Best noise software?

[rbmphoto]

Have seen many mentioned in various posts, but curious about current thoughts on available noise reducing software.

There's always the hope that the D3/D300 will negate the need (ha), but there are always the old film ones to scan...

 

[RLewis]

I personally use Noiseware and like the ease of use. I shoot some stock photos and had an issue with the Capture NX noise reduction. Even on lower settings I was getting rejections on "over filtration". I don't get that with Noiseware.

I have read some reviews though that suggest Neat Image is the best of the group. If it matters, Thom Hogan recommended Neat Image at one point I believe.

The best thing to to is download the trial version and give all of them a go.

Rick
http://www.ricklewisphotography.com/

 

[disneymike]

The best noise reduction software I know of are:

Dfine
Neat Image
Noise Ninja
Noiseware

I have used all three and can recommened them highly. They each have a different interface and as such I would suggest you try the demo versions to help make your choice.

-Michael

 

[craigamey]

The best noise reduction software I know of are:

Dfine
Neat Image
Noise Ninja
Noiseware

I have used all three and can recommened them highly. They each have
a different interface and as such I would suggest you try the demo
versions to help make your choice.

All three indeed. Dfine is not even close to being in the same league as the others (all three of them). I tested it alongside Neat Image and Noise Ninja and it was a joke. I use Neat Image and am very impressed with it. Don't know about Noiseware but Ninja was good too, I just like the interface on Neat Image better.

 

[disneymike]

LOL. I added Dfine as an afterthought, so that is why it says all three.

I only tried Dfine 2.0 briefly, but it does seem that the other three I mentioned are the ones to beat.

-Michael

 

[honeybadger319264]

I would disagree that Dfine 2.0 is not as good as the other three noise reduction software mentioned. I was an enthusiastic user of Noise Ninja, and then started using Nik Define 2.0. It has more control then the other apps, including the U Point control like in NX. You can control the color noise, selectively if you wish, or the contrast noise, reduce Jpeg artifacts, control edge sharpness, new processing engine, and selectively control the application of noise reduction as a Photoshop layer. I did several careful tests against Noise Ninja and Dfine was remarkable in its ability to get rid of the noise without smearing any detail. Try a 15 day trial and see if it's for you.

Honeybadger.

 

[montereyphoto]

I know that when I shoot at ISO 3200 with the D3 I will still need to use noise reduction software, the end result will just be better.

I have used all the major noise reduction software available for the PC and until recently had the best results with Noise Ninja. I upgraded Dfine from Nik Multimedia to version 2.0 and was amazed at how much better this software is than anything else I have used.

Dfine 2.0 reduces the noise with negligible impact on image sharpness which is a big problem with every other NR program I have used.

If you shoot in low light, tungsten light, subject with dark clothing or dark skin, noise will still be present and unless you like the grainy look, it will be important to have a good NR program. Dfine is far and away the best there is at the present time.

 

[BLuver]

Dfine 2.0...PERIOD!

 

[Ernie Misner]

Didn't I see someone here mention that Nik manufactures the NX software for Nikon, and that possibly one of the newer versions of NX had Nik's remarkable noise reduction Noise Ninja?) built into NX? Perhaps I misread, thanks for any input.

Ernie Misner

 

[joe field]

Here is a lengthy but maybe dated (2005) review on noise reduction sw.

http://www.michaelalmond.com/Articles/noise.htm

My picks are:

Neat Image
Noise Ninja
Noiseware

Crucial to any of them for me is how much detail is retained at a set noise reduction.

Joe

 

[honeybadger319264]

Didn't I see someone here mention that Nik manufactures the NX
software for Nikon, and that possibly one of the newer versions of NX
had Nik's remarkable noise reduction Noise Ninja?) built into NX?
Perhaps I misread, thanks for any input.

Nikon NX does not use the Dfine 2.0 processing engine for their noise reduction, they use the same U Point tool but to different purpose.