DeNoise AI, NoNoise AI, & PureRaw 2 COMPARED - Which is BEST?

[@AnthonyMorganti]

In this tutorial, I compare three different noise reductions applications to one another. The apps I compare are Denoise AI, NoNoise AI, and PureRaw 2. ** I am an affiliate for all of the other companies mentioned below EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ For more info about NoNoise AI, go here and click on the heading at the top, "Plugins": on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20 - May not work on sale product) For more info about Topaz Labs Denoise AI, go here: bit.ly/3cDqa5J *Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15 For More info about PureRaw 2, go here: tidd.ly/3JmGnwt Probably not working but they gave me a 15% off Promo Code - give it a try: Anthony15 My Current Gear I’m always trading in cameras and lenses trying out new products. As of the recording of this video, here is the gear I currently own and use. All gear is purchased by me at normal retail pricing - I’m not sponsored by anyone nor am I an ambassador for any camera/lens manufacturer. The links below are my Amazon affiliate links. **As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Cameras: Nikon Z9: bit.ly/32Pa9Kg (Adorama Affiliate Link) Nikon Z7ii: amzn.to/351PPmL Nikon Z6ii: amzn.to/3399eS7 Nikon Z6: amzn.to/2TIBGnR Nikon Zfc with Nikon 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 Lens: amzn.to/3ykA07w Nikon D500: amzn.to/2WyO8Lt Sony A7Riv: amzn.to/3amo9JJ Lenses: Nikon Z-Mount: Nikon Z 24-70mm F4.0 Lens: amzn.to/2Z0hW55 Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S: amzn.to/2JWo5IX Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 Lens: amzn.to/3j4xVrA NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: amzn.to/3Cw4CVU TTArtisan 11mm F2.8: amzn.to/354Vnji Sony E-Mount: Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens: amzn.to/3iKdbBQ Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens: amzn.to/36fD8F1 Nikon F-Mount: Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 Lens: amzn.to/2WpggM2 Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 Lens: amzn.to/2VQMKi9 Nikon 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 Lens: amzn.to/2QuWmyb Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 Lens: amzn.to/2ZXR55C Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VRii Lens: amzn.to/2WG1p5f Nikon 1.4x Teleconverter: amzn.to/2WlkZ1z Nikon 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 DX Lens: amzn.to/2MiEKUk Tokina 100mm Macro Lens: amzn.to/2ZRgxfK Sigma 105mm 1.4 Art Lens: amzn.to/32PmFDZ Other Gear: Battery Grip: VG-C4EM for Sony A7Riv: amzn.to/3g3Wvnm Tripods & Ballheads Vanguard Tripod: amzn.to/2WqWB2u Siriu Ballhead: amzn.to/2W1MyS0 MeFOTO Travel Tripod: amzn.to/31GVvys The Carbon Fiber Version: amzn.to/2LjVt9m Joby GorillaPod: amzn.to/2zMNAEc Camera Straps & Backpack Peak Design Camera Strap: amzn.to/2Sqi4Eg Peak Design Slide Camera Strap: amzn.to/2DoLxLl Peak Design Everyday 30L Backpack: amzn.to/2MJPFcb Spider Pro Hand Strap: amzn.to/30k170u Spider Pro Hand Strap ver 2: amzn.to/3aC3p1Z Memory Cards Sony 120GB XQD Card: amzn.to/2HlfR8Y Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 64GB: amzn.to/2PUJHoD Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB: amzn.to/3oP6EZX Sony XQD/SD Card Reader: amzn.to/2NBuSHB Sony 128GB CFExpress Card: amzn.to/353hWC4 Delkin Devices 256GB CFExpress Card: amzn.to/3pULMDR CFExpress Card Reader: amzn.to/2X2xMbQ Anthony Morganti’s MUST HAVE applications: At least one Non-Destructive RAW Editor Lightroom - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW Capture One - www.captureone.com Luminar - bit.ly/2JUJxKw (Save with the Promo Code AM16) On1 Photo RAW - on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20) Exposure X7 - bit.ly/2U8UxrK (Save 10% with Promo Code: AnthonyMorganti) PhotoLab 5: tidd.ly/2HhiN9X At least one FULL Editing App: Photoshop - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW Affinity Photo - affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/ My MUST-HAVE Plugins: Topaz Gigapixel AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J Topaz Sharpen AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J Topaz Denoise AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J *Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15 or instead of Topaz Denoise AI: On1 NoNoise AI - on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20 - It may not work on sale product) Nik Silver Efex Pro 3 - tidd.ly/3dc4gYm The Best Sky Images I've Seen Available -- Ocudrone - bit.ly/3vtDpjR *Save 10% with Discount Code: Morganti10 ** Note that all of the promo codes listed above may not work on sale products. *** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ Please follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/anthonymorganti/ Thank you!

