Acceptable level of noise for prints? I am looking for information or samples regarding acceptable levels or noise for larger prints (16x20+) I am a pixel-peeper. I often shoot...

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Acceptable level of noise for prints?

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Mar 7, 2013 13:52:21 #

joelmeaders Loc: Denver, CO USA

I am looking for information or samples regarding acceptable levels or noise for larger prints (16x20+)

I am a pixel-peeper. I often shoot landscapes and other art in ISO 100-400 and noise is not an issue. When I shoot concerts I use ISO1600-3200 and the noise is way too much for my taste.

Does anyone have 100% crop samples of prints they have sold? Higher ISO wedding photos would make great examples since quality is necessary there.

Mar 7, 2013 13:53:44 #

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I can't understand why obsession takes over from enjoyment.

Must clean sensors, must have 100% perfect photographs etc etc, it don't happen

Mar 7, 2013 13:53:52 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If you are a pixel peeper, and can see digital noise in the image, odds are its too much for a good print.

Mar 7, 2013 13:55:28 #

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

pixel peeper 124 up, 18 down

1) A digital photographer who magnifies photographs on the computer screen to critically evaluate image resolution at the pixel level. Commonly used as a derogatory remark to describe:
a) A photography n00b who erroneously believes that the quality of a digital camera is determined solely by the number of megapixels.
b) Insecure troll who frequents digital camera forums to religiously proclaim how his/her camera pixel count is greater than yours.
c) Wanna be photographer who debates about pixel count all day but doesn't have the talent to take a half-decent photograph.

Mar 7, 2013 15:15:25 #

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

When noise levels in my prints are too loud, I slap 'em.

Mar 7, 2013 19:11:22 #

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

In my mind, It's up to the photographer who shot those prints...what is acceptable? Enjoy your prints!

Mar 7, 2013 19:38:33 #

joelmeaders Loc: Denver, CO USA

JR1 wrote:

I can't understand why obsession takes over from enjoyment.

Must clean sensors, must have 100% perfect photographs etc etc, it don't happen

JR1 wrote:

pixel peeper 124 up, 18 down br br 1) A digi... (show quote)

"Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without." - Confucius

With due respect, I did not ask for unhelpful replies and I did not ask for copied and pasted urban dictionary text.

I did however ask for samples of other images so I could compare to my own to get an idea of what is acceptable to others. I personally enjoy striving to make better photographs and learning to become a better photographer. I figured I might get some helpful responses here.

Mar 7, 2013 19:44:36 #

joelmeaders Loc: Denver, CO USA

cjkorb wrote:

In my mind, It's up to the photographer who shot those prints...what is acceptable? Enjoy your prints!

Thank you. With my own personal work I am happy and my prints turn out very nicely. However when a client is paying me a lot of money to shoot in a place where I know I will have to use a high ISO that worries me.

Mar 7, 2013 20:03:01 #

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

joelmeaders wrote:

quote=JR1 I can't understand why obsession takes ... (show quote)

Your work is way beyond that of a n00b.
I see some really nice stuff in your website.
Wall worthy, in fact.
When enlarged , noise would get noticed.
I can understand why you are concerned with noise.

I won't mention names, but there are some here who criticize others' work when they should concentrate on improving their own.

Mar 7, 2013 20:53:36 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

GoofyNewfie wrote:

quote=joelmeaders quote=JR1 I can't understand w... (show quote)

AMEN!!

Mar 8, 2013 09:39:35 #

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Noise is in the eye of the beholder. Nevertheless, there are guides out there which say X ISO can be printed with relative little noise up to Y in size.

I never pay attention to that kind of thing because I happen to like a little noise in my photos.

But, if one wants perfection I urge them to study geometry.

Mar 8, 2013 10:40:03 #

RoysJungle Loc: Ohio

Can you post more information about the camera your using because different cameras produce different amounts of noise at the same ISO that way someone with your camera or same sensor in a different camera could help you better. I don't normally print large prints but I'm with Mt Shooter on this that if you are looking at the picture on screen at a 1 to 1 ratio and see more noise, even with noise reduction, than you think is acceptable at about normal viewing distance. Then, there is to much noise in the picture for the size of print you want. I have also have done some experiments when I'm printing pictures that have to much noise that by using using a dry brush filter effect some pictures can look acceptable even with a lot of noise otherwise. I don't know if the attached picture helps but I got a reasonable looking print of the picture as a 4 by 6 from adoramapix when you look at it from normal viewing distance.

joelmeaders wrote:

highest noise print at 4 by 6

Mar 8, 2013 11:53:00 #

joelmeaders Loc: Denver, CO USA

Thanks everyone. I use the Canon 5D mkIII now (all previous work on my website is Canon 50D).

The biggest thing I am worried about is noise in portraits/fashion/wedding work (which I have booked right now). They don't have to be perfect but clarity and detail is key. I guess I didn't take viewing distance into consideration and that will help some.

Mar 8, 2013 12:24:53 #

joelmeaders Loc: Denver, CO USA

Example 1 at ISO 3200

Lots of highlight detail but no shadow detail

100% crop. download for full view.