NOISE REDUCTION ... Which one is the BEST?

Introduction

Recently, Adobe launched D Noise, an AI-based noise reduction tool integrated into both Lightroom and Camera Raw. This marks a notable entry into the noise reduction software market, which already includes established options like Topaz, DXO, ON1, and Luminar. In this article, we'll examine how Adobe D Noise stacks up against these competitors, sharing insights based on a practical comparison.

The Mixed Reception of Adobe D Noise

Since its release, Adobe D Noise has garnered mixed reviews. Some users, like myself, have experienced great results, while others have encountered various issues, such as crashes, long processing times, and inadequate hardware support. Adobe D Noise is designed to work exclusively with RAW files, featuring a straightforward interface comprising just an amount slider and a preview area.

A Practical Comparison

To put Adobe D Noise to the test, I utilized a portrait taken at ISO 1250 featuring World War II veteran Squadron Leader Eric Robinson. This analysis compares how different noise reduction software handles the visible noise present in the original image.

1. Adobe D Noise in Lightroom

   • Opening the raw file in Lightroom’s Detail tab reveals D Noise options. A preview with default settings of "50" showcases how effectively noise is reduced while preserving detail in the hair and skin.
   • After processing, the results yield a clean image that maintains sharpness, with textures remaining intact.

2. Topaz D Noise

   • Next, I opened the image in Topaz D Noise, which allows working with various file formats. The split view feature lets you compare the original image with the processed version.
   • Topaz offers several noise reduction settings, but certain options leave the background looking patchy, with areas completely devoid of texture.

3. DXO Pure Raw 3

   • DXO requires the opening of the original raw file for processing. I used the Deep Prime XD feature, expecting excellent results, but found the outcome overly sharp and again exhibiting patchy textures.

4. ON1 No Noise AI

   • The default settings in ON1 led to a heavily processed look, with a waxy effect on skin tones and a loss of textural detail in both skin and background.

5. Luminar Neo

   • Attempting to use Luminar Neo for noise reduction was frustrating due to its cumbersome zooming feature and inadequate noise reduction results.

Conclusion: The Clear Winner

After evaluating the results across these noise reduction software tools, Adobe D Noise emerged as the champion. Its ease of use, effective noise reduction without sacrificing detail, and the fact that it comes at no additional cost to existing Adobe users make it a top choice for photographers working with RAW files.

While it currently supports only RAW formats, a message indicates that support for other file formats may be forthcoming.

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Keywords

Adobe D Noise, noise reduction, Topaz D Noise, DXO Pure Raw 3, ON1 No Noise AI, Luminar Neo, RAW files, photography software comparison, image processing.

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FAQ

1. What is Adobe D Noise, and how does it work?
Adobe D Noise is an AI-driven noise reduction software integrated into Lightroom and Camera Raw that specializes in reducing noise in RAW files.

2. How does Adobe D Noise compare to Topaz D Noise?
While both tools are popular, Adobe D Noise generally offers less processing artifacts and maintains texture better, although Topaz provides more file format flexibility.

3. Can DXO Pure Raw process non-RAW files?
No, DXO Pure Raw processes images in their original RAW state; any edits made prior to using the software will be lost.

4. Is Luminar Neo effective for noise reduction?
While Luminar Neo offers some noise reduction capabilities, its interface issues and performance have made it less favorable compared to others like Adobe D Noise.

5. Can I use Adobe D Noise with any file format?
Currently, Adobe D Noise only supports RAW files, but there is a possibility that it may be expanded to include other formats in the future.