Noise compare with Exif data (comments)

[ModernPics]

The following are not my pics but I wanted to understand a bit more about noise compared to the following examples and sample pics:

To be honest, I dont know if the 2nd one may have been post processed with Noise Ninja or something , but check out the Exif data

The second sample below is the type of quaility I want to be able to capture.

PS. Kudos to BOTH photogs .....


Images are below the Exif data

[1] >> Noisy

http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/070303NoiseyNeighbours/source/image/rhd_20070303_none_0022.jpg

[Image]
Orientation = top/left
Software = QuickTime 7.1.5
Date Time = 2007-04-14 17:44:38
[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/100"
F Number = F2.8
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 1600
Exif Version = Version 2.2
Date Time Original = 2007-03-03 21:30:49
Date Time Digitized = 2007-03-03 21:30:49
Shutter Speed Value = 6.63 TV
Aperture Value = 3 AV
Exposure Bias Value = -1.33EV
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 90mm
User Comment =
Flashpix Version = Version 1.0
Exif Image Width = 534
Exif Image Height = 800
Custom Rendered = Normal process
Exposure Mode = Auto exposure
White Balance = Manual white balance
Scene Capture Type = Normal

================================================== =========================

[1] Pic

http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/070303NoiseyNeighbours/source/image/rhd_20070303_none_0022.jpg

================================================== =========================
[2] >> Little noise

http://www.bjorklid.net/FME07/_MG_8801.jpg

[Image]
Make = Canon
Model = Canon EOS 5D
Orientation = top/left
Software = Adobe Photoshop CS2 Windows
Date Time = 2007-03-01 18:55:45
Artist = Karl-Mikael Björklid
[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/320"
F Number = F3.5
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 1600
Exif Version = Version 2.21
Date Time Original = 2007-02-17 22:37:05
Date Time Digitized = 2007-02-17 22:37:05
Shutter Speed Value = 8.32 TV
Aperture Value = 3.61 AV
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F2.83
Metering Mode = Pattern
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 28mm
Color Space = sRGB
Exif Image Width = 800
Exif Image Height = 533
Custom Rendered = Normal process
Exposure Mode = Manual exposure
White Balance = Auto white balance
Scene Capture Type = Normal
[Thumbnail]
Thumbnail = 160 x 107


[2] Pic

http://www.bjorklid.net/FME07/_MG_8801.jpg

[René Damkot]

Don't know about Kalles image, but I know I used no NR whatsoever.
I think I did pull up the exposure on the guy about 1/2 to 2/3 stop.

I do know Kalle does a bit more processing then I do but, like me, isn't to allergic to noise: We both sometimes *add* noise to an image :D.

Here is a screenshot of the original .CR2 file, with 'in camera' settings, as rendered by iView.

[kmb]

I do often "tweak" noise. There is many good choices between "plasticy" and "original noise" (whatever that might be after the RAW-conversion). For me, the desirability of noise is often related to how colorful/saturated the image is - BW images go well with noise, for instance. Also, the subject matters for me. In my last shoot (Within Temptation (http://musicphotoforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=73.0)) I used more NR than usual to sort of complement the beauty of their lead singer (noisy girls are annoying).

I often (over)expose to the right by accident, so that affects the IQ (positively, as I can often pull back the overexposure).

Here's a few things that I think will affect how noisy the web-sized images will appear:
- The sensor model
- How much downsizing is done (from 12 Mpix or from 2 Mpix to web size? For example)
- How much noise reduction is applied
- Which RAW-converter is used (the one inside the camera counts as well ;))
- How much post exposure compensation/contrast/brigthness tweaking has been done
- What color temperature is chosen (apparently, the blue channel is particularly prone to noise, so "compensating" for typical warm lights will add noise.
- Temperature (of the sensor, Celsius/Fahrenheit). The more heat the more noise (not sure how much this affects, only that there is a distinctive lack of noise when shooting in cold temperatures). I'd have ice in my camera bag if that wouldn't cause condensation problems when I take the camera out of the bag.
- The tonality of the image will make a difference to the perceived noise.
- The ISO-setting :)

[René Damkot]

(noisy girls are annoying)

:lol:

[ModernPics]

Thanks guys for your comments....

Oh and thank you very much for allowing me to use you guys as examples!

To me I think it is somewhat of a interesting topic...

Now I am kinda on the low end of gear, I currently have a Canon 10d so I am maxed at 6 mega pix...

Would that play into noise as well?

Sorry if these are basic photog 101 questions but I am in hopes others will gain a bit of knowledge here too.


Cheers!