Is that amount of "snow-like" noise normal for 7D? Sample images inside

[birdbrain]

That's terrible I would burn the camera myself.

 

[dbirling]

My film camera could produce way better images with the cap on!

 

[mmullen]

Since I might have to invest in some RAW image processing software anyway, I would like to have your input on which one you use, in particular for handling high ISO images.

I use DPP and then if the image needs further processing I import a TIFF into PS3. But for processing images taken with the lenscap on all you need is DPP.

If you find the small amount of noise troubling on these "lenscap" photos it's because you haven't perfected your PP skills yet. I generally don't take photos of unlit scenes that are completely out of focus at high ISO but, if I did, I would simply turn the two noise reduction sliders in DPP all the way up to max. You will not lose any detail and the noise will be gone. ;-)

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Mike Mullen