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light meter

light meter

1 4.2
A small device that measures light to help set camera settings
  • noun
  • /laɪt ˈmiːtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : exposición
  • Before taking the photo, check your light meter to ensure the exposure is set correctly.

Because if I, if I tilt the light meter this way, it says normal.

Examples

  • Ben then spent a considerable amount of time studying his light meter.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • A clear understanding of exposure, combined with a good knowledge of how your own camera or light meter operates, will help you record twilight scenes the way you want them recorded.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Did you forget to pack my light meter?

  • Have you seen my light meter?

  • The light meter was held in place above the text for about 30 seconds to help provide an accurate reading.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Another option used for measuring light levels is the incident light meter.

    Academic text (1994)
  • How does the light meter work to ensure correct exposures?

    Blog text (22)
  • Use the camera to take some test shots, and use a handheld light meter.

    Blog text (25)
  • Your light meter will control the light output for a correct exposure for a middle-toned subject.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The light meter dangled from a strap, and the flash attachment projected from one corner.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

photometer
vslight meter
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A tool that measures how bright light is

is specific to photography and used to set exposure settings
exposure meter
vslight meter
  • Specialized
4.3

A tool that measures light to set camera settings

is the same device but the entry uses the other common name

How Sensitive

light meter
  • Specialized
1 4.2
photometer
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Surface Forms

light meter singular
light meters plural

Morphology

light + meter

The meaning 'a device that measures light intensity' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'light' (brightness) with 'meter' (measuring instrument). This compound follows a common noun+meter composition found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Light meter comes from a simple picture: a small device that 'measures' the light, and meter means a tool for measuring. Photographers use it to find the right camera settings, so the name tells you exactly what the device does.