Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When using a light meter, the ISO setting should match which device?

1. Tripod

2. Lens

3. Camera

4. Flash

The correct answer is: Camera

The correct answer is that the ISO setting on a light meter should match the camera. The ISO setting is a measure of the camera's sensitivity to light, and it directly influences the exposure settings calculated by the light meter. When using the light meter to gauge the appropriate exposure for a scene, it is essential to ensure that the ISO setting on the light meter reflects the ISO setting you intend to use on your camera. This ensures consistency in exposure readings and helps you achieve the intended outcome when capturing your images. In context, the other choices do not serve as relevant sources for matching the ISO setting. A tripod is a stabilizing tool for the camera and does not have any relationship to the camera's sensitivity to light. The lens influences image quality and focus but does not dictate the ISO. Lastly, while a flash may affect the exposure, its settings do not serve to align with the ISO since the flash itself typically operates independently of ISO settings. Matching the ISO on the light meter with that of the camera is vital for accurate exposure determination.