Neat Image 6: Software Review
Submitted by mitch on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 12:06.
This is the latest in the new generation of product reviews from The Light's Right Studio. Rather than impressions and brief descriptions, this is a 40-page .PDF that takes a very close look at Neat Image.
Neat Image is a software tool to remove noise from digital photos. It comes in standalone and Photoshop plug-in versions, and it's compatible with Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and other photo editors that support Photoshop plug-in filters. The standalone version can be used as an external editor with Adobe Lightroom.
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Neat Image Review Updated
Vlad sent me a few typos and clarifications. I've updated the manuscript.
Re. Neat image review
Interesting you should say something about ISO 6400. Have a look at the new coaching session. It went online this afternoon.
http://www.thelightsright.com/coachingsession3
That's an ISO 6400 photograph from a Canon 5D MkII camera. WIth the latest DIGIC and the current generation of noise reductin software, you can get a lot better than useful. ;)
I wouldn't blow it up to 16x20, but as an 8x10, very lovely. Not a throw-away shot at all.
You're right about the anemic NR capabilities in Photoshop and Lightroom. No comparison in the quality of the results compared with a commercial plug-in like Neat Image. (Hello, John Nack!)