Digital Noise (grain) in dark objects with A700

[videoguy]

I have been shooting (mostly F58AM flash) using DR+ Lv 2 or more and am getting very noticeable noise in dark objects and shadows, but only if the subject is not WELL lit by the flash. By not using DR+ Lv's, I will eliminate this noise but I prefer shooting using Lv+ as it gives a more pleasing contrast range and flash illumination (if I do not underexpose the subject). By shooting using DR+ only, I have to push my A700 with flash and exposure compensation to obtain a decently expose picture. I am currently shooting (bounce flash) in M mode on the camera (1/125 sec, F8), and TTL auto on the F58AM because I can get a good exposure by using this combo. I was shooting in the other modes until I discovered that: 1) shooting in S mode the A700 exposes with a F4.5 aperture almost all of the time (which gives you NO depth of field); 2) shooting in A mode (I like F8 or more for depth of field), but the camera will fire at 1/60 sec almost all the time (which is to slow for candid shooting); 3) P mode forget it, who knows what I'll get in shutter speed and F stop.
Does anyone have any suggestions for setting up the A700 to eliminate this noise problem other than by NOT using DR+ Lv 1, 2 3,4, or 5, and can still obtain a good flash exposure ?? "Despeckle" in Photoshop will help some, but that only softens the picture, which I do NOT need.
A good note: The DR+ Lv works very good in sunlight situations.

[David Kilpatrick]

DRO+ will correct under exposed flash by anything up to 3 stops. It is the cause. Flash power is often over-estimated especially when using bounce. If you use a typical lens - f3.5-5.6 or so range - you MUST shoot at ISO400 or even 800, or any pix in a typical room will be underexposed.

DRO+ will try to correct this, even if that means the shadows are at ISO 3200 equivalent.

David

[David Kilpatrick]

Thanks for this Don. Direct one-to-one help is useful and I hope the OP can comment on your assistance in due course.

David

[videoguy]

Thanks for your reply - we (mostly myself) learn through criticism and by other photographers viewing our pics, that's why I'm very grateful for this Photoclub site. You are absolutely correct - that pic is blown away - mostly thru carelessness on my part (I must sit back and review my PP results with a much more critical eye). I shot a group pic past Thursday and shot it in RAW/JPEG (A700). With this RAW shot I see what you mean, I'll have more latitude in PP. I'll check out the NiPro+ and install on my CS3. Will get back with you next week after I sit down and seriously work on your review.

Videoguy (dave)

[videoguy]

I cannot find your NIPro+ software on the web. Can you pls help ?? I'm anxious to try it.
ps. did I see a PS cs3 plug in for Sony RAW images ?? or do I have to convert to JPEG or TIFF before going to PS ??

thanks,

videoguy dave

[videoguy]

WOW !! I purchased (last week) the "Neat Image Pro +" and it is awesome ! It is profiled to my A700, a 32 bit, standalone and plug in for PS CS3. What I like is that you can tweak the amount of NR to your liking in both the "Standard" and "Advanced" mode. This software can make a digital image almost look as clean as good old film. Thank you Sonolta for introducing me to this, and I would recommend other Photoclubalpha folks also take a look at the software (they have a free test download so you can see the application). I won't need to send you any other examples of my photos as I can see for myself how this helps tremendously. I'm also shooting more in RAW and without using the DRO+ in JPEG (unless I have a special application for DRO+).
I'm really impressed with your samples using the "Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro" lens. The lens does not have good reviews but I see your excellent results. So I'm tempted to purchase that same lens. Any comment ??
Thanks again for your great help.

Videoguy

[bakubo]

Yeah, Neat Image is quite good. I have been using for quite a few years. It also helps a lot with film scans. Another well regarded noise reduction software is Noise Ninja.