Thanks for all the replies, everyone!
Topaz DeNoise and Sharpen AI?
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I use both as well as the other Topaz utilities. They are all excellent. Yes, Denoise Ai can also sharpen, Sharpen Ai can also denoise. The decision between the two is ISO so there is a need for both utilities. Sharpen Ai is best for ISO < 1000, and the sharpening is needed for subject motion or missed focus. Denoise Ai when ISO > 1000 and simple basic sharpening is needed. Use both, one after the other, when ISO > 1000 AND sharpening is required because of camera movement or missed camera focus. This tip is courtesy of Dave Kelly, a Topaz Youtuber affiliate who has discounts for Topaz, even if Topaz is already on sale. Apologies if someone on this site is also an affiliate.
Leong CY
New member
Hi all, I use both software and they are doing an excellent job. Here is my work flow:
1. Do some minor adjustment in Lightroom on exposure and contrast.
2. Output the photo in TIF format to Topaz Studio ver 1.
3. From Studio using Denoise AI as plug-in to reduce noise with 'Enhance sharpness' setting to zero.
4. From Studio using Sharpen AI as plug-in to sharpen the photo, either use 'Focus' or 'Stabilize' mode.
5. Save the photo in PNG format.
6. Do the final edit in Lightroom.
Please share your thought on the workflow and share your workflow to us to learn and improve. Thank you and Cheers!
SRLNY
Member
Another happy user of both. They're almost incredible sometimes in how they can improve photos and the AI aspects are sometimes frighteningly good. My workflow has moved to Luminar 4 over LR or PS. So, my first step is usually to crop, then to decide whether I want to use DeNoise or Sharpen -- usually based on the level of noise that I see. Both work as a plug-in to Luminar 4 just fine. If I send it to Denoise AI, I might not sharpen in that programs, however. I might take it back into Luminar and then sharpen it in Sharpen AI. That's just my gut sense of when to do so, but it is probably a small number of instances. It will take me more time to hone my instincts. Either way I use the Topaz programs before doing my more lighting, contrast, effects processing in Luminar.
Robin
Well-known member
I wonder if anyone has used Neat Image. It’s a lot better than my edition of LR 5 giving smooth backgrounds whilst sharpening the subject nicely. It would be interesting to know how it compares to Topaz .
RenatoFer
New member
I thought I would use more Sharpen than DeNoise, but I found myself using basically DeNoise. I got the bundle, incluiding Gigapixel and JPEGtoRAW. Go for it!
Rectory Photography
Well-known member
There are very subtle ways to use noise reduction......I layer denoise ai with camera raw noise reduction on seperate layers.....If you use denoise ai alone, you will have several issues which i wont go into fully here, but they include mis-selections, fake looking areas of plumage (if a bird) etc.....Like most things, there are subtle techniques that enable you to blend very subtly, different layers of noise reductions to produce superb results.......there is no one software alone that gives me the results i am after......but blending works a treat. I use a wacom to 'paint' these blends together. Noise reduction done properly also has a creative element....No noise at all is a very bad idea indeed.
A question for the esteemed and knowledgeable members of this forum: I am an experienced Photoshop user, well versed in the noise reduction and sharpening tools available within it, which I've found to be reasonably effective. I am, however, intrigued by the many kudos for DeNoise. I'm wondering if DeNoise produces superior results to Photoshop's capabilities, or if investing in DeNoise would merely duplicate software capability I already have? All thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated.
Rectory Photography
Well-known member
If you are talking about Topaz Denoise Ai ...... that and Photoshop tools have a completely different set of abilities......both are now vital to my denoise workflow when combined via layers. Sharpening again can be a very creative process if used skillfully..........I want natural looking images with little or no visible noise, which i can now achieve....(all images need a little noise so that they don't suffer from color banding issues or look fake)...... My advise is get denoise Ai and combine that via layers with other photoshop denoise/sharpening tools.......I use predominantly Denoise ai and camera raw tools for noise.
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BobG
Member
I'm no expert. In my opinion, the first step is to follow Steve's workflow on reducing noise in LR/PS (He has a workflow you can purchase for about $15). After that, if needed Denoise works.
That said, I've purchased Denois/Sharpen/Gigapixel.
If price is no object, then get the Topaz plug-ins.
If you want a really good workflow then Steve's Noise Reduction workflow is really the right way to go (In my opinion).
A lot of noise can be cleaned up if you follow Steve's video. If you have really bad noise then Topaz plug-ins are the best.
Bob
Rectory Photography
Well-known member
The thing in art is that there is no one way, and that is what creates different looks, or personal styles...........Steves videos are great and i have learnt a huge amount from them ( Thanks Steve 
), but i'm sure even Steve would agree there is no one right way to go...........Personal experimentation with many techniques (including Steves) is what will create your own best techniques, and you may come up with something amazing and personal......
), but i'm sure even Steve would agree there is no one right way to go...........Personal experimentation with many techniques (including Steves) is what will create your own best techniques, and you may come up with something amazing and personal......
