I am looking for suggestions on incorporating noise reduction software (such as Topaz) into my Raw/LR workflow. Most software that I have researched said to leave sharpening to zero, prior to NR. Others say that you need to still do some type of capture sharpening during Raw conversion and then apply NR. Is there a problem doing all adjustments in LR and exporting as a TIFF or PSD with sharpening applied and then running the NR software 1st in PS? Then after all adjustments sharpen the master file again.
Any help or guidance on a NR workflow that works for you is appreciated.
With Neat Image you build a profile specifically for your normal RAW conversion parameters. You can one for sharpening, and one for no sharpening if you want.
Thanks for your reply. I will have to check on Neat Image. I had researched Noise Ninja and Topaz but not NI. Other than ACR or LR noise reduction, I've never used a NR plug-in. I'm currently trying Topaz's trial version. Are you happy with Neat Image and have you tried others?
I used NeatImage for years and really liked it, if you go for it, it's well worth taking the time to profile your camera and you have a very controlled method of removing noise. I find a touch of sharpening at conversion stage is always useful, regardless of whether I am doing/needing NR or not.
I still have NeatImage but recently tired Nik Software's DFine 2.0, very impressive and I have been using just this for the last few weeks. Control points can be very useful, plus the simple ability to be able to paint on NR is helpful.
Alistair Watson wrote:
I used NeatImage for years and really liked it, if you go for it, it's well worth taking the time to profile your camera and you have a very controlled method of removing noise. I find a touch of sharpening at conversion stage is always useful, regardless of whether I am doing/needing NR or not.
You can download profiles for many cameras too
I still have NeatImage but recently tired Nik Software's DFine 2.0, very impressive and I have been using just this for the last few weeks. Control points can be very useful, plus the simple ability to be able to paint on NR is helpful.
I always do noise reduction with Neat Image on a duplicate layer. Apply a mask - and you can paint it in - either with a white or black mask as appropriate.
Light is Good wrote:
Thanks for your response. I'll also try and research the Dfine product. Does it work as a standalone application?
Ansley
I have Dfine for LR. Creates a new TIFF which you import back into LR.
I believe its the same for Aperture.
The PS version, much more expensive, creates a new, editable layer.
All versions use control points to selectively control noise reduction.
I dont think there is a stand-alone product.
Free trial download available at Nik.
