low / Niche
UK/ˈsɛntəˌweɪtɪd ˈlaɪt ˌmiːtə/US/ˈsɛn(t)ərˌweɪtɪd ˈlaɪt ˌmiːtər/

Technical (Photography)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “center-weighted light meter” mean?

A device in photography that measures the intensity of light falling on a scene, giving the most importance (weight) to the light readings from the central portion of the viewfinder.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A device in photography that measures the intensity of light falling on a scene, giving the most importance (weight) to the light readings from the central portion of the viewfinder.

A specific type of exposure metering system within a camera where the sensor prioritizes light information from the central area of the frame (typically 60-80%), while still considering the surrounding edges, to calculate an average exposure setting. This helps prevent the main subject in the center from being incorrectly exposed due to a very bright or dark background.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The primary difference is in the spelling of 'center/centre.' In British English, the term would be 'centre-weighted light meter.' The hyphenated compound 'centre-weighted' is standard.

Connotations

Identical in technical meaning and professional connotation.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined strictly to photography manuals, technical reviews, and enthusiast discussions.

Grammar

How to Use “center-weighted light meter” in a Sentence

[Camera/Photographer] + uses/employs/switches to + center-weighted light meterThe + center-weighted light meter + takes a reading + of [the scene][Exposure] + is determined by + the center-weighted light meter

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
activate theswitch tousesmodesettingreading
medium
reliableclassicbuilt-incamera'sfor portraits
weak
accuratehelpfulold-fashioned

Examples

Examples of “center-weighted light meter” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The centre-weighted mode is often favoured for portraiture.
  • This is a classic centre-weighted metering system.

American English

  • The center-weighted reading gave a perfect exposure for his face.
  • She prefers the center-weighted method for consistent results.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in technical papers or textbooks on photographic science or optics.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

The primary domain of use. Found in camera manuals, photography tutorials, gear reviews, and discussions among photographers about exposure technique.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “center-weighted light meter”

Strong

center-weighted meteringcenter-weighted exposure

Neutral

centre-weighted metering (UK)averaging meter (context-specific)

Weak

central metertraditional meter

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “center-weighted light meter”

spot metermatrix meterevaluative metermulti-zone meter

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “center-weighted light meter”

  • Misspelling as 'center-weighted light metre' (US) or 'centre-weighted light meter' (UK) creates inconsistency. Stick to one dialect's spelling.
  • Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I center-weighted the scene'). The term refers to a system or mode, not an action.
  • Confusing it with 'center focus' – one is for exposure, the other for focusing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many professional and advanced cameras still include it. It is valued for its consistency and predictability in controlled situations, like portraits or static scenes with tricky lighting, where the photographer wants to explicitly prioritize the central subject.

Center-weighted averages the whole scene but emphasizes the center (a larger area). Spot metering measures light from a very small, specific point (often 1-5% of the frame) and ignores everything else, offering extreme precision.

It's generally not the best choice. Landscapes often benefit from an even exposure across the entire frame. Matrix/Evaluative metering (which analyzes multiple zones) or careful spot metering of key areas (like the sky) is typically more effective.

The method varies by camera model. Typically, you press a dedicated metering mode button (often labeled with a dot/square icon) or access it through the camera's menu system, then select the icon representing a small circle in the center of a rectangle.

A device in photography that measures the intensity of light falling on a scene, giving the most importance (weight) to the light readings from the central portion of the viewfinder.

Center-weighted light meter is usually technical (photography) in register.

Center-weighted light meter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntəˌweɪtɪd ˈlaɪt ˌmiːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛn(t)ərˌweɪtɪd ˈlaɪt ˌmiːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • (to) trust the center-weighted needle

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a dartboard. The bullseye (center) scores the most points (is weighted heavily). A center-weighted light meter scores the light in the middle of the picture as the most important for its calculation.

Conceptual Metaphor

MEASUREMENT IS WEIGHING (assigning importance/priority to different parts of the data).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
To avoid underexposing the model's face against the bright window, the photographer switched from evaluative to light meter mode.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of a center-weighted light meter?