Lightroom Classic Auto Denoise Function

[Fallingup]

Hi
Quick question from a learner. If I wish to use the Denoise function on Lightroom Classic is it best to use this before or after I have made other adjustments to the exposure? Or does it not matter. Thanks.

[leggly]

I always use it first before I do any adjustments. I’m not saying it’s the right way but it works for me.

[GravelBen]

I generally apply denoise before other adjustments, as the noise level can change your perception of things like contrast, sharpness and saturation.

So if you make adjustments before denoise then you might end up going back and re-adjusting anyway.

I have been really impressed by denoise, I've gone back and re-processed some old photos I had more or less written off due to noise and been very happy with the results.

[Fallingup]

Thanks guys. That's very helpful. Cheers.

[Turtle Shed]

Doubt it matters much, but do note that the AI denoise only works on RAW files, so if you need to do any retouching in Photoshop, you'll need to denoise first, because the file that comes back from Photoshop will be a DNG.

[Julian Scott]

As a still leaner....what does denoise do?

(I guess, reduces the noise, but what does that mean/how does that impact the file?)

[havoc]

If you're finding your files are consistently noisy (either due to the camera/sensor or due to shooting in low light), can I suggest (something like) DxO PureRaw* as step 1 in your image processing. I got it back when I had the Canon 7D, which wasn't a great sensor for noise, and it effectively rescued a bunch of otherwise pretty st images. I still use it selectively even with a newer mirrorless body.

It's main function is image correction and AI-driven denoising, and it does a much better (and quicker) job than Lr's own AI denoise function. It also does batch-processing very easily and quite quickly.

Only downside (to all AI denoise processes) is very large output DNG files. So discipline is required in pre-processing filtering/shortlisting. Either that or investing in a few more HDDs...



@Julian - noise = 'grainyness' in the image - the speckling and loss of detail/clarity in the image when you zoom in. Modern denoise engines can ID that and use AI learning to 'guess' (usually very very accurately) what the underlying pixels should have shown. Old school denoise tended to reduce localised contrast which often led to a 'softer' image.


* Topaz and ON1 also have similar programmes. Trial them and choose, I guess...

[Julian Scott]

havoc said:

If you're finding your files are consistently noisy (either due to the camera/sensor or due to shooting in low light), can I suggest (something like) DxO PureRaw* as step 1 in your image processing. I got it back when I had the Canon 7D, which wasn't a great sensor for noise, and it effectively rescued a bunch of otherwise pretty st images. I still use it selectively even with a newer mirrorless body.

It's main function is image correction and AI-driven denoising, and it does a much better (and quicker) job than Lr's own AI denoise function. It also does batch-processing very easily and quite quickly.

Only downside (to all AI denoise processes) is very large output DNG files. So discipline is required in pre-processing filtering/shortlisting. Either that or investing in a few more HDDs...



@Julian - noise = 'grainyness' in the image - the speckling and loss of detail/clarity in the image when you zoom in. Modern denoise engines can ID that and use AI learning to 'guess' (usually very very accurately) what the underlying pixels should have shown. Old school denoise tended to reduce localised contrast which often led to a 'softer' image.


* Topaz and ON1 also have similar programmes. Trial them and choose, I guess...

Thanks. I'll have a play because whenever I've used it, it's made no real difference (RAW images from a Leica Q2) but often used after some image processing anyway.

[GravelBen]

Results vary a lot depending on the image being processed - a lower ISO image shot in good light won't benefit much, but a high iso low light shot can have a massive improvement from denoise.