Noise Reduction Question

[Daniel Browning]

I didn't shoot with the Noise Reduction features in-camera because I wanted to conserve battery power, save time, and I figured it would be easier to do it in post anyway.

That's true, but you might be interested to know that the "long exposure noise reduction" feature isn't really "NR" in the typical sense. It's dark frame subtraction. It does not smear detail or have any of the negative effects typically associated with "NR". And it can't be done in post.

I am using DPP. I guess I need to apply Noise Reduction to the images I already have loaded on the computer?

I don't think DPP has any good algorithms for hot pixel reduction. Many other converters do, including Bibble, Adobe, and probably many others.

1) Will Noise Reduction work to remove hot spots?

I would think so, but it will also smear detail all over the image.

2) Which noise reduction should I use, Luminance or Chroma?

Neither. I suggest an algorithm that is optimized for hot pixel interpolation instead. They can remove the hot pixels without smearing detail everywhere else in the image.

I've never understood the difference between the two. Do the names refer to what CAUSES the noise to show up, or do they refer to what the noise LOOKS LIKE?

What it looks like.

Does using a stronger Noise Reduction setting soften the image at all?

Yes.

I really don't want to do that.

Then you're going to have to use some different software I'm afraid. (Or use long exposure NR next time.)

Hopefully some of you know a better way!

Here is another option:

http://www.pixelfixer.org/

After a bit of work learning it and setting it up, the software will create new raw files from your original raw files.

HTH