Post Processing Noise Reduction

[Trail Images]

Any positive input on noise reduction programs that actually work? I have used PS5 and NIK for years with mediocre success. Usually not an issue with exposures, but I have one or two direct into the sun starburst scenes where the dark areas are really trashed with noise. I have a revisit to the site on Tuesday for some retakes, but still curious of any users with real solutions. Thank you in advance for a product or ideas that work.

 

[koraks]

This is posted in Hybrid, so does this mean you're dealing with noise in scans? Or are we talking about digital captures?

 

[Trail Images]

This is posted in Hybrid, so does this mean you're dealing with noise in scans? Or are we talking about digital captures?

Scanned images. I've used both PS5 and NIK noise reductions with little success. Looking for those that have used other standalone or PS plugin software that are up to date and powerful.

 

[Chan Tran]

I found the scanner has very little noise as it has sufficient light for the exposure. If the OP said noise means grain then usually the scanner software does a better job.

 

[Trail Images]

I found the scanner has very little noise as it has sufficient light for the exposure. If the OP said noise means grain then usually the scanner software does a better job.

The noise is from usually underexposed area in the image. It is an item to be treated in post processing with various noise reduction software such as Topaz & DXO and others. Just looking for someone who has used a program they can recommend that works better than just basic inclusion programs.

 

[Chan Tran]

The noise is from usually underexposed area in the image. It is an item to be treated in post processing with various noise reduction software such as Topaz & DXO and others. Just looking for someone who has used a program they can recommend that works better than just basic inclusion programs.

If you scan from a negative then the underexposure part would have less noise from the scanner but more grain from the film.

 

[Trail Images]

A long time friend on another site who is a film scanner uses "Neat Image" and loves it. Anyone using that by chance with scanned film?

 

[Chan Tran]

I don't use it often but I do use the Grain Dissolver feature of the Minolta Dimag Dual Scan software. It works OK.

 

[dokko]

Scanned images. I've used both PS5 and NIK noise reductions with little success. Looking for those that have used other standalone or PS plugin software that are up to date and powerful.

The problem is that it‘s nearly impossible to eliminate scanner noise without affecting the grain texture.
If reducing/removing both is desired, NeatImage and Topaz AI both can do an amazing job.

Personally I really like the texture that film grain provides to an image, but dislike noise or other scanning artifacts, so in this case a clean scan is really the only option.