I’ll start by saying I get no compensation for mentioning any of the programs I use. The reason I mention something is to either trash it or praise it.
In the case of Topaz Labs programs and plugins, it’s usually praise
Take a look at this photo . . .
As shot, 1/500 sec at f/10, ISO 2500 (300mm 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3)
Those numbers might not mean anything to most people but here’s what they mean to me . . .
close to a 1:1 crop (click on photo for larger version)
. . . it means lots of noise (graininess in the image).
Lightroom’s own sharpening and noise abatement functions are pretty good . . .
Sharpening and noise reduction in Lightroom CC (click on photo for larger version)
However, my normal noise reduction efforts are through DxO Nik Collection DFine 2 . . .
DxO Nik Collection Dfine 2 (click on photo for larger version)
Both of those do a pretty good job . . . but here’s Topaz Labs DeNoise AI . . .
Topaz Labs DeNoise AI (click on photo for larger version)
This is on the automatic setting and in this case, DeNoise and AI Clear (the two options in the DeNoise program) do about the same with the difference being a bit more sharpening with AI Clear.
The interesting thing is it appears they use similar core processing in the Sharpen AI module. Sharpen AI has sharpening with a noise reduction option whereas DeNoise has noise reduction with a sharpening option. Both modules give near-similar results.
Here are the DeNoise AI results for another photo . . .
As shot, 1/500 sec at f/10, ISO 2800 (300mm 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3)
close to a 1:1 crop (click on photo for larger version)
Topaz Labs DeNoise AI (click on photo for larger version)
Again, I’m sharing this because the results are — to my eyes — pretty durn good. Leagues ahead of what I could do even a few months ago.
Here’s the gallery of the above for quick comparison as you scroll through:
That’s it. This post has ended . . . except for the stuff below.
<><><><><><><><o><><><><><><><><><o><><><><><><><>
Note: if you are not reading this blog post at DisperserTracks.com, know that it’s copied without permission, and likely is being used by someone with nefarious intentions, like attracting you to a malware-infested website. Could be they also torture small mammals.
Note 2: it’s perfectly OK to share a link that points back here.
<><><><><><><><o><><><><><><><><><o><><><><><><><>
If you’re new to this blog, it might be a good idea to read the FAQ page. If you’re considering subscribing to this blog, you should read both the About page and the FAQ page.
Interesting. I’m going to have to try the Topaz Labs products.
LikeLike
I’ll have a post about GigaPixels shortly. DeNoise and Sharpen are both pretty good and they give similar results while concentrating on different main tasks. I assume the engine driving them is the same but marketed to different needs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The results are pretty darn good.
I’m always humbled and impressed by those who are artists with camera lenses – and have the patience to learn and tweak camera skills. You pictures are always a delight
(And envious as camera results are so much easier to store and keep than canvases! HAHA)
LikeLike
Thank you, but I give credit to the tools as well. Topaz, for one, offers pretty good programs. Can’t really fault them for much as they’ve always delivered.
As for storing . . . I have two big boxes of negatives from my pre-digital days . . . smaller than canvases, but I could generate 24 or 26 negatives in the time it would take an artist to set up their blank canvas, brushes, and paints.
But, yes . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Topaz processes sure do a good job! Naturally, great shots like the above turn into wow shots!
LikeLike
The updates to GigaPixels improved that tool as well. Next post will have examples.
LikeLike
Topaz does a great job with your already beautiful photos!
And you do a great job using the right tools! So credit to you!
And credit to the hummingbird for being so beautiful and for sitting still. Ha.
(((HUGS)))
LikeLike
And credit to you for appreciating the photos. Credits all around, then.
LikeLiked by 1 person