Quote:

I think you're asking yourself and going back and forth because, though smoother and more appealing in that way, the 2nd image has a certain amount of 'posterization' or uniformity in smaller areas of contrast and color that doesn't look quite right. If that were'nt there but still the noise had been reduced (without sacrificing detail), that would be better, right? And you wouldn't be trying to decide which you liked better. Ideally, noise reduction done right does exactly that.



Buddy,

Yes you are exactly right. I guess what I really want is a camera that allows me to shoot at any ISO sensitivity I need, but still gives ISO100 images. Maybe someday.

Given that the laws of physics haven't been beaten yet by the sensor makers, I guess the next best solution is a NR technique that does just what you describe, remove the noise without any artefacts. Until then I will continue to make due with the tools at hand. I have found the more I fiddle with this stuff, the better I'm getting at it. Like all of us, I will just have to keep at it.

And of course the feedback I get from everyone helps. Thanks.

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