Removing noise +cs2

[Pandragon]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to removing noise from an image. Right now all I am familiar with is the PS CS2 noise reduction filter. Anyone have any tips on how to use it? Or what to use? The image was taken in low light with a high ISO, Thanks for your help.

[DavidW]

The image is missing. Nevertheless, it's easy enough to talk in generalities.

The filter built into Photoshop is limited; most people find that noise reduction is better done with third party software. I use Noise Ninja (http://www.picturecode.com/); NeatImage (http://www.neatimage.com/) is another popular option, though there's many different programs available.

You can often push noise reduction a bit harder if you use a mask to protect edges in the image. The (free) TLR Professional Mask Toolkit (http://www.thelightsright.com/TLRProfessionalMaskToolkit.htm) is useful for this.



David

[Pandragon]

Sorry, I meant to imply that I just needed some general information on removing noise, couldn't post any photo's. Thanks for the info David! =)

[In2Photos]

Sorry, I meant to imply that I just needed some general information on removing noise, couldn't post any photo's. Thanks for the info David! =)
Make sure you view the image at 100%. Then adjust the color noise slider to taste. I haven't seen an image yet that shows what the luminance slider is supposed to do. As David said the third party stuff is much better. I use Noise Ninja.

[OrionD]

I agree completely, i use Noise Ninja as well. It comes as a plugin for PS and as a standalone application as well. I find the plugin more practical as it lets me preform multiple operations on a photograph in a single application... However there is an opinion in certain communities that the standalone is more effective.
You should download the noise profiles for your camera model, they come for all the diffrent iso speeds...

[tim]

I have noise ninja, but I very rarely use it. Most prints look fine without noise reduction, pixel peeping at 100% isn't a good representation of how the print will look. If you downside the image at all the noise is basically lost, unless it's a very noisy file. I vote for "don't bother unless you really have to".

[Barb42]

I have used Noise Ninja for years but I just moved to Noiseware Professional. I really like it. Standalone and plugin versions cost $79. You might find it interesting. I don't use it as much since I moved to the 5D, but it helps if I go for a high ISO.

[Pandragon]

I went ahead and got Noise Ninja, the plug-in for CS2 and the standalone. It really helps with low light situations where I can't use the flash and boost the ISO up to 1600 or 3200. Thanks for all the information.