[Recovered Thread: 74047]

[mtclimber]

We have more than a few comments about noise at ISO 800 and 1600 with the E-300, so tonight I purposefully shot the sunset using ISO 1600.

Here is the result. I was quite pleased with it.

MT

[core]

Properly exposed, I've found ISO 1600+NI to be very good; once you go a couple of EV under it gets much harder (very bad'grain'/molting)- shooting in RAW does make a noticeable difference though (the noise 'grain' is finer). This is one ofa better example from under exposed scene, E-300, 1/20sec, f/3.5, 14mm, ISO1600 - ran thru NI.

[lucky2505]

MT, I think most people would consider that shot to be very noisy.

[lucky2505]

Nice example, core. I've been mostly pleased with the results when I've used Neat Image. I'm still getting familiar with my recently acquired E-300 and haven't shot anything at high ISO yet.

[core]

Here's a couple of ISO 1600 test on the E-300, RAW vs. JPG, and using Neat Image. Couple of notes:

1) I used Picassa for RAW conversion to JPG.

2) Camera set on Manual,on a tripod, 21mm fl, f/5.6, 1/3 sec and same CWB for both shots, only change is SHQ and RAW (EXIF is intact for this first shot).

3) Neat Image, demo version, default NR, auto profile with the same areas selected, saved using demo s/w.

4) 100% crop 70% JPG setting in Picassa for posting, no other PP.

This is SHQ JPG from camera:

[core]

This is converted from RAW to JPG using Picassa:

[core]

This is JPG shot ran thru default Neat Image setting:

[core]

And this is the RAW converted shot ran thru Neat Image.

I'd say the images speak for themselves, and you can decide your own personal preference.

[mtclimber]

Core-

Many thanks for posting the samples. I am amazed that Picassa can handle the OLY Raw format. I guess I have to start thinking raw images.

MT

[Norm in Fujino]

If you're interested in high-ISO shooting in RAW, you should be aware that different RAW converters handle color differently, and therefore noise as well. Of all the third-party converters, IMHO Silkypix is the best with color at the lower ISOs, but I haven't found its handling of high-ISO very good. I'm also testing Raw Shooter Premium since it seems to have improved its handling of Olympus colors compared to RSE.