NeatImage - Profilling

[FlyingPete]

I have NeatImage Pro4.4, that has been a life saver for my G3 when using ISO400, now that I am on s 20D, I haven't really needed it as much.

Anyway up until now I have downloaded premade profiles from the NeatImage site.

Would making my own produce better results? I have no idea of the quality of the downloadable ones, and there might be variations from camera to camera?

Next week I am shooting a concert, and probably mostly at 1600 but possibly 3200 as well...

[maderito]

I have NeatImage Pro4.4, that has been a life saver for my G3 when using ISO400, now that I am on s 20D, I haven't really needed it as much.

Anyway up until now I have downloaded premade profiles from the NeatImage site.

Would making my own produce better results? I have no idea of the quality of the downloadable ones, and there might be variations from camera to camera?

Next week I am shooting a concert, and probably mostly at 1600 but possibly 3200 as well... Accurate noise profiles are specific to the shooting conditions and the post-processing steps that occur before you commit the image to NI noise reduction. JPEGs would have different profiles than TIFs. RAW processing applications typically have built-in noise reduction features which impact on the NI noise profile.

I find that my shooting conditions and post processing vary too much to work with pre-canned profiles. I typically make a profile for a batch of images, since the profile tends to stay fairly constant for a group of images captured under similar exposure, ISO and lighting conditions. Usually at least one image in the group has featureless regions appropriate for using the profiling tools.

If you're not making profiles using your actual imges, it's worth learning and experimenting how to do it. There are a lot of controls and options to manipulate - a bit overwhelming at first. Just start with the default settings and learn to use the auto profiling tools properly.

Sounds like you're planning on some high ISO shots. You will be pleased with the results - even with the premade profiles. Keep the noise reduction to a minimum - you won't need a lot with the 20D, except perhaps at ISO 3200. At high ISO levels, get correct exposures (and especially don't underexpose) and you'll reduce the demands on post processing noise reduction.

Post some pics from the concert. :D