Nik Dfine vs LR4.3 built-in noise reduction?

i've been using LR for noise reduction all along (only a couple out of thousands of photos, thanks to the superb sensor on my 5d2). while LR performs well most of the time, it sometimes smudges my photos even though i apply really light reduction on my iso6400 photos (i.e. 15/100 setting).

i was just curious how dedicated noise reduction plugins like nik Dfine - how do they perform in relation to LR?

Please try to stick to the topic as much as possible. thanks!

Er, why not try out Nik Dfine for yourself? LINK

It may be a good idea to really check out the 'Detail' and 'Masking' functions in LR.

the.forumer wrote in post #15415302
i was just curious how dedicated noise reduction plugins like nik Dfine - how do they perform in relation to LR?

Last time I used a specific noise plugin (NeatImage), was while still using PSCS4/LR3.

Since LR4, I haven't felt the need: even for slightly underexposed ISO 6400 shots, LR4 is plenty IMO.

So: You might see a benefit, if you look for it. But it won't be huge if you know how to use LR4 sharpening and NR.

René Damkot wrote in post #15416461
Last time I used a specific noise plugin (NeatImage), was while still using PSCS4/LR3.

Since LR4, I haven't felt the need: even for slightly underexposed ISO 6400 shots, LR4 is plenty IMO.

So: You might see a benefit, if you look for it. But it won't be huge if you know how to use LR4 sharpening and NR.

I have to agree with this, used Neatimage until LR4, since then never looked back.

hollis_f wrote in post #15415487
Er, why not try out Nik Dfine for yourself? LINK

It may be a good idea to really check out the 'Detail' and 'Masking' functions in LR.

i've tried it, and see not much difference between LR4 and Dfine.. but i haven no idea why people are raving about it over LR4. that's why i'm asking..

The Lightroom / Adobe Camera Raw noise reduction algorithms are just as good really. What Dfine and other products give you is more (easier) control. Nik software stuff has neat auto masking features where you select what you want and don't want, so it might be worth trying it. Download the trial and go for it. Also can try topaz denoise.

Well, Dfine gives you masking and it's still the only NR solution that's capable of removing banding, if that's a problem for you.

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #15419464
Well, Dfine gives you masking and it's still the only NR solution that's capable of removing banding, if that's a problem for you.

I use Topaz Denoise and it does a decent job of removing both horizontal and vertical banding when necessary. Having said that, LR4 NR is quite good in most cases, I probably use it 98% of the time.

Stone 13 wrote in post #15419703
I use Topaz Denoise and it does a decent job of removing both horizontal and vertical banding when necessary. Having said that, LR4 NR is quite good in most cases, I probably use it 98% of the time.

Topaz has it now too? does it do cross-banding removal as well (V+H)? But yeah, C1 and LR4 are easily enough for 99% of things, unless you really need to get into masking.

Noiseware works really well. That's what I use compare to others.

I used to use the Noiseware plugin a lot with my 50D and 7D, with very good results.
I downloaded the trial for Nik's Dfine a year or so ago, but just found Noiseware to be easier to use and it gave me the results I wanted.
As others have said, LR's noise reduction is now so much better, even on it's default settings, as is CaptureOne Pro, which I use a lot.

Since getting my 5D MkIII I don't think I've had to use it

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #15419916
Topaz has it now too? does it do cross-banding removal as well (V+H)? But yeah, C1 and LR4 are easily enough for 99% of things, unless you really need to get into masking.

Yep,

In Topaz Denoise there are checkboxes for V & H. Checking both boxes does cross-banding removal.

LR4 noise reduction is very good for most of my needs. I only use Dfine on some HDR photographs.