Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I am tiring of Photoshop's pathetic implementation of noise reduction. I use the globally implemented noise reduction available in Adobe Camera Raw on occasion but find I can get better results in Photoshop provided I do so on a separate layer using surface masks (time consuming). I was thinking I should just pry open the wallet and buy a dedicated noise reduction plug-in. However, I have been hearing rumours from people-in-the-know (Jeff Schewe, an Adobe consultant who appears on Luminous Landscape forum) that the next upgrades to ACR and LightRoom will have wonderfully improved noise reduction capabilities. I have no reason to doubt Jeff, his prognostications about future ACR improvements have always been correct.
So I will hold off on a for-purchase noise reduction plug-in as I suspect it will be irrelevant shortly. I was using a free standalone app from Noiseware that works wonders. HOWEVER, as a standalone app it significantly increases the workflow steps.
I prefer a plug-in to a standalone version for this reason.
I found a wonderful free plug-in from colormancer.ca that does a great job. It is ALMOST perfect except that it doesn't work on 16 BIT images forcing me to change BIT depth.

So dare to dream!!! Does anyone know of a noise reduction Photoshop application that
A) works in 64 BIT Windows
B) is FREE
C) processes 16 BIT files
D) is a plug-in, not a standalone app
If not, I guess I

So far I haven't be impressed by the by the beta 3 lightroom noise reduction, it could be that it is incomplete. Doesn't Noiseware have a plugin upgrade?

Isn't everything, except 64 bit, covered by the free Noiseware CS Plug-in? The pay-for version does 64 bit.

You're definitely right, it IS incomplete. According to Mr. Schewe, who worked with Adobe to help vastly improve the capture sharpening tab (and the edge mask slider) in the last major upgrade, the new noise reduction capabilities are not part of the beta release, but they will be featured when the product goes to market....I have the Noiseware standalone. Works great but transferring files to and from PS is a minor annoyance. I am loving the convenience of the colormancer plug-in. Just want one that works on 16 BIT files. Another minor annoyance. Hey, if the program doesn't exist out there for free then I'll live with converting to 8 BITs for noisey images. It's just a hobby...

Sorry - I fear I wasn't accurate in my description. I use the free Noiseware Community Edition Standalone 2.6

From your criteria it sounds like you want Colormancer - paid version - that does 16bit .. isnt it worth $65usd to you?

There's a FREE Noiseware plug-in? I was aware only of the community standalone version being free. Don't the plug-in and the pro plug-in versions cost $49 and $69 respectively?

Not that it matters, if it doesn't work in 64 BITs I am not prepared to have to dicker around in 32 BIT PS to remove noise. Like I said, the colormancer program is almost ideal.

If there isn't a magical free 64 BIT plugin that works with my 16 BIT workflow then I'll live with colormancer, wait for the new ACR release and if it isn't what it's all hyped up to be then I'll consider buying the Topaz Denoise plug-in. It's the new kid on the block, cheaper, excellent results and provides free upgrades! It checks all of my tickey boxes 'cept it just ain't free.

Nope. Not yet. I try to keep from getting sucked in to the digital photography expensive gear/program PC upgrade vortex - this is a hobby for me. Colormancer v.FREE is almost good enough for me. To pay US$65 for the privilege of saving the 8 BIT conversion step is not a frugal use of $65 - to ME. But thanks for the suggestion.

Topaz Denoise looks interesting especially since they have just created a free adaptor to allow all their plugins to work in Lightroom and other. Currently using Neat image hopefully they will upgrade to a lightroom plugin or I might have to change over.

I've read CS5 is currently on beta for NAPP members only. Maybe they have something for you coming soon .

Indeed.
If I wasn't such a tightwad over this (or if my photography was designed to earn me income) then for sure I'd be all over the Topaz plug-in - especially since it can be used early in the process before capture sharpening.
But I'll just keep waiting and waiting for the ACR update and just get on with taking photos. I can always reprocess them when new technology arrives. Enough time on this topic. life goes on! Thanks.

I hope so. I will look in to this. I am a NAPP member, only cuz their CS4 member's discount covered the cost of membership. This is the first I've heard of it. Thanks!

here's a longwinded link about possible new noise reduction algorithm.

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/02/f ... ithm/all/1