Noise reduction...

[InskiP]

plug-ins. Which is best? I've been trying to decide between Neat Image, Noise Ninja, and Noiseware. I was originally going to go with Neat Image but their Mac version is behind Windows, so I was a little discouraged by that. Also, it says to make a profile from a large area, do they all work this way? I mostly shoot portraits, so the largest area I'd have would be a cheek or forehead, as opposed to sky. I have a Mac and I use a 20D. I mostly have ISO noise because I often forget to change it (newbie mistake). I know the above mentioned sofwares aren't designed to remove film grain, but do they? Which is the most user friendly? Oh, and do you apply noise reduction as a first step before other editing? What happens when you use USM, do it bring back the noise?

Thanks

[gmitchel]

I have tried all three. To my eye, Neat Image Pro+ does the very best.

Vlad provides excellent customer service. He has true commitment to customer. I bought Neat Image. Upgraded to Pro+ when it was released. Since, updates have been free. There have been several.

Vlad has his own forums, too.

It's nice to do business with people who provide excellent customer service *AND* provide the best product as a reasonable price.

Cheers,

Mitch

[gmitchel]

Oh, how do I apply it?

I use my capture sharpening script to make a surface mask.

http://www.thelightsrightstudio.com/DigitalDarkroom/PhotoshopTools/TLRProfessionalSharpeningToolkit.htm

Then I use the surface mask as a layer mask for noise removal. I do noise removal after bringing the image in from ACR. I make a Merge All duplicate layer and add the layer mask using Reveal Selection. The layer mask keeps noise removal from softening the image too much.

If you look around the Tips section of my Digital Darkroom, you'll see more info on using a surface mask for noise removal.

Enjoy!

Cheers,

Mitch

[InskiP]

Well I finally managed to get the demo versions for Mac and will try out all three.
Like I said, I was originally going to go w/ Neat Image but the Mac versions/upgrades are lagging behind the Windows version. Not sure which operating system you use...Thanks for the info though.

[Maureen Souza]

I have been testing out quite a few over the summer and after a few tests on each, i bought Kodak's Gem Professional ($100). It smoothes the skin and has a very nice clarity option. I also have Neat Image but I think it looks a little more plastic to me.

[CyberPet]

I've tested 5 or 6 different ones, both very costly ones and cheaper ones. The best quality produced was from Noise Ninja and Neat Image (using the right profile for your camera and ISO setting). They tied more or less, the others were so-so and more expensive. So you won't go wrong with either Noise Ninja or Neat Image.

[lazersgm]

you can also look here http://www.fredmiranda.com/shopping/Xpro

[photofinish]

I use Photokit Sharpener and I love its simplicity and versatility. It allows me to tweak the final result. It also has some noise smoothing if you need it. Luminous Landscape gave it a good review here... (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/software/must-have.shtml). And here (http://www.pixelgenius.com/sharpener/info.html#) for the product itself.

[Rick Baker]

Neat Image Pro

[BLINN]

try photoshop CS2 there is a great noise reduction filter in it. better then NN of NI

[InskiP]

With Neat Image, what to you think gives the best method for profiling? Using downloadable pre-made profiles for your camera, making your own profiles w/ the calibration target, or profiling each image in NI individually? Does it matter?

[CyberPet]

BLINN, if the PS CS2 is better, what settings are you using? I can't even get close to the high quality I get with Noise Ninja.

[tommykjensen]

BLINN, if the PS CS2 is better, what settings are you using? I can't even get close to the high quality I get with Noise Ninja.

I would like to know that too.


Does Noise Ninja work as a plugin so it is done within PSCS2?

[InskiP]

Yes, I believe NN has both a plug-in and stand alone version.