Especially in the darker areas, the noise is really evident. It becomes even noisier if I apply dodging. I'm shooting in Aperture priority mode (f8-11 usually), ISO 64. These prosumer cameras (Minolta A2 in this case) are deadly on ISO 100 or above. I've fiddled with despeckling and dust&scratches filters on PS7, but they do little to assist in noise. Other than plunking down for Neat Image or Noise Ninja, is there anything that can cure my noise woes?
Fergulmcc From Ireland, joined Oct 2004, 1916 posts, RR: 54 Reply 3, posted (8 years 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 1008 times:
Apart from what you have already mentioned, ISO 100, good light conditions, digital is not good on dull days. Point and shoot camera's are known for their high noise levels. Try to avoid Neat Image at all cost, it really can destroy a photo. If used carefully it can be effective. Eric, (DLKAPA) has an excellent workflow if you visit his site, can't find the web address for it, maybe he will post it. You are more than welcome to e-mail me and I can give you a copy of my process as well.
Edoca From Belgium, joined Mar 2005, 687 posts, RR: 10 Reply 4, posted (8 years 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 968 times:
I recently started using Paint Shop Pro - the latest version has a "digital camera noise reduction" function which I find excellent. You can apply it to individual layers, it isn't as destructive as NeatImage, and PSP has some very good other quick-fix functions that really work for me.
I'd agree with DLKAPA and Fergul though, good light is the most important factor. I've got megabytes of noisy bad-weather pics I really like but can't upload, no matter how I try to improve the basic picture...
Philhyde From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 674 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (8 years 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 956 times:
Given the settings you mention, I think you really need to open up the aperture more in low-light. That should help out a lot. If you are using aperture priority mode, try to use the smallest aperture (higher number) so that you get a shutter speed in the 400-500 range. If you routinely shoot in low-light conditions, consider using a monopod to reduce camera shake and improve the quality of your shots. Using this technique, you could probably use shutter speeds down to 250.
Also, I'm no expert, but your shot doesn't look noisy to me. Rather, it looks like it's been compressed and the edges have been over-sharpened. Make sure you are taking pictures at maximum quality and resolution.
Senorcarnival From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (8 years 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 945 times:
Quoting Philhyde (Reply 5): Also, I'm no expert, but your shot doesn't look noisy to me. Rather, it looks like it's been compressed and the edges have been over-sharpened. Make sure you are taking pictures at maximum quality and resolution.
You are right. That's the second version (maybe third..) of that picture since the original, so it does have some JPG compression.
Quoting Fergulmcc (Reply 3): Eric, (DLKAPA) has an excellent workflow if you visit his site, can't find the web address for it, maybe he will post it. You are more than welcome to e-mail me and I can give you a copy of my process as well.
I usually use that workflow (and yours too, btw ), but I thought I'd do some tweaking of my own as well. Thank you though.
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), but I thought I'd do some tweaking of my own as well. Thank you though.
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