Noise Ninja - Which version?

I have played around with a few noise reduction programs and have concluded to buy Noise Ninja.

It seems to be best to have the bundle that plugs in to Adobe (right now using PE3) as I am there processing images anyway. And it does come as a stand alone version too. Is this what others use?

The big question. Is it worthwhile to upgrade to the Pro bundle? Is their an advantage to processing at 16 bit compared to 8 bit as I have to reduce to 8 bit to do most other processing anyway. The other advantages seem to be batch processing and multiprocessing support. I do't seem to need to reduce noise on many images (maybe 2% tops) so would I benefit.

I am only an avid amateur photography shooting mostly candids, with a far biit of macro & landscape, and plan on a mini-studio setup in time. I do find I have to push the ISO often as I do shoot a fair bit under low light conditions. I also plan to upgrade to CS2 in time.

Maybe for only $35 more I should just bite the bullet and get the Pro Bundle anyway.

I strongly believe in editing in 16-bit mode, but many don't. Perhaps a little research will tell you if you need or want the 16-bit PS plugin version. It doesn't sound like you need batch processing capabilities though, so that's a tough call just for 16-bit support.

I would most definitely get the plugin version nut just because it's convenient to use in PS but because you can use much of PS's power while reducing noise. Things like masks can make a huge difference in the end results, allowing you to protect the edges from the NR process.

I only ever use the standalone NN when I have a large number of images to process - usually I use the PS plugin. I bought the best version because I sometimes use 16-bit, but it wouldn't bother me to only have the 8 bit version either.

Last time I checked, the cost to upgrade is equal to the price difference between the two versions. It's the same software, just a different license that enables the expanded capabilities.

So start with the basic version, and if you someday decide you need the pro license, it won't cost you any more than if you had bought that in the first place.

That's what I did. I upgraded for the batch processing capability alone, because I process large bunches of theatre shots at ISO 1600. Everyone's needs are different.

Thanks for the input all.

Curtis, thanks for pointing out the upgrades to me. You are right, it would cost exactly the same to buy the Home bundle, then upgrade if I need to as I am not too sure that I would need the batch processing. The main reason I would get it would be for the 16-bit processing. For that reason I will do a bit of researching. I guess I might as well start here to find out the pros and cons of 16-bit over 8-bit processing.

I have quite a good understanding of photography right up to and including the image capture, but beyong that the world of post processing sure is a big daunting one with lots and lots to learn. I am slowly getting their but still have a long way to go.

I've been running Photoshop since it came out, and I'm still learning every day and there's still lots to learn.