Digital Image Noise
Posted by Diana Eftaiha on Dec 14, 2010 in Photography Articles | 5 comments
Digital Image Noise is one of the most irritating issues introduced with digital photography, and sensor manufacturers are constantly looking to perfect their designs and reduce this issue to a minimum.
Image Noise in digital photography is the equivalent of grain in film, only problem is that noise detracts from the quality of the photo while grain can actually be considered to add an aesthetic value.
Digital Image Noise becomes more troubling when shooting under low light conditions (also known as Dark Current Shot Noise), higher sensor sensitivity (Higher ISO settings), and longer exposure times . While dark areas in a photo remain relatively low on detail, noise patterns are not very visible. Problem occurs when trying to open up shadow details. Noise also is more apparent in smooth even areas in a photo such as blue skies, or out of focus areas and that is because of the lack of pixel details to compete with. Whereas areas of much detail make it harder for noise to be noticeable.
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NoiseNinja is a pretty neat software you can use, stand-alone or as a plugin in Photoshop to reduce noise significantly. That’s what I use when working with images taken at higher ISO settings. Works like a charm.
I do my noise image reduction in Camera Raw. the new version is far more efficient than previous releases. have never tried noiseninja though i hear about it a lot. is it worth getting a copy or if ACR good enough?
Generally speaking, a dedicated noise reduction tool is better than a Raw conversion tool. Although Noise Ninja doesn’t work with Raw files. If you want Noise Ninja in your Raw workflow, take a look at Bibble.
My suggestion is that you try it out and compare the results. I believe there is a trial version you can download.
Embrace the noise as part of the characteristic of digital. Early fast film – particularly colour slide – was very grainy but could be used to great effect.
grainy/noisy can be good. Nothing so far digital can compete with Kodachrome 25 but it is a different medium so let’s use what we have been given
I too use the noise reduction tool camera raw provides. i see it really does a great job (not prior to CS5 though, those sucked big time). plus you get to dial in contrast detail back though i barely do. the noise reduction tool is actually smart now.
i agree with the above comment that we need to embrace what we have but you know how a clean clear photo looks so great makes you wanna cry