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01/14/2005 09:57:02 PM · #1 |
| is it worth getting the program?? |
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01/14/2005 10:01:41 PM · #2 |
The demo version only saves at very high compression (low quality). I would never recommend using it for a challenge, let alone something htat's going to be displayed larger or printed.
It is defintiely worth getting, if you plan on learning it well and using it to it's fullest. The best path, IMO, is to buy the version that has the PS plug-in functionality, I believe it's referred to as the "pro" version. This allows you to work within photoshop and mask areas that you do not want the noise reduction run on.
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01/14/2005 10:43:08 PM · #3 |
I'm not sure... I think the demo does a half decent job. I've used it when needed, both in challenges and/or just in general.
Make sure you get the profile for your camera to use with it.
I don't have the original handy but I used it on this shot and it cleaned up nicely, the mist/background area.
It was taken at dusk and my camera doesn't do well at high ISO and it did a nice job at cleaning up the image.
But I'm sure like Kirbic said, you will probably benefit more with the pro version which I've looked at but will have to wait. But to quote '.. going to be displayed larger or printed..' I agree it does do high compression (low quality) ...
But Free is Free so enjoy at your own risk! |
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01/14/2005 10:46:59 PM · #4 |
I have never tried NeatImage. I run a PS plugin called "jpeg repair" that I think is accomplishing the same thing, but I don't know for sure. Anyone have any experience in this? And how much is NeatImage Pro going for anyway?
Robt.
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01/14/2005 10:51:05 PM · #5 |
Here is the info on pricing of the different versions. Looks like they've changed things up a bit. Now the Home+ and Pro+ versions include the plug-in, whereas the Pro version does not. Strange. Pro and pro+ support 16-bit/channel images, another good feature.
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01/14/2005 11:45:09 PM · #6 |
That's an intersting looking tool. My jpeg repair plugin works about as well as neatimage seems to (based on their samples) when clearing up artefacts and grain. I have never tried it on such issues as "banding", and it won't make camera profiles or any such. I paid 19.95 for it I believe, and it's indispensible to me. If I didn't have it, I'd get NeatImage for sure right now.
As for the lack of the plugin in the "pro" version, makes sense to me. 4 Levels of price; bare bones, bare bones + plugin; 16-bit, 16-bit + plugin.
Robt.
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01/15/2005 12:41:43 AM · #7 |
RulerZigzag, at your level the demo will probably serve your purposes adequately. At least for challenge images anyway. No sense paying to get the plug-in version if you don't have the big proggy to plug it into. Some peeople like to use Neat Image early in their workflow, others make it the last step. If it's your last step the compression will not be much of a problem as you are likely taking your image down in size for a challenge, or other web use. If it's early in your workflow the compression could be problematic, and your end product will still contain any noise or artifacts that are introduced during processing after NI. Whatever version you use, and no matter where in the process you choose to use it, a camera profile will improve the results. You can download one from the NI site, or use the instructions to make your own. Making your own is pretty easy and you'll have the comfort of knowing that it suits your camera as well as can be.
When you get to the point of wanting to make large size prints you'll want to get a better version to get away from the compression factor.
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01/15/2005 01:03:25 AM · #8 |
| Yes Coolhar, that is what I figured. I guess low compression is ok for small sizes. I am only using Neat image demo. It is pretty good. I guess eventually I will move to expanded programs. I am currently trying to get used to the Gimp. |
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01/15/2005 01:32:14 AM · #9 |
You could also buy the Pro version and upgrade later to the Pro+ version (paying the difference between the two versions) if you find that you need the PS plug-in. This is what I did - haven't needed the plugin, but I can see how it might be useful.
I recommend buying the software over using the demo.
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01/15/2005 03:14:58 AM · #10 |
I have the stand-alone home version. You can use this with photoshop by copying the file, neatimaging it outside PS, then adding it back to the original file in PS as a layer. This layer can be manipulated like any other, including masking to apply neatimage to only specified areas.
The workflow using plug-in would be much more convenient, but the functionality is still there in the home version. |
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