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Sep 29, 2022 20:00:17   #
DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
 
I have done noise reduction in LR for (seems like) centuries. I got Topaz DeNoise last year and in my opinion it CAN do a better job than what I can do with LR or PS. HOWEVER, it depends on the image you're working on.

I believe AI does its magic by supplying information to the image that does not exist in the original image. For that reason, many ordinary photos can be improved by using DeNoise instead of just LR/PS tools. But adding information to an image runs the risk of inaccuracy.

DeNoise does allow you to adjust the degree of noise reduction, just as Topaz Sharpen AI allows you to adjust the degree of sharpening. As many people have found experimentally, too much sharpening produces artifacts that detract from the image. DeNoise will do the same thing, making skin look like plastic unless care is taken with the adjustment.

Having given these caveats, I should say that I do find Topaz worth it. I bought it a year ago and it has been updated since then but I have not bought the update. The update could well have an impact on my opinion, but since I am currently really busy with other matters I do not have the time to do a lot of experimental work.

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Sep 29, 2022 20:04:19   #
SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas
 
JD750 wrote:
That is not very helpful.

Much more useful if you include your experiences/opinion with the products.


Topaz does a superb job (IMHO) of cleaning up noise and sharpening, but you can over do it real quick. LR seems to do a good job, but I prefer Topaz.

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Sep 30, 2022 04:18:19   #
Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal
 
rmalarz wrote:
Curmudgeon, if you noticed my lazy was in quotes. That's because I couldn't think of a more appropriate word at the time. Some of these replies are done while at work. Sometimes, the computer processing gives me some limited time to post. Perhaps searching for an easier manner in which to accomplish the end result would have been a better expression.
--Bob


Actually, I agree with the post of yours that you disagree with.
And yes the word "lazy" needs another name.
I like using Elements.
Standalone, no sub, can sit in the boonies with my laptop.

The TOPAZ website has a usable workflow for it's products.
I do not have the whole AI collection, but the workglow is helpful.
"https://topazlabs.com/the-ultimate-workflow-for-topaz-labs-ai-software/ref/381/"
With @ 250 shots at a kid's party, this can save me a few hours of busy work.
AND I can "rescue" a few notso perfect ones!
To me, it's just another evolutionary step.
From dodging and burning film from my Zeiss Ikonta in 1970
to PP hacking away at a problematic singular portrait in 2020.
New(er) cameras can HDR and focus stack right in camera. "Lazy"?
Just another tool to get the results I want to give.

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Sep 30, 2022 06:47:13   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Fred Frank wrote:
What can Topaz Denoise do that I can't do with lightroom. Do I need both?


I tried a trial version to see.
Waste of money.
My PSE did as well or better.

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Sep 30, 2022 07:19:34   #
rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
 
bsprague wrote:
My primary camera is a small sensor mirrorless. A favorite lens is long and not very fast. The combination makes a compact, light weight wildlife rig. However, to get it to work well, I need to shoot at higher ISOs. That generates noise.

Like you, I often use use a smaller MILC, but that is another discussion.

I use it in brightish light, where noise is much less of an issue. Even when used with a long lens, I am usually able to keep ISO down to a point where noise is not a noticeable issue. I believe that automation, using a camera like a Nikon D500 or my own Pentax KP, is the best “answer” to dealing with noise.

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Sep 30, 2022 07:50:06   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Fred Frank wrote:
What can Topaz Denoise do that I can't do with lightroom. Do I need both?


I have used Topaz Denoise and sharpen for years and I am sold. It has saved many borderline shots for me.
But, to each his own.

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Sep 30, 2022 08:08:10   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
Strodav wrote:
It seems this topic comes up almost weekly. My experience is that if your image is sharp and fairly clean, then all you need is Lightroom sharpen and Noise Reduction (Luminance). If your image is a bit more challenging then Topaz Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI are worth the money.


I agree, based on my experience. I use it from time to time and find both it and Denoise (which I use more) useful.

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Sep 30, 2022 08:16:07   #
bkwaters
 
DirtFarmer wrote:
I have done noise reduction in LR for (seems like) centuries. I got Topaz DeNoise last year and in my opinion it CAN do a better job than what I can do with LR or PS. HOWEVER, it depends on the image you're working on.

I believe AI does its magic by supplying information to the image that does not exist in the original image. For that reason, many ordinary photos can be improved by using DeNoise instead of just LR/PS tools. But adding information to an image runs the risk of inaccuracy.

DeNoise does allow you to adjust the degree of noise reduction, just as Topaz Sharpen AI allows you to adjust the degree of sharpening. As many people have found experimentally, too much sharpening produces artifacts that detract from the image. DeNoise will do the same thing, making skin look like plastic unless care is taken with the adjustment.

