Noise, Noise, Noise---HELP

[DianaT]

My camera is a Canon 40D and this is the problem I often have. I was shooting some kids surfing today---it was cloudy, I was using several different AP settings, but I bumped up the ISO to 400. I see lots of photos shot at ISO 400 with very little, if any noise, but mine have LOTS of noise.

It has happened before---I just cannot seem to get the settings correct and sometimes, ISO 100 is not OK?

Help, what else can cause all the noise----what do you think I am doing incorrectly?

Thanks
Diane

[Edd]

Diane,

It has to be said that noise is a pain in the BUTT.

I use this trick when I think that noise may impact upon the image.

When taking a shot I try to overexpose has much as possible without clipping the image. Turn the Blinkies on and they will show you area's that are starting to overexpose (or Clip).

The images may look awful on your camera. After you download them into the Elements Organiser take the images into the RAW Converter. Just below the White Balance adjustment you will see the Exposure slider, move this to the left to reduce the exposure of the image to make the image look normal again.

This technique is called "Shooting to the Right" and lifts the shadows of the image and hopefully reduces noise. I also understand that it can add more colour to your image, bit I've been hard pushed to see this.

Let me know how you get on or if you need more info.

http://ronbigelow.com/articles/articles.htm

Have a read on Noise and Digital Exposure.

Ed

[DianaT]

THANKS!

I will try what you suggest ---- Also, THANKS for that site---looks like there is lots of interesting topics----later I hope to read all of it!

Learning more everyday and really appreciate the help.

Diane

[bob_r]

Diane,

Noise can be a problem, even at ISO 400. That's about as high as I normally shoot unless I'm forced to go higher.
There is a free version of Noiseware available that may help. Here's a link if you'd like to try it:
http://noiseware-community-edition.en.softonic.com/

[DianaT]

Diane,

Noise can be a problem, even at ISO 400. That's about as high as I normally shoot unless I'm forced to go higher.
There is a free version of Noiseware available that may help. Here's a link if you'd like to try it:
http://noiseware-community-edition.en.softonic.com/

Thanks---I am trying that noiseware and think I like it----hope not to have to use it so much next time, but for now, it seems to be working better than the noise reduction tools in Elemnets.

One interesting thing I discovered----the surfers are in our village in Baja, Mexico, so most of them have darker complexions, and after the summer they also have tans. In contrast, my husband is a blond red bearded Scot so he has a very light complexion. The noise is not as strong with the fairer complexion. This is probably common knowledge, but it is new to me!

Diane

[Edd]

Diana,

Your spot on noise is much lower in lighter colours and far higher (and therefore more noticeable) in darker colours.

This is all to do with how the sensor in the camera works.

Noise reduction software can make a difference but be careful it can remove detail. I try to use it only on big open areas with little colour changes.

Ed

[DianaT]

Diana,

Your spot on noise is much lower in lighter colours and far higher (and therefore more noticeable) in darker colours.

This is all to do with how the sensor in the camera works.

Noise reduction software can make a difference but be careful it can remove detail. I try to use it only on big open areas with little colour changes.

Ed

Yes, I am finding that out about the detail---trying to make a compromise between some loss of detail and surfers that look like they have a skin disease. I hope we get another tropical storm out at sea so we have big swell and I can try it again.

But at least I am learning more about another element of hobby!

Diane