Metering is an essential tool for cinematographers, as it helps them to achieve proper exposure in their images. Exposure refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera’s sensor or film, and it plays a critical role in the final outcome of an image. A well-exposed image has the right balance of light and shadow, with accurate colors and a clear representation of the subject. Proper metering is critical to achieving a well-exposed image.

1. Light Meter: A light meter is a tool that measures the intensity of light in a given location. Light meters typically measure both ambient light and flash light, and they provide readings in terms of exposure values (EV) or f-stops. This information can help photographers determine the proper settings for their camera, such as the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to achieve the desired exposure. Light meters can be handheld or built into some cameras, and they are commonly used in portrait, landscape, and studio photography.
2. Spot Meter: A spot meter is a type of light meter that measures the light in a specific area of the scene, rather than the overall light in the scene. Spot meters typically measure a small area of the frame, such as 1-5% of the total frame, and they provide readings in terms of exposure values (EV) or f-stops. This allows photographers to determine the proper exposure for a specific subject or part of the scene, rather than relying on the overall light in the scene. Spot meters are commonly used in outdoor photography, where the contrast between light and dark areas of the scene can be significant.
3. Color Meter: A color meter is a tool that measures the color properties of light, including color temperature, hue, and saturation. Color meters are commonly used in film and video production to ensure consistent color across different lighting conditions and to match the color of different scenes. Color meters can also be useful in still photography for color-critical applications, such as product photography. Color meters typically provide readings in terms of Kelvin temperature and can be used to adjust the color balance of a camera or lighting setup to achieve a specific color temperature or hue.