Noise Reduction (NR) Settings (-2 to +2)

[greeches]

Has anyone done comparison tests of when to use this? I usually want to keep the picture as free from post-processing as possible, but if it helps....

[Ralph B]

Has anyone done comparison tests of when to use this? I usually want to keep the picture as free from post-processing as possible, but if it helps....

Why don't you do your own tests? It's only five settings.

But, if you want someone else's opinion, I've concluded that the camera's noise reduction is bad, and I leave it permanently set at -2.
The problem is, it doesn't really reduce noise, it just smears it around. And it smears out fine detail in the process. There are far more sophisticated ways to remove noise in post, which don't destroy the fine detail.

But, if you don't want to do any post processing, and you want a noise free picture, light your scenes so you can shoot at iso 400 or slower.

[mpgxsvcd]

+1 on trying it out for your self. However, if you want the short answer. The noise reduction settings are not good and in some cases they actually apply noise reduction to the RAW sensor image before any other processing happens. I turn it to -2 for all but the smooth color setting. I only use that setting in desperation when I am using the ETC mode in low light and I really don't want to do any post processing at all. Otherwise you should never use it.

[Gerson]

There are far more sophisticated ways to remove noise in post, which don't destroy the fine detail.

What do you use? Neat Video? Something else?

[Ralph B]

What do you use? Neat Video? Something else?

Yes, Neat Video. It's slow, but it's absolutely superb! The key to using Neat Video is to get a clean noise sample, turn down the amount you apply to luminance to around 20 - 30%, and then turn on Temporal filter to 1 or 2.

[greeches]

Nice tips! I'll have to try that in Neat. I usually just sit and tweak.

Yea, I've turned mine to -2 aswell. I did some low light tests in my living room, but I didn't notice much of anything.