Noise Reduction

[dvtldav]

I am looking at getting noise reduction software and I was wondering what other people used and how they like what they are using. I am looking at "Noiseware", "Noise Ninja" & "DFine2" by Nik Software.
Thanks for your help.

Dave

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by dvtldav

I am looking at getting noise reduction software and I was wondering what other people used and how they like what they are using. I am looking at "Noiseware", "Noise Ninja" & "DFine2" by Nik Software.
Thanks for your help.

Dave

I used to use NN, and still do if I'm in CS5, but I find the LR3 facility to be just as good and obviously as a feature, not a stand alone module, easier to use.

[Doug Sundseth]

Lightroom 3, but I use LR3 for most things.

[gturner]

Lightroom has EXCELLENT noise reduction, esp. for files. I have run jpegs through with some success, but it tends to smooth the jpegs more than just clean up the noise.

Cannot recommend LR3 highly enough... if you are considering a paid solution

[ArmySoldier777]

If you're working in Photoshop, the Raw editor has amazing noise reduction. Noise reduction on the original raw file will always give you the best results. After that noise reduction, I use the Topaz Denoise plugin while working in PS. Better noise reduction than Any of the other high end programs or plugins, other than what's already built into Adobe, and I've tested them all. It completely blows NoiseNinja and the rest out of the water.

[zona5101]

I have used the community edition of Noiseware. For a free solution it is very good. I have LR3 and it's noise reduction is pretty remarkable. Earlier versions of LR NR were not is good as the current. I also own Nik Dfine2 and for me it is even better than LR3. When I need critical NR it is my go to application. Everyday stuff I'll stick with LR but when it needs a bit more precision, I use Dfine. It's big advantage for me is the automatic NR calculation engine to optimize the NR for an individual shot.

[Bruce A]

Yes, I do it in the Raw first and also when necessary I use Dfine2 also. Does a great job.

[Jim Poor]

Lightroom does NOT have noise reduction. ACR does, and LR uses ACR.

All that said, NR is rarely necessary for prints. Ink spread kills the noise. Web display is another issue. I used Noise Ninja for a long time, but stopped a year or so ago. I routinely shoot up in the ISO 12,800 range.

[Doug Sundseth]

Lightroom has noise reduction. The Develop module in LR is not the same as ACR, though it uses (I suspect) most of the same code. If you doubt this, try using the Tone Curve tab in both ACR and LR3; the controls are not the same.

[dvtldav]

Thanks for all of your replies. I have LR3 & CS5 so I think I will save my money for now and see how those work out.

Dave