[@ivanfojan8859]

So nice to hear a youtuber say "iso" as one word, instead is "iesso" as separate letters. After all, we say "laser" and "radar" as a word and they are acronyms just the same! Anyway, back to the video. It's great to see that these three nr programs, are all very good. Great video :)

[@BenelliMr]

and I love even more when CALIFORNIANS and TEXANS say BADDRI and mean BATTERY. Or Italians say TARTINE when they mean THIRTEEN

[@alaikens6353]

I have these 3 products and use them as needed on noisy images. My conclusion is that the results are situational to the photo. When I use them, I process an image through all 3 each directly, import and then compare the results in Lightroom. PureRAW appears best to me most frequently, followed by DeNoise, and then NoNoise. However, last summer I captured the Milky Way behind the Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head, NC. NoNoise was by far the best result managing the noise in the sky while leaving detail in the foreground grass. In my opinion, use the tools that you have, compare the results, keep the best and delete the unwanted results. The worst that happens is that you spend a few minutes and delete a few files.

[@DalsPhotography]

Fully agree with you !!!! :) I also have them all .

[@MortAllachie]

The eye looked more sharp in the PureRAW 2 version. I love that PureRAW finally support Fuji RAW files, so as soon as the trial expires, I will throw my money on the table even though I already have Topaz 🙂

[@radiozelaza]

PureRaw replaces digital noise with something akin to film grain, it looks the best

[@jenniferdavenport9571]

DeNoise has the best UI for me. I also like how it doesn't mess with the tone and how it adds it's name to the file before saving. It does the job. Thanks for the video comparing these.

[@Bassbarbie]

The reason the PureRaw is showing some toning differences is because you selected the lens corrections. You could deselect these. Mostly I just use DxO Photolab with DeepPrime for noisy images, but occasionally I will run something through the others to see if they can manage a better job. I do so much less processing now I've moved from Lightroom to Photolab.

[@marca9955]

It sucks if they think saturating an image is what you do as part of lens correction. Fixing geometry, CA, sharpness rolloff etc. are all useful in a raw processor but to have those I have to let PR2 significantly mess with my colours too.

[@Bassbarbie]

@@marca9955 I don't know about PureRaw, but in Photolab you have the option for geometric corrections only if you wish.

[@simonwalter7142]

Thanks as always for your great videos. Do you think the apps really do work better standalone or are they just as good as plugins?

[@19Photographer76]

My guess, since I have the applications, PureRaw does some Tone processing. If that was done on the other 2 applications, noise might become visible. PureRaw can always be processed again to 'hide' the visible noise if needed. PureRaw is generally used prior to stacking images.

[@neilschlosser1112]

Excellent as always - thanks Anthony! One question, if cropping the image and/or increasing the resolution, should noise reduction be done before or after? Thanks.

[@TimLaytonDarkroomDiary]

The workflow that I follow is to denoise as first step and then process as desired in LR/PS and then use Gigapixel to enlarge. I am getting good results using it this way.

[@sloemo4024]

I think a lot of what you’re calling residual noise in the birds beak and feathers is actually artifacts from over-sharpening.

[@susheeltm]

The edges of the beak look much sharper in the PureRaw2 image when compared to both the others. Don't you think?

[@Impostertot]

Thank you Mr Morganti for these comparisons. Which is your preferred method: process images first in LR/PS then send to denoise software or vice versa?

[@jamesgerboc]

It might be interesting to compare these results with standard noise reduction in Lightroom, Luminar, etc. Unless you have a large batch of workable images, it’s not likely an efficient workflow to denoise via a standalone noise app. A plug-in adds a couple steps. A slider within is ideal.

[@stevew7779]

Very useful and clear video! I use both Denoise and DXO Photolab for noise removal and find one or other works best in different scenarios, but I probably use the Topaz more. Both are way better than Lightroom's native noise reduction. Learned some good stuff from this video though!

[@AdrianIII]

So the final part of the comparison would be how each image looks after final processing. That is, does final processing increase noise enough to change the ranking of these apps?

[@roknroller6052]

The images are to high quality to test the software this is the problem with almost all tutorials and reviews, its either done from extreme quality stock images, Down res’d. Or professional users photography

[@Herobox-ju4zd]

I'd say Pureraw looks the best, especially when it comes to the background. I'm not really a fan of how the other 2 are color banding the background.

[@e.colemantlpss6406]

That may just be the video compression by youtube and not actually in the image.

[@alanplatt888]

thank you for the comparison, nice work. Have you any experience of DXO PL DeepPrime ?

[@Bassbarbie]

I haven't used PureRaw, but I think it will be the same as DxO Photolab Deep Prime - which is brilliant with raw files. One of the downsides is that you cannot use it on anything but raw files. For Jpegs, tifs or dng files, I believe you need to use one of the other programs.. It is also slow to process, but I think worth the wait for special images.

[@alanplatt888]

@@Bassbarbie Thank you for the reply

[@photo-wizard]

Considering the amount of time to move the sliders around in Topaz Denoise, I prefer the very simple and faster DXO PureRaw. It also corrects lens problems. Just throw your RAW files into PureRaw and export them as DNG - done :) If you come back from a wedding or a travel with tons of photos Topaz Denoise just takes too much time to adjust the sliders for every image. In addition I saw Topaz Denoise having severe Problems with fabrics like clothes and others. Grooms and guests seem to wear plastic suits after denoising with Topaz Denoise. And it sometimes creates strange color blotches in soft parts of images like the background. All together I like PureRaw more - quick, easy and great results. btw: I love your videos - thanks for your work!

