RAW processing and grainy results

I have been trying to learn some things about post processing in DPP, but I have a slight issue with grainy results. In my apartment we don't get much light and I am trying to learn to shoot w/o flash for a bit, just to get better at metering. Because of my lenses I am limited as to what I can do. So I have had a few dark photos that I lighten up in DPP, but they are so grainy when I am finished. Any idea what I am doing wrong or how I can fix it? Thanks

It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. Severely underexposed photos are going to show considerable noise when one attempts to correct exposure during post-processing. A dedicated noise removal program (e.g., Noise Ninja) can help some but won't be a substitue for correct exposures in camera.

Ok sounds good. I will have to try and work earlier in the day and use a flash other times. Thanks

My impression, based on noise index figures when I was profiling my 20D in Noise Ninja, is that you're better off increasing the ISO than deliberately underexposing and fixing the results in the RAW converter - though there's not much in it.

If you have a tripod, you can use long exposures at ISO 100 - your results will probably be better if you turn on the custom function for long exposure noise reduction (possibly C.Fn 1).


Be aware that it's usually a bad idea to mix light sources of different colour temperature unless you're prepared for possible colour casts or messing around overlaying several exposures with different white balance results. This applies to mixing flash and ambient light too - either use just a touch of fill flash, or put the appropriate gel on the flash to match the colour temperature of the flash to the colour temperature of the ambient light.

As for learning about metering, the histogram is your friend! I have my camera set to display automatically with the histogram and "blinkies" after every shot.

David