Running a noise program - RAW

I am pretty new at the post stuff. I shot some raw photos in the ISO 1000 plus range. I have DPP and Neat Image. Can I work with the image in RAW or do I need to convert to JPEG for noise removal. I understand RAW is the best way to shoot as you have more to work with in post? Please offer some suggestions!

What RAW conversion software are you using?

Hi. I have the Canon software that came with the camera.

You'd want to convert to TIFF format (16-bit preferably) before running your Noise Reduction.

If you intend to print your photos I'd suggest you do a test print before running NR because in most cases noise that's noticeable on a screen is invisible in a print.

Would you do things like contrast, WB, saturation, horizons first in RAW then go to Noise or vice versa and sharpen last?

Everything that can be done in the RAW converter should be done there; then convert to TIFF and run NR. Then if needed resize your image and add your final sharpening.

Thank you for the help!

Is DPP the best option or should I look at Lightroom?

Opinions vary about that

I have both, and prefer DPP for IQ, LR for workflow to web.

FedkaTheConvict wrote in post #7000823
You'd want to convert to TIFF format (16-bit preferably) before running your Noise Reduction.

I am in the same boat as Habenero, just getting started in post processing RAW images using DPP. Why do you suggest converting to TIFF as opposed to JPEG format? I assumed since the camera converts to JPEG that it was the best format to use for the finished product for viewing and printing.

JPEG only gives you 8-bit color depth. TIFF can give you 16-bit color depth (which is far more than your display can render). There's a lot more info in a 16-bit image than in an 8-bit image.

Nik define will work on your RAW mages

http://www.niksoftware​.com/dfine/en/entry.ph​p

It won't work on the RAW file directly. It still needs to be converted to something else.

neil_r wrote in post #7001230
Nik define will work on your RAW mages

http://www.niksoftware​.com/dfine/en/entry.ph​p

Since the OP said he has DPP and Neat Image telling him about a Photoshop noise reduction plugin seems rather pointless.

Wow, lots of confusing advice on this thread.

Just open your CR2 images in DPP and play with the 2 sliders on the NR/Lens tab. You can usually do quite nicely with those two. If those can't clean it up, export it as a HQ JPEG and run it through neatimage if you like.

One thing I would add is to not expect perfection at 100% view for a high ISO image. I would try to make it look acceptable at 50% view and then it will look great at almost any normal print sizes (like up to 11x14")

If you do not have the Adobe plug-in you'll have to run the batch version. It will only open tiff, bmp, or jpg. Of those tiff would be preferred.