De-Noise

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
December 28, 2021
5 replies
580 views

I originally started using Creative Cloud LR only on iPad / MacBook but have since upgraded to LR/PS + 1TB. I have completed a 34 section LR online tutorial done by the master - Ben Willmore, and about to start his PS one. He did not spend a lot of time of Noise and Sharpening.

I do mostly Birds, and becuase of high SS and f8 I often end up with cropped images that could use some sharpening. I have attached a sample.

Would you advise I purchase Topaz DeNoise or some other software that would be compatible with LRC (I have since installed this on my MacBook Pro) ?

macOS

This topic has been closed for replies.

kentdesign

Community Expert

Oh I think you should definitely look at Topaz! I do use it and like it, however like I said before, there are others. I also have Akvis plug ins and love them for different reasons.

Topaz has always made excellent products - so definitely try the free trial downloads!!

And when you sharpen, you should look at the photo at 100%, not just using the little enlarging square.

D

DS256

Inspiring

"Would you advise I purchase Topaz DeNoise or some other software that would be compatible with LRC" As others have stated, there is a lot you can do to remove noise/sharpen in LrC."

If you find that most of your pictures are noisy, then I'd suggest you may need to adjust your settings. This could be getting your DOF field better so you can open the lens more and shoot with a lower ISO. This may take some searching through 'birding' forums.

I use, and like Topaz Denoise. It has a free trial so is worth downloading to give it a try. Note, that they have gone to a subscription plan for updates. I'm on an older version at present. Also, Topaz is sneaky. Both their Denoise and Sharpening tools provide denoise and sharpening features but not the equal for both.

One feature I like is that there is a view that shows the original and all 3 of choices in my version. Attached is an example.

jimfastcar2398Author

Inspiring

Thanks for this.

I use a 100-400 Sony + 1.4 TC so the fastest aperture is f8, when I am shooting twitchy subjects like Warblers, I am compelled to use at least 1/1200 SS - unless a sparkling bright day, ISO + 1000.

I have tried many setting changes including crop mode, but hard to get absolutely crisp, thus my quest for a small amount of sharpening.

I was leaning towards not getting Topaz, your post compels me to take another look. Thanks for your time

kentdesign

Community Expert

All application companies will of course tell you theirs is better. And depending you might just like one more than another.

Truthfully, the best you can do is download the free trials of Topaz, and also I suggesst downloading the free trial versions of the De noise and Sharpen applications from Akvis (akvis.com). I have tried on my own several times, using one image, making three virtual copies, de noising and sharpening one in LR, then denoising and sharpening with Topaz plug ins, and then with Akvis plug ins.... basically first doing de noise, and on another test doing sharpen.

Then I look at all 3 to compare. I also ask others their opinions and it seemed the opinions were all over the board. Some thought one was better, others could not decide. In my opinion it seemed to depend on the image content.

Moral of the story - all these applications use their own algorithms. I suggest you try it several ways and see which one you like better, using trial software of course.

There may be one that is technically better than the others, maybe at a pixel level, but if you like one better or do not see a difference, you are the photographer, the artist, so it is your choice!

jimfastcar2398Author

Inspiring

@kentdesign thanks for your considered response

Appreciate your time

Todd Shaner

Legend

I find LrC Detail panel sharpening and noise reduction controls work quite well. You can also use Photo> Enhance feature to provide additional image detail. I have no experience with Topaz tools. Compare it to LrC and see for yourself.

https://www.topazlabs.com/

Todd Shaner

Legend

Some basics on sharpening and noise reduction using LR Desktop & Mobile.

https://helpx.adobe.com/in/lightroom-cc/how-to/sharpen-photos.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/in/lightroom-cc/how-to/reduce-noise-in-photos.html