Have I dropped into the noise reduction addiction?

[TheLaird]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have a Q3. I seem to think the image needs noise reduction all the time? I shoot in RAW.

At what ISO, or situation, do you use NR?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[rogxwhit]

My suspicion is that the use of such things as NR could easily become obsessive.  Camera raw output nowadays is so improved over that from say 15 years ago that NR for the most part is relatively unnecessary.  Unless you're really pushing the boundaries - in terms of cropping, say.

Edited September 4, 2024 by rogxwhit

[pegelli]

In my opinion it depends on how you view your photos (medium and size)

I don't have a Q (any number) so can't comment on that camera but I find for web presentation my M240, ~10 year old technology, iso 3200 can stand on its own without NR. For printing on paper or large format projection it's probably a bit lower but also very dependent on size and viewing distance.

However "acceptance" of noise is a very personal matter (as was grain in the film days), so you need to do some testing with your desired output to determine your own threshold.

[bobtodrick]

How are you viewing the images?

I have the original Q and at anything below 800iso I can make 16x20 inch prints that show no noise.

If you are viewing on the LCD or computer and blowing up hundreds of percent…than you might see noise.

But that’s a different issue…I don’t know anyone who sells or shows screenshots at huge magnifications. 

[BWColor]

1.  Proper exposure

2.  Fast Lenses (Q relatively fast)

If 1 & 2 isn’t sufficient get an M11 Monochrom 

Edited September 4, 2024 by BWColor
Why not

[jaapv]

Lightroom Enhance, DXO PureRaw, Topaz Photo AI, Topaz DeNoise AI - image noise has become a complete non-issue.

[ruskkyle]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I find the Q3 files so exceptionally clean at moderate ISOs I usually add grain.

I know one can obsess about attaining the most ‘perfect’ image quality possible and it is a bit of a rabbit hole.

If it’s really driving you mad, my advice would be to take a break from your own images and spend time with a photo book from greats like Salgado or Alex Webb.