Advice on Noise Removal Programs

[BWiley]

What is the best way to minimize/remove noise from images? I've noticed that several programs can be purchased as plugins to Photoshop, but have yet to try them. Their prices also vary considerably.

Most of my images were shot with a Canon 1Ds and include both RAW files and JPGs shot at maximum rez. My goal is to make big enlargements, so anyone with advice would be appreciated.

Also, I have a couple of important images that show some moire effect. Is there a plugin or way to minimize that problem also?

Thanks,
Bill

[mapollo]

You could try Neat Image. As far as I can tell the Demo version is free but it doesn't work inside PS as a plugin (you have to register and pay for that feature). It does have a batch processing feature which I have not used but which could be usefull.
Take a few noisy shots, download the demo and give it a try. It works nicely for me.

Hope that helps,

David...

[Jesper]

Have a look at this: Noise Reduction Tool Comparison (http://www.michaelalmond.com/Articles/noise.htm)

[Volatile]

I like that comparison, but it only looks into Neat Image 2.5, whereas 4.0 is the current version.

I love Neat Image, but I haven't tried others because they are either too expensive, don't have a working demo, or whatever. I used the demo for a while, and eventually paid $75 to have all the features.

Here is a sample:
http://members.cox.net/erin555/Neat%20image%20at%20work.jpg

[chris.bailey]

I use NIK's DFine as it works as a PS plug in and is very easy to use with a number of Quick Fix settings that normally do the trick.

[Jesper]

I use NIK's DFine as it works as a PS plug in and is very easy to use with a number of Quick Fix settings that normally do the trick.
NeatImage 4.0 also works as a plug-in, not only for Photoshop 5, 6, 7 and CS, but also for PS Elements 2.0, Paint Shop Pro 7 and 8 and some other image editing programs (see the feature map (http://www.neatimage.com/featuremap.html)).

[BWiley]

Thanks for the information. Good feedback.
Bill

[bctrout]

I recently found out about the Helicon Noise Filter on another forum. It's the only noise filter I've tried, but it does a great job, and it's free. You can download it at http://www.helicon.com.ua/pages/index.php?noisefilter