Process Low ISO (Noise) Files?

DxO PureRAW
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Hello,

Do you typically process low noise files with PureRAW?

I use PuereRAW to batch process Nikon raw (NEF) files to DNG before moving them to Lightroom.

I am wondering if there is a benefit to run the ones that have very little noise through.

Thanks in advance.

Mike.

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I’m not a PureRAW user, rather PhotoLab, but it’s the same technology.

I apply either DeepPRIME 3 or XD2s to every photo I process and have not seen negative impacts (excepting, I suppose, a little time on export).

Something very pertinent to your question that I learned just this week is that applying DxO’s Lens Sharpness Optimisation to an image results in output sharper than the original even if the slider is set to zero.

The key thing here is DxO Modules are not only about noise reduction. They improve sharpness, reduce (in my experience, remove) chromatic aberrations, and adjust geometry and vignetting.

I think most RAW editors do a great job of geometry and vignetting. Many do a great job of fixing aberrations, too. But Lens Sharpness Optimisation is unlike any other tool. If you’re not familiar with the technology, check out DxO’s description.

Now… if you’re happy with the sharpness of your images, then the LSO isn’t a consideration. I simply want to suggest you re-frame your question not to be based purely on noise (an assumption on my part given you stated “low ISO” which typically means “low noise”.)

With PureRAW you do, of course, have to consider the file management aspect. Personally, I hate having extra files and I also hate the idea of ever getting rid of the originals. To each their own, however.

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Thank you very much.

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  • Low ISO raws which require a lot of shadow recovery may need some NR.
  • “Atmospheric noise”, like seemingly clear sky, if you prefer to remove it.
  • In certain rare cases DP3 may help a bit with CA.
  • Same applies to maze and moire, but that’s even more rare.
  • One of many methods to deal with image “roughness”.
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DxO has always recommended applying the AI based DeepPRIME NR variants to all exported images. regardless of whether the ISO is low or high. I have always exported all my images using one of those variants and have always been very pleased with the results..

Mark

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