7d noise reduction action with love! (dial-up users be warned: many samples)

Well, I've gotten the noise reduction action to the point where I feel like it may be worth sharing, so I figured I'd come post it. It's not much and it may not live up to your standards. I cannot be responsible if it eats your babies or destroys your sanity. Remember though: I'm just a woosy n00b, don't expect miracles!

The download link: http://rapidshare.com …/320125275/7d_b​y_Woos.zip
or http://www.mediafire.c​om …gyzdyocqtz/7d_b​y_Woos.zip

What you need: Photoshop CS4 and Neat Image 6.0 Pro or newer. If you don't have these then I'm sorry. Take solace in the fact that you are probably a better photographer than I am anyway and don't need any silly noise reduction actions--humph! I think there are trial versions of both available. I don't know if the trial version of Neat Image will work or not.

What it is: Noise reduction actions for the 7d for ISO 3200, 6400, and 12800.

How to install: Copy the profiles into the Neat Image profiles directory. Copy the presets into the Neat Image presets directory. Load the action into Photoshop. If you can't figure that part out I'm sorry--I suggest eating some pie and trying again.

How to use: Convert the images you wish to use in Digital Photo Professional. Use the Faithful picture style. Try to get the white balance as correct as possible. Use the default settings except turn both noise reduction sliders to 0. Save the images as JPEG or TIFF files in the sRGB color space. Alternatively, shoot JPEG in camera with the faithful picture style, noise reduction disabled, and the color space set to sRGB. Try to get the white balance as correct as...err, you probably got that the first time, right?

Samples: The samples are 50% crops (except the sample from Imaging-Resource). This was chosen so you could see a decent sized portion of the image to gauge the color blotches and because 100% crops are not really relevant to anything at this point. All files were processed in Digital Photo Professional using the faithful picture style. None of the images (except for the cat) were edited in any way other than running them through the action. The Imaging-Resource sample is a 100% crop because I know people will complain if there isn't one--just teasing! My images were taken under the worst lighting possible: The only light was from several dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs that were dimmed to the point where they were flickering badly. Properly exposed images taken in daylight will turn out substantially better.

ISO 3200 before:

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png'

Frequently asked questions:

1. The action errors out, why?
Use the noise reduction action immediately after opening the JPEG or TIFF file. If the file has layers or you've renamed the default background layer it doesn't work. Sorry!

2. The action takes forever to run, even on a Core i7 processor!
Don't convert your raw file into a 16-bit TIFF.

3. There are still horrible color blotches left over after running the action!
Use the strong setting for the appropriate ISO and make sure you have gotten the white balance as correct as possible.

4. I run the action and it does nothing!
Sometimes Neat Image just doesn't seem to do anything when called from the action. This happens to me quite often. Restart Photoshop and it should work properly.

5. The action doesn't run or runs improperly for some reason.
Sorry, there may be issues that prevent it from working that I don't know about. I can't really troubleshoot it for ya but if you figure things out feel free to modify it and upload a better version!

6. Your action is horrible. Do us all a favor and stop posting. I am way smarter than you and have a much better noise reduction method.
I'm sorry you don't like it. I don't have any ego to protect and if you can do a better job please do so and share it with the rest of us!

7. How the hell does *that* make the annoying color blotches go away? No, seriously, *that* shouldn't work without destroying all the detail!
Nice eh?

8. I want to complain to you about wasting my time OR your action changed my life and I want to PayPal you loads of cash to buy more lenses OR I am a cute single girl in the Portland Oregon area and want to hang out.
You can reach me at myglyn@gmail.com.