When is the best time to reduce noise...in the raw converter or the image editing software. I use Canon DPP and PS7. Would something like breezebrowser software do better?
Posted by David Bostedo on January 15, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Sharon - I don't know how good the noise reduction is in those programs, but PS7 is fairly old, and I know that noise reduction is one thing that's always being improved. I think the best bet is to do it in the raw converter, if the software is satisfactory. Then you're working more closely on the actual pixels.
Otherwise, there are plenty of third party alternatives that aren't too expensive and do a great job. You could probably download trials of a few and try them out as well. The most common that I've heard of are Neat Image (which I use), Noise Ninja, and Noiseware. They all can be used stand alone or as a plug-in to PS I believe.
I have found that the most effective noise reduction can be best accomplished using a program like Neat Image. With these third-party apps you will have more control over the process. Neat Image Pro+ is excellent, and includes the PS plug-in.
When noise reduction is warranted, I make a copy of the background layer and then use Neat Image on that layer. That way I can toss the layer if I don't like the results.
The best time to *prevent* noise is during exposure. Exposing "to the right" is a good way to reduce noise in the shadow areas. In very high contrast scenes, HDR is another option.
Post-exposure clean-up depends on the type of noise present in the image:
* Chroma noise (looks like particles of different-colored dots, usually cyan/red): this can be very effectively cleaned in most good raw converters (and for the record, I don't necessarily consider DPP in this category).
* Luminance noise: this is the harder one to clean. It looks like grains of dust of uniform color. Here software like NeatImage or Noise Ninja really shine.
Most noisy images will have both types of noise though, so if this is a recurring issue for you, getting one of the noise-reduction programs above is probably your best bet.
Guy
Posted by John Mumaw on January 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
The noise reduction in DPP has very limited controls, although it does a good job of retaining detail after use.
I agree that the third party NR utilities (Neat Image, Noise Ninja, Noiseware, etc.) are the best way to go as most of them create profiles for individual images and they offer tons of control.
I prefer to use NR in the early stages of postprocessing in PS after I've made exposure adjustments. I never use NR globally, preferring to apply it where needed via layer masking.
Some unsolicited advice:
I highly recommend that you upgrade to PS CS3. PS7 is the last version that allows you to upgrade rather than purchasing the full package again.
The RAW conversion in this latest version of Adobe Camera Raw is really second to none, with much better results than what DPP offers.
Posted by Phillip Noll on January 16, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Posted by Ed Cordes on January 16, 2008 at 1:37 PM
I agree that the $200 for the upgrade is money well spent. CS3 will continue to be upgraded with support for new cameras as tehy are introduced whereas PS7 will not. The RAW converter ACR 4.XX in CS3 is outstanding.
RE your original question, I use Noise Ninja right after opening the file in CS3 after RAW conversion. I rarely apply the gobal reduction, preferring to use the built in brushes to apply the reduction selectivel. After this I process the image in the usual manner with what ever CS3 tools the image requires.
Thanks everyone for your replies...I just upgraded to CS3 and Lightroom. It never ceases to amaze me how much help this site and you all have been to me!
Sharon, you should have a look at Noiseware too. For many years I used Neat Image but after a try I am now always working with NW. It is quicker of NI and very flexible. It is a personal choise of course.
Discussion
11 repliesOtherwise, there are plenty of third party alternatives that aren't too expensive and do a great job. You could probably download trials of a few and try them out as well. The most common that I've heard of are Neat Image (which I use), Noise Ninja, and Noiseware. They all can be used stand alone or as a plug-in to PS I believe.
I have found that the most effective noise reduction can be best accomplished using a program like Neat Image. With these third-party apps you will have more control over the process. Neat Image Pro+ is excellent, and includes the PS plug-in.
When noise reduction is warranted, I make a copy of the background layer and then use Neat Image on that layer. That way I can toss the layer if I don't like the results.
-PB
The best time to *prevent* noise is during exposure. Exposing "to the right" is a good way to reduce noise in the shadow areas. In very high contrast scenes, HDR is another option.
Post-exposure clean-up depends on the type of noise present in the image:
* Chroma noise (looks like particles of different-colored dots, usually cyan/red): this can be very effectively cleaned in most good raw converters (and for the record, I don't necessarily consider DPP in this category).
* Luminance noise: this is the harder one to clean. It looks like grains of dust of uniform color. Here software like NeatImage or Noise Ninja really shine.
Most noisy images will have both types of noise though, so if this is a recurring issue for you, getting one of the noise-reduction programs above is probably your best bet.
Guy
I agree that the third party NR utilities (Neat Image, Noise Ninja, Noiseware, etc.) are the best way to go as most of them create profiles for individual images and they offer tons of control.
I prefer to use NR in the early stages of postprocessing in PS after I've made exposure adjustments. I never use NR globally, preferring to apply it where needed via layer masking.
Some unsolicited advice:
I highly recommend that you upgrade to PS CS3. PS7 is the last version that allows you to upgrade rather than purchasing the full package again.
The RAW conversion in this latest version of Adobe Camera Raw is really second to none, with much better results than what DPP offers.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop/upgrade/
RE your original question, I use Noise Ninja right after opening the file in CS3 after RAW conversion. I rarely apply the gobal reduction, preferring to use the built in brushes to apply the reduction selectivel. After this I process the image in the usual manner with what ever CS3 tools the image requires.
Have fun.
Kent in SD
Ray