DXO PHOTOLAB 8 vs ON1 NONOISE 2024 vs TOPAZ PHOTO AI vs LUMINAR NEO- 25600 ISO NOISE REDUCTION MFT
Howto & Style
Introduction
In this article, we will compare four leading noise reduction software applications: DXO PhotoLab 8, ON1 NoNoise 2024, Topaz Photo AI, and Luminar Neo. We will focus on their performance when processing an image captured at ISO 25,600 using the Olympus EM5 Mark I, a Micro Four Thirds camera with an older sensor.
Introduction
The Olympus EM5 Mark I can struggle with noise, especially at high ISO levels. For this comparison, we aim to evaluate how well each software handles noise reduction in a challenging scenario. The image at hand is slightly underexposed, and our goal is to bring it to an acceptable exposure while minimizing noise as much as possible.
Processing Steps
DXO PhotoLab 8
Exposure Adjustment: We slightly increased the exposure by 0.5 stops, ensuring a balanced histogram.
Noise Reduction: We applied the DXO Prime XD 2 noise reduction feature, utilizing the new loop tool to examine detail recovery after processing. The results were impressive, with most noise eliminated and only a slight grain remaining.
Export: The processed image was then exported for comparison.
ON1 NoNoise 2024
Input the Original Image: We opened the original image in ON1 NoNoise without pre-adjusting anything.
Exposure Adjustment: Similar to DXO, the exposure was lifted by 0.5 stops.
Noise Reduction: We applied NoNoise AI for grain reduction and sharpened the image minimally.
Export: The image was exported with adjustments intact.
Luminar Neo
Initial Adjustment: After inputting the original image, we increased the exposure by 0.5 stops.
Noise Reduction: By using the High Adjustment feature, we processed the image, focusing on minimizing noise.
Export: The settings were kept intact, and the image was exported.
Topaz Photo AI
Application Setup: The image was processed directly in Topaz Photo AI, enabling noise and sharpening adjustments.
Noise Reduction Settings: The large grain removal feature was activated, ensuring a minimal increase in the strength to maintain natural detail.
Export: We exported the final result for further analysis.
Results Summary
Upon reviewing the final images, we can see distinct qualities in each software's noise reduction capabilities:
DXO PhotoLab 8: Successfully maintained image detail and offered a natural appearance with minimal grain.
ON1 NoNoise 2024: Captured essential details nicely but lacked some natural texture.
Topaz Photo AI: Delivered satisfactory results but exhibited some mushiness when overly aggressive noise reduction was applied.
Luminar Neo: Showed the poorest performance in this particular scenario, producing an unnatural outcome.
Ultimately, for shooting scenarios using high ISO settings like 25,600, both DXO and Topaz performed well, with DXO garnering slightly better results in preserving natural image quality and detail.
Keywords
- DXO PhotoLab 8
- ON1 NoNoise 2024
- Topaz Photo AI
- Luminar Neo
- Noise Reduction
- ISO 25600
- Olympus EM5 Mark I
- Micro Four Thirds
- Image Processing
- Noise Management
FAQ
Q: What is the primary focus of the article?
A: The article compares the noise reduction capabilities of four software applications when processing an image taken at high ISO levels.
Q: Which camera was used for this comparison?
A: The Olympus EM5 Mark I, a Micro Four Thirds camera, was used.
Q: What ISO setting was utilized for the image?
A: The image was captured at ISO 25,600.
Q: Which software achieved the best noise reduction?
A: DXO PhotoLab 8 provided the best results in terms of detail preservation and natural image quality.
Q: How does Luminar Neo perform in high-ISO noise reduction?
A: Luminar Neo produced the least satisfactory results and appeared more unnatural compared to other software.