Noise software/ Create an Action

[Don Hamilton Jr.]

Good Morning:
Two Questions:
What noise reduction software do most folks use? I'm considering noise ninja, i curently have CS$, and the NIK suite. Do you rec'd it, or another software, including HDR, is photomatix, or something better?

Second, could someone walk me thru the steps to create a copyright action, instead of doing it manual every time i process. I read where actions are used, however i'm clueless.:confused:
Thks For your time, and effort.
Don

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Don I would go with Noiseware Pro, David Thomasson recommended the program and it is the best one around. Will not soften your image, most will.

For the copyright make the action with these steps ...... go to the actions palate, click the create new group then give it a name. Then click the create new action within that group ... will see a red dot which means you are recording... just go through the steps that you need not only in creating the copyright but reducing the image in size !!..... stop at the point you clicked the checkmark after typing action and press the stop button.

You will be left with the action that has resized the image, place the copyright but on a layer so you can move it with the move tool and reduce opacity if you choose. ... then just flatten the layer manually and you are finished.. Can make one for horizontal images and other for vertical. Once you get used to actions will be making lots of them ... reason for making into groups !!! ... remember to give a clear name so you remember !!!

[Ed Cordes]

Another vote for Noiseware Pro. I did use Noise Ninja for years. However after upgrading to the 7D and 1DMK4 I find the detail after noise reduction is much better with Noiseware Pro.

[Don Hamilton Jr.]

Thka Al, really appreciate the advice; Ed same back at ya!
Guys do you also have a program that you like for HDR.. thks don

[Dan Brown]

Another vote for Noiseware Pro.

As for HDR, I like Photomatix.

As for copyright, I like to produce a brush that you can use on a seperate layer and move around or just apply it and then unapply and try again in a different position by stepping back one step on your history pallete. The method for producing a brush should exist in the archives here but basically you start with a new blank canvas (file-new), a medium size new canvas would be best so that the brush isn't saved too big but you can always change the brush size to fit your application, and you will. Next, apply a text layer, select your font, type in your name. Next add anything else like copyright symbol or borders etc to another layer, move them around till your happy, flatten, select the area with a rectangle selection tool, then go to edit - define brush preset and click, name the brush and the brush will be placed on your brushes pallete at the bottom. Then you can use this brush just as you use any other brush, change the size, color, opacity, etc with any tools that access the brushes pallete, the clone tool, brush tool, erase tool, etc.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Dan. Fabs uses that method, will ask her to post. We are at the college now posting from iPod soon iPad :)
btw. With my method you can move the C around the screen.

[David Thomasson]

I like Noiseware Pro for a plugin, but my first experience with CS5 almost convinced me I won't need it anymore. The NR in Camera Raw is just amazing. Far and away better than in CS4. If you have CS5, try that before you think about plugins.

[Don Hamilton Jr.]

First off let me stop here, and make a Statement! You guys are awesome, the level of dedication, support and help is much appreciated! Not only is there an effort to help save the "not in the Know", but an attempt to try and save us beginners from the pitfalls of an unnecessary purchase!
I also heard George Lepp say that the HDR capabilities in CS5 was awesome as well. Perhaps instead of noiseware pro, and photomatix, maybe CS5, what says the experts??
Thks gang for all of your unselfish time you all spend, getting us up and running!
Cheers!
Don

[Mike Milicia]

If you are willing to commit to a particular font, size, color, and location for your copyright, you can totally automate the process with no intervention required.
For example, if you want the copyright to always appear in the lower right corner, you can add the following steps to your action after creating the text layer for your copyright :

Make the copyright text layer active
Select->All
Layer->Align layers to selection->Bottom Edges
Layer->Align layers to selection->Right Edges
Select the Move Tool
Use the arrow keys to move the copyright up a bit and to the left
(I use up arrow 4 times and left arrow 4 times)

Then continue with the rest of your action to save as jpeg or whatever else you want to do.

[Dan Brown]

Hi Dan. Fabs uses that method, will ask her to post. We are at the college now posting from iPod soon iPad :)
btw. With my method you can move the C around the screen.

Hi Al, ipad! oh my!! As for moving the sig around, I sometimes place my brush created sig. on a seperate layer and then use the move tool and move it around till I get what I like. I also like to use the clone tool with the sig. brush and select a target from a color in my subject or my bg and use it. This seems to be pleasing to my eye sometimes.

[Andy Garcia]

Lightroom 3 will also have the same noise reduction that's available in the latest Camera Raw. From what I've seen in LR3 beta, it's pretty darn good.

[Chris Sloan]

Another vote for Noiseware. I used Noise Ninja for a while but switched to Noiseware recently, and it's like night and day.