Adobe Camera Raw 5.2 versus DxO Optics Pro 5.3 - Part II - Noise Reduction |
Introduction
My review of DxO Optics Pro back in 2004 at dpreview.com can be viewed here:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0409/04090801dxoopticsproreview.asp
Successive versions released since then continued to underwhelm me and unfortunately that is still the case with Version 5.3.
This is not a full review, but a review that tests two areas: Chromatic Aberration (see Part I) and Noise.
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Software and Platform
• Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III with EF 16-35mm 1:2.8 L II USM lens
• Adobe Camera Raw 5.2 in Photoshop CS4 (called ACR in this review)
• DxO Optics Pro 5.3 (Build 7250) with Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III + EF 16-35mm 1:2.8 L II USM module (called DxO in this review)
• Intel Core 2 Quad Processor @ 2.67GHz, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM running Windows Vista Ultimate |
Test Objective
To verify if DxO Optics Pro 5.3 lives up to its claim that
"At any ISO settings, DxO Optics Pro RAW conversion delivers the best image quality available today". |
Test Image
The image below was shot with a Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III with EF 16-35mm 1:2.8 L II USM at 1600 ISO. Of course you would not shoot with this kind of sensitivity in broad daylight. It is just an extreme example to test the ability of various methods to reduce noise. You can email me to request for the original RAW image. |
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Move your pointer over the black and white crops to see the color crops. The contrast of the second and third red channel crops has been enhanced via a midtone levels adjustment in order to better illustrate the differences. |
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Print
You can verify the results for yourself and print (5MB zip file) the sRGB crops at 250 ppi on a photo printer with at least 6 colors in the best quality mode. The sequence of the crops on the print is the same as on this web page. |
Conclusion
The 123di noise removal method may require more time to perform but the result is it looks similar to a low ISO image with a fine film grain. ACR is faster as it requires no manual work but leaves "waves" in the sky.
DxO introduces a waterpainting effect and waves, both visible on monitors and printouts. Unless you like the waterpainting effect, the results are very inferior to ACR and 123di.
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Article written by Vincent Bockaert,
author of "The 123 of digital imaging Interactive Learning Suite"
http://www.123di.com |