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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Neat Image (when to use)?
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 09/04/2006 04:21:14 PM · #1
Being new to Neat Image, at which point in the post-production stage should Neat Image be used?

Do I use it before I use USM? After? Before or after cropping? Traditionally, I use USM as the last step (even after resizing for these challenges). Should Neat Image be the last step?

Thanks!
--Les
09/04/2006 04:22:43 PM · #2
Originally posted by lesgainous:
Should Neat Image be the last step?

Thanks!
--Les


NeatImage or noise reduction should be first. Sharpening should be the last.
 09/04/2006 04:23:22 PM · #3
ALWAYS use Neat Image before any type of sharpening. Sharpening changes the nature or "signature" of the noise, and makes it more difficult for any program to clean it up. Generally, doing USM last is a good thing. Neat Image can really be done any time, as long as the image hasn't been sharpened.
 09/04/2006 04:23:54 PM · #4
You typically want to use Neat Image as your very first step. The reason being that any other post-processing you do can amplify the noise in the file.

For instance, if you run USM on a noisy image, you end up sharpening the noise. Bump up contrast: bump up the contrast of the noise...
 09/04/2006 05:06:05 PM · #5
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
You typically want to use Neat Image as your very first step. The reason being that any other post-processing you do can amplify the noise in the file.

For instance, if you run USM on a noisy image, you end up sharpening the noise. Bump up contrast: bump up the contrast of the noise...


On the other hand, I personally have found that some of the changes I make to levels/contrast/hue/whatever can affect *how* I want NI to affect my picture. But that's when I use it to get a filter type of effect, not just simple noise reduction.
 09/07/2006 10:35:18 PM · #6
Has anyone ever used Grain Surgery? How does this compare to Neat Image?
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