Nik Dfine 2.0: Software Review
Submitted by mitch on Sat, 11/08/2008 - 22:56.
This is the first in the new generation of product reviews from The Light's Right Studio. Rather than brief descriptions and impressions, this is a 28-page .PDF that takes a close look at Nik Dfine 2.0.
Nik Dfine 2.0 is a plug-in to remove noise from digital photos. It is compatible with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. There is also an Apple Aperture version available.
Download size (KB):
5,100
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NIk Dfine 2
Hi Mitch,
Re, Nik Dfine 2
Thanks, Jess. I'm trying to be equally objective with all of my reviews. I should have the Noiseware review in another couple of days.
These take a lot of time. I'm using InDesign to layout the reviews, and I'm not all that efficient with DTP software. I have to take lots of screenshots.
In addition to the individual reviews, there will be a large comparison. That's where people will be able to see some of the test results.
I hate published reviews that are superficial and largely regurgitated press release info.
My comments about Nik Dfine 2 have generated some controversy on DPReview. There are individuals who claim that Noiseware, Neat Image, and Noise Ninja (1) provide more nois reduction and/or (2) protect details better. My comparative review will provide more empirical support for this statement: I do not see where Noiseware, Neat Image, Noise Ninja, or Nik Dfine 2.0 consistently provides better results.
Earlier generations of Noiseware, Neat Image, Noise Ninja, and Nik Dfine showed more significant differences. The plug-in market for noise reduction is one of the most competitive. These companies compare their products and learn how to improve their own offerings.
Removing noise has increasing costs. Removing the final little bit does more damage than the significant amounts that are easily removed. What that means is that there is a practical limit to what noise reduction software can do. As later generations of noise reduction software come along, their ability to reduce more noise or preserve more detail becomes more and more limited. Their competitors catch up on the technical front. That's why, I believe, the plug-in manufacturers are focusing on look-and-feel differences, workflow differences (stuff like support for Photoshop automation), etc. That's where it is now easier to distinguish their products.
Vlad (the guy who produces Neat Image) did us all a big favor by making a test target available and opening his site up to the sharing of camera profiles. Without that, I think the plug-in folks would have been more likely to adopt the Nik Dfine 1.0 model of selling camera profiles.
Nik Dfine 1.0 was not as capable as the others. I hated buying custom profiles, and I really hated having no choice. Frankly, Nik Dfine 1.0 was not as capable as Noiseware, Neat Image, or Noise Ninja. I'm glad to see all of the improvements in Nik Dfine 2.0.