NeatImage-type program for Macs - DPChallenge Forums

08/23/2004 02:50:34 PM · #1

:( Someone just told me I needed to use NeatImage on one of my entries... that's all well and good, but I'm on a Mac. What do other Mac users use? Or do you just do stuff with Photoshop (and if that's the case, can you walk me through a typical noise-reduction session)? I just downloaded a trial version of NoiseNinja, but there wasn't a noticeable difference on my photo. I love the images that I've seen that have used NeatImage-- and I want mine to look that good. Thanks in advance.

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

08/23/2004 02:55:43 PM · #2

Macs stink - get a PC

Being serious - you could use a progranm called Virtual PC. When I used a mac a while ago that was the way I got around it.

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

08/23/2004 02:59:35 PM · #3

Plenty here: Noise reduction tools for Mac

let us know your findings :D

08/23/2004 03:04:58 PM · #4

Thanks! Will do!!

08/23/2004 03:23:30 PM · #5

Noise Ninja 2.0 for Mac OSX you can get a demo HERE. It is even better than Neatimage.

08/23/2004 03:25:03 PM · #6

Originally posted by jonpink:

Macs stink - get a PC

Being serious - you could use a progranm called Virtual PC. When I used a mac a while ago that was the way I got around it.

...LOL yah get a PC and spend your time fighting popups, viruses, trojans and doing the 3 finger (Ctrl-Alt-Del) salute to get it to work again! :P

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

08/23/2004 03:35:25 PM · #7

Originally posted by doctornick:

Originally posted by jonpink:
Macs stink - get a PC

Being serious - you could use a progranm called Virtual PC. When I used a mac a while ago that was the way I got around it.

...LOL yah get a PC and spend your time fighting popups, viruses, trojans and doing the 3 finger (Ctrl-Alt-Del) salute to get it to work again! :P

LMAO!! I gotta forward this to my husband (he's a pcWeenie, bless his heart). He's constantly having to fiddle around with his 'puter to get it do just about anything. LOL

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

08/23/2004 03:36:05 PM · #8

NoiseNinja didn't seem to work well -- maybe I need to play with it some more. I downloaded the demo for GrainSurgery... Woah. It looks REALLY awesome, just a tad expensive.

GrainSurgery

Message edited by author 2004-08-23 15:37:00.

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

08/23/2004 03:43:21 PM · #9

As someone who has used a PC and Mac simultaneously for the last 5 years - I can say with absolute certainty that software crashes a lot more often than it does on PC.

The operating system is better, but the independent software like Photosho, Dreamweaver etc run badly

Thats why I prefer PC - I never lose my work halfway through designing something.

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

08/23/2004 04:02:54 PM · #10

Originally posted by jonpink:

Really? Seriously?? That's just not right! I'd have your Mac looked at or run some maintenance or something. And please understand, I was kidding with my first post - I don't care what kind of computer anybody uses. If it gets the job done, then it's peachy! That being said, my first Mac, a 15" flat-panel iMac, ran perfectly as does the G5 I replaced it with. I have NEVER lost work due to a crash or anything. And I think my [collective] Macs have crashed - I dunno - maybe 3 times in 2 & 1/2 years. I guess I'm just lucky but that's why I love my Mac - it just works!

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

08/23/2004 04:07:55 PM · #11

I have a question about this noise reduction thing... Some photos that I've seen and admired on this site look really smooth and creamy (make sense?). Like the blue-ribbon "Road to Denali" for example. Is that look achieved by using noise reduction software?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

08/23/2004 04:26:42 PM · #12

Originally posted by digistoune:

In specific cases where you're wondering and it's not in the details, I suggest PMing the photog. They're usually happy to answer questions, and it can be a great learning experience.
In general, that "smooooth" look can be due to noise reduction software, or it may not. A "soft-focus" technique may have been used, for instance, or the subject was naturally very smooth and the source image was quite low in noise. Downsampling is also a noise-reduction technique, so to speak, and of course pretty much all images here are downsampled.

08/23/2004 04:39:59 PM · #13

Here is my NoiseNinja comparison. Thanks doctornick and jonpink for the advice. A little reading in the help menu showed me how to use the program.

Before NoiseNinja:

After NoiseNinja:

I hope the results show up in the lower-res versions, because the hi-res ones look good. (I haven't bought the program yet, hence the gridlines.)

Anyway, good recommendation. Much cheaper than GrainSurgery. :)

Message edited by author 2004-08-23 16:40:59.

08/23/2004 04:46:05 PM · #14

What ISO setting are you susing on you camera? To reduce the noise use the lowest ISO available.

08/23/2004 04:49:27 PM · #15

I'm still learning... so I was using Auto ISO, but I just checked and it was still at 50... it was just a really hazy day in Dallas, and I had to bump the saturation and brightness up a lot. The original's really dark.

Doctornick, since you suggested NoiseNinja, do I need the professional edition (16-bit TIFF output (48 bits per pixel)) or the home edition (8-bit TIFF outpout (24 bits per pixel))? I'm assuming I should just bite the bullet and get the pro edition for $69... is that a safe assumption?

08/23/2004 04:55:17 PM · #16

Lori, the Pro edition will allow you to manipulate 16-bit images that you usually get from converting RAW files to 16-bit TIFF's. I don't know about your Olympus camera. But I'd get the Pro edition to be on the safe side and to have more flexibility should your needs grow.

08/23/2004 04:58:08 PM · #17

Again, THANK YOU for your help. I'm a happier little camper today. :D