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Thank you, BobG and ivor, for your very helpful input. Highly appreciated. The first thing I will do is purchase Steve's workflow on the topic. Steve's book on Nikon focusing options was one of the best investments I've made. One of the most enjoyable things about photography--and if one has an open mind, life in general--is that there is always something new to learn. Thank you, gentlemen, for your advice. I will follow it.
Just something I thought about Denoise that may affect and help some users of Topaz. Double check your version of Denoise. The latest version is 2.2.7. If your still running 1.(whatever) and trying to do updates, it will tell you it is up to date. You actually need to reinstall to upgrade. Go to https://help.topazlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026521811-DeNoise-AI-Changelog. Download the version that suits you PC (Win or Mac). The updated version gives you masking and batch processing.
Hope that helps some people.
If you want to have some fun ... run a photo through Gigapixel AI (program adds pixels to the file) THEN run it through Sharpen AI .
Yes-- be careful with DeNoise. I made the assumption that I should go to 100% the first time I used it! The result was not good. Now I use "auto" and I am pleased with the results.
Happy to say I found a 15% discount and got Sharpen and DeNoise a couple of days ago. I'm very satisfied and appreciate the input you all gave. Now considering Gigapixel...
BobG
Member
I've seen youtube video's where someone has run the same picture through Sharpen AI twice. I've found this only works if the original is really bad, or has two problems (ie out of focus and shake), otherwise it's too much sharpening and best to use the mask option to only sharpen the really bad areas the second time.
Sharpen AI for extreme out of focus cases
Sharpen AI for extreme out of focus cases
I downloaded the Denoise version yesterday and I am pretty sure it is version 2.2.9.
help.topazlabs.com
DeNoise AI Changelog
Beginning with v 2.1.0 released April 2, 2020, our product release notes are posted to our community forums, where you can discuss them and give feedback on any changes we've made. Community Foru...
help.topazlabs.com
bajadreamer
Well-known member
I also use both Sharpen and DeNoise and like them very much. DeNoise is part of my regular work flow. I do occasionally have a problem with artifacts after using it however. The artifacts always appear in the upper L corner of the frame. I have gone back to the original TIFF file (coming from LR into PS) and repeat the DeNoise-same artifact appears. Only happens one photo out of 25. Usually cloned out but still annoying. Does anyone else have this issue? A screenshot of the issue.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
@soundbyte - Yep. 2.2.9. Been 2 upgrades just in the past few days.
@bajadreamer - can't say that I have had that problem, but thanks for the heads up on it.
@bajadreamer - can't say that I have had that problem, but thanks for the heads up on it.
gordonbrice
New member
Great comments and advice in this chat adding my 2 penny worth of advice my workflow is a follows:-
Minor adjustments done in LR CC such as lense correction, white balance, and cropping then open in Photoshop as a Smart-Object. Open image in Topaz Denoise AI, this for me sorts out any noise and yes does offer a little sharpening, majority of the time I find Clear works better for me. Save and then open in Topaz Sharpen AI. If using latest version 2.2.9 let it choose best mode of sharpness and save. No harm in trying other options. Once done I then put through On1 Photo Raw Effects panel adding Dynamic Contrast, Tone and Colour Filter adjustments finishing off with Vignette (Big Softie is the best!) and then save back in Photoshop as a PSD. This will allow for any further adjustments to the above processes should the need arise. This might look a bit long winded but I'm happy with results!
Minor adjustments done in LR CC such as lense correction, white balance, and cropping then open in Photoshop as a Smart-Object. Open image in Topaz Denoise AI, this for me sorts out any noise and yes does offer a little sharpening, majority of the time I find Clear works better for me. Save and then open in Topaz Sharpen AI. If using latest version 2.2.9 let it choose best mode of sharpness and save. No harm in trying other options. Once done I then put through On1 Photo Raw Effects panel adding Dynamic Contrast, Tone and Colour Filter adjustments finishing off with Vignette (Big Softie is the best!) and then save back in Photoshop as a PSD. This will allow for any further adjustments to the above processes should the need arise. This might look a bit long winded but I'm happy with results!
bajadreamer
Well-known member
I posted a picture early with an artifact that I have seen on a few of my images after applying Auto DeNoise AI. This is the reply from Topaz. Apparently it is a known problem they are working on.
Eric Lowery (Topaz) Aug 31, 2020, 2:39 PM CDT James, Hi James. Thanks for reaching out. This is a known phenomenon that we will be taking a look at in the future. If you adjust the noise reduction slider up or down it should correct this artifact. It's a conflict in the AI model itself so I don't have an immediate solution for the images it happens to other than slightly changing the noise reduction settings. Sincerely, Eric Lowery Operations Manager M-F: 9:00am-5:30pm CST Become A Topaz Labs Beta Tester: community.topazlabs.com/g/Photo-Beta-Testers/ |
Slooby
Member
Denoise, without a doubt is amazing. It is my go-to for any photo that I decide is a keeper. It can take awhile to process but since I updated to a new loaded iMac it is much faster. Usually it takes less than 40 seconds to process. Well worth the effort! Grab the trial version and I'm sure you will end up buying it.
And here I thought I was just incompetent with LR and PS sharpen and de noise tools. Going to have to have a look at these tools!
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