Topaz DeNoise AI - Another Complaint: I had previously posted that I was disappointed at the speed, or lack of speed, with which Topaz DeNoise AI processed images. Many of you agreed...

rcarol

I had previously posted that I was disappointed at the speed, or lack of speed, with which Topaz DeNoise AI processed images. Many of you agreed and some of you disagreed and suggested that I needed better hardware. I couldn't agree more that I need better hardware if I expect this program to process an image within a reasonable amount of time. And I would consider upgrading my hardware if other programs were running unacceptably slow, but they are not. Furthermore, I seem to have run into another issue. It seems that upon close examination, Topaz DeNoise AI is not processing the image the same across the entire file. In a nutshell, it is missing spots without much rhyme nor reason. I have posted a portion of an image to demonstrate the effect. You most likely will need to download the image to see the end result. The area that is most affected is around the printer buttons and the area to the right of the printer buttons.

(Download)

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Again, if you don’t find the software satisfactory, you are not compelled to use it. Contact the vendor you purchased it from and make arrangements to return it.

rcarol

rjaywallace wrote:

Again, if you don’t find the software satisfactory, you are not compelled to use it. Contact the vendor you purchased it from and make arrangements to return it.

I'm putting this out for general information in the event others are also seeing this artifact. And if you don't find my posting informative, you are welcome to ignore it without feeling compelled to leave a comment.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

The AI programs from Topaz are all about balancing the settings for best result. I don't expect them to be the end all and do all with a push of the button. Use the slider controls and in some cases do variations at different strengths to remove noise. I will do that and then layer mask in PSCC the denoised layer where I need it and leave the rest of the image as captured.
That avoids losing clarity in areas that have no noise.

rcarol

jdubu wrote:

The AI programs from Topaz are all about balancing the settings for best result. I don't expect them to be the end all and do all with a push of the button. Use the slider controls and in some cases do variations at different strengths to remove noise. I will do that and then layer mask in PSCC the denoised layer where I need it and leave the rest of the image as captured.
That avoids losing clarity in areas that have no noise.

I've used that technique on other noise reduction programs and the technique works well. While I don't expect a "push of the button" solution, I was expecting a more refined solution. I realize this is their first evolution of applying Artificial Intelligence to DeNoise (discounting AI Clear) and my expectations are that they will improve the program over time.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

rcarol wrote:

I'm putting this out for general information in the event others are also seeing this artifact. And if you don't find my posting informative, you are welcome to ignore it without feeling compelled to leave a comment.

So you don’t want to do anything, you just want to rant. That’s cool. Have a great day.

rcarol

rjaywallace wrote:

So you don’t want to do anything, you just want to rant. That’s cool. Have a great day.

What do you mean by "don't want to do anything"? You have me confused. Please clarify.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

rcarol wrote:

I had previously posted that I was disappointed at... (show quote)

Are you using it as a plugin within Photoshop or standalone? Like another said, just don't use it.

rcarol

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Are you using it as a plugin within Photoshop or standalone? Like another said, just don't use it.

I've tried it both ways with the same results. Given that it was free to me, there was no out of pocket expense. I won't use it until it improves but the reason for posting was to share my experience with others.

bleirer

I've not tried it, but I've been reading about it. Can i ask where I your process you did it, as in before doing anything else? The reason I ask is I've read it can be weird if done after sharpening. Again, no direct experience.

rcarol

bleirer wrote:

I've not tried it, but I've been reading about it. Can i ask where I your process you did it, as in before doing anything else? The reason I ask is I've read it can be weird if done after sharpening. Again, no direct experience.

I did use the program as the first thing in my workflow. Obviously, when used as a Photoshop plugin you must open the file but DeNoise AI was the first thing after that.

PaulR01 Loc: West Texas

Use AI Clear instead of AI Sharpen. And it isn't your gear making it run slow. I have a gaming computer for processing and I dumped the trial in just a few days. The program was released way early before the bugs got worked out. I don't even sharpen any more because of AI Clear. And you can Batch with the studio program using AI Clear.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

rjaywallace wrote:

So you don’t want to do anything, you just want to rant. That’s cool. Have a great day.

Rcarol's posts are clear, concise and informative! As I have noted previously, this Topaz software operates quite differently from file to file, and in some instances adds a LOT of NOISE to areas in which there was none. Perhaps some day they will get it right, but it is far from being there at the present.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Ditto PaulR01's comment about using AI Clear.

Katcas Loc: Rhode Island

I have found that also to the point that I check my iso setting thinking I had set it too high and I had not. I think the most important thing to remember is to run it first prior to any other post processing.