Having given these caveats, I should say that I do find Topaz worth it. I bought it a year ago and it has been updated since then but I have not bought the update. The update could well have an impact on my opinion, but since I am currently really busy with other matters I do not have the time to do a lot of experimental work.
I have done noise reduction in LR for (seems like)... (show quote)


I am a big fan of Topaz products. Maybe I could get the same results with LRC and PS, but DeNoise and Sharpen are quick, easy and work well. Why not save time?

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Sep 30, 2022 09:00:02   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
Rongnongno wrote:
Every add-on does what LR or PS CC do. The only difference is the need for knowledge. Add-ons take your hand and appear to do a great job. The same thing can be done IF you learn how to use the original software.

The real differences? $$$ and time to learn.

Needless to say that I am not a fan of add-ons.



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Sep 30, 2022 09:14:22   #
Jimmy T Loc: Virginia
 
bkwaters wrote:
I am a big fan of Topaz products. Maybe I could get the same results with LRC and PS, but DeNoise and Sharpen are quick, easy and work well. Why not save time?


Count me in too . . .
Depending on the nature of the shots, lighting, flash, landscape, available darkness, etc.
I find that it is really helpful after culling the obviously non-hackers to put many pics in the hopper, using the (https://topazlabs.com/the-ultimate-workflow-for-topaz-labs-ai-software/ref/381/) recommend ("AS Needed") workflow and letting Topaz Products rapidly get my pics to 90% of what I remember or would like to see.
I also like that both Topaz DeNoise AI and Sharpen AI can "Selectively Mask" areas of pics to assure proper processing. I'm not sure about the other Topaz products.
Or, you can second guess each of the settings of the program. . . However, I strongly advise that you make an initial pass using the program's AI function first.
Also, if you are not sure about the usage of each program, just below the "Brouse Images" on each program there is a "Guide", or "Start Here" with comprehensive examples and "Tutorials" for new users.

Finally, take a "Free" test drive and use your own eyes to make a "DeNoise AI"-free decision.
Topaz Products aren't perfect, but they always make me . . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

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Sep 30, 2022 09:37:17   #
mindzye Loc: WV
 
I don't have LR so I look to other programs to accomplish what I'm looking to produce. What I like about the new Topaz DeNoise ( have many of their programs) is that one can choose either by program default the level of strength application - or severity - of the processes, or the availability to make a manual application. Each image is a stand alone in my opinion, where the automated 'clear' or 'smooth' will make the needed adjustments in most, others require a bit more work/effort. In my case and equipment the low light images.
What is annoying is (just my understanding of the program?) that when you cancel the an application and don't want to save, it shuts down the program. To bring up another image the program needs to restart.
Of course if there is a way that I haven't figured out to keep the program running and discard the current image then I am willing to change my mind to I'm an idiot status.
On the whole however I am complimentary of the overall set of Topaz products.

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Sep 30, 2022 10:22:42   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
rmalarz wrote:
Exactly!!! Everything add-ons can do, one can do with Lr or Ps. Add-ons are the "lazy" route to accomplishment.
--Bob


There are certain tasks which I absolutely do not want to do in Lightroom Classic...

The best example I can cite is inverting a raw image of a 44 year old color negative and color correcting it. I want Negative Lab Pro Plug-in for Lightroom Classic for that... It introduces an irresistible degree of automation combined with precise manual control and precision, by including the tools available to professional lab scanner operators. Having run a professional color negative film scanning operation for five years, I understand that.

I do not consider myself lazy for using the right tool for the job. I have spent hours in the past, trying to invert and color correct raw files macro-copied from old film, only to find that I could do it better in a few minutes with NLP. It was worth the $99 I paid for it.

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Sep 30, 2022 12:04:24   #
ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA
 
Fred Frank wrote:
What can Topaz Denoise do that I can't do with lightroom. Do I need both?


If you keep your iso to 1600 or less then the denoise filters in any postprocessing program should suffice. But when you crank up the iso then you'll see a significant improvement using Topaz or DxO compared to the standard filter.
Get a free trial version and test it for yourself.

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Sep 30, 2022 13:01:15   #
mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA
 
rmalarz wrote:
Exactly!!! Everything add-ons can do, one can do with Lr or Ps. Add-ons are the "lazy" route to accomplishment.
--Bob

Some say lazy, I say efficient use of time!

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Sep 30, 2022 14:02:08   #
sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD
 
To me, Topaz Denoise is essential when restoring photos.

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