[@BenelliMr]

fully agree; and I export as TIFF 16 bit

[@huwmorgan51]

Thanks for doing this Anthony. Did you get a chance to look at the size of the dng files?

[@stevehoge]

Yes, I was also interested to see the resulting DNG file sizes compared between products.

[@DalsPhotography]

How great this comparison is !!!! I tend to use the one needed as I have all of them, it depends on the photo that I am processing. I don't like that kind of noisy stuff that DeNoise (Topaz) adds to my images. In the end, I use more No NOise from On1 than topaz. Thank you Anthony , lovely video, regards from Uruguay.

[@BrettOssman]

Hopefully not too long winded: I currently use different tools for different tasks as laid out below. I also use Auto as much as possible for speed. Is there a better way to use each tool to its fullest potential and still use them all? Might be a good video. Lightroom (Raw) - Basic Panel (White Balance and Tones only) - Len Correction - Export to Photoshop Photoshop (PSD) - Using Smart Objects with plugins on separate layers for each - Topaz DeNoise AI - Camera Raw Filter (clipping needs a slight tweak on occasion) - Luminar Neo - Camera Raw Filter (clipping needs a slight tweak on occasion) - Nik Color Efex Pro (rarely) - Camera Raw Filter (clipping needs a slight tweak on occasion) - Topaz Sharpen AI - Camera Raw Filter (clipping needs a slight tweak on occasion) - Save back to Lightroom Lightroom (PSD from above) - Take a last quick look at Basic Panel (Tones for clipping) - Catalogue tasks such as - Captions/Descriptions - Keywords - Exporting - etc

[@williammcdonnell3539]

For what it's worth, Topaz support staff recommended using Sharpen AI (since I own it) in preference to the Sharpen Slider within DeNoise which you do in this comparison. This would probably make a difference, but I have not done an A/B comparison.

[@bensaunders616]

I find that PureRaw 2 consistently returns the processed file about a half stop darker than the original Raw file. I was surprised that in your example it was brighter. I also find that Denoise does a better job overall noise reduction compared to PureRaw 2. Actually I think the original PureRAW did a better job of noise reduction than PureRAW 2.

[@ChristiaanRoest79]

I would go for the PureRaw 2 image with some additional noise removal in lightroom. With the slider in lightroom you can remove the noise only in the background. Would turn out best.

[@BenelliMr]

You have the slider and the preview window in Photolab. And once you have optimized, you apply fro the whole series, you export a hundred photos or more and you go for dinner

[@renestaempfli1071]

I have compared Topaz Photo AI, ON1 2023, PL6 and PureRaw2/CaptureOne 2022 with regards to noise removal. The images had an ISO range between 12800 and 64000 taken at a concert with my SONY A1. PureRaw2/C1 produced clearly the best results. At ISO 64000, only PureRaw2/C1 produced usable results printed at the Canon Pro 1000 in A2 format.

[@stevehoge]

It would be really useful to know if there's an appreciable difference in DNG output file sizes for these tools. If output is comparable to the original RAW file size I'd be tempted to batch all my sessions through a tool as the first part of my workflow...but if my RAW file is exploding into a TIFF-scale 256MB monster I'd be more selective about it.

[@remektekmedia6641]

Anthony, I just love your comparisons! So useful, thanks.

[@garyrowe58]

I'd be interested to know how well Lightroom itself could remove noise from the image, and whether any of the others are actually better. Also, seeing how much PureRaw makes it pop, as a landscape photographer I'd be nervous about how much processing it is doing, without any control by me, and does it make changes I can't undo!

[@frstesiste7670]

You cant undo noise reduction, lens profiles and demosaic (if it does that), but you can always go back to the original file.

[@CrueLoaf]

I like Denoise but they have put me off by upgrading it and nagging me to but the upgrade! Trying to install my purchased copy on a new Mac was also a nightmare.

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

In my opinion Topaz DeNoise AI has the best rendering of details in the very bright feathers on the top of the eagle's head. At one point fine details and noise are difficult to separate from each other, and if all "noise" is just removed, the perceived details totally disappear. Also I - I think it was ON1 NoNoise AI having a problem with the demosaicing of Fuji raw files rendering red colors with stripes! When I use Sony's ARW files with DeNoise AI they are returned as DNGs - but about 4 times larger than the original raw file, which to me looks as if a TIFF file is being returned in a DNG container. I don't know how this same process turns out with the other two applications.

[@stevehoge]

Yes, some details about output file sizes would be a welcome addition to this comparison.

[@Finite-Tuning]

Denoise AI for the win. I certainly don't regret my purchase of it, nor any of the Topaz products. Well, actually I do regret keeping Mask AI, but I purchased it as a bundle during a sale event. It pales in comparison to Photoshop. If it's not a super simple white background then forget about it, even then it isn't great. Anyway, cheers 🍻

[@iankelsall25]

DeNoise ai retains more texture in the feathers than NoNoise or pure raw 2 in this particular image. at print resolution, you would not see grain or noise unless it was a truly huge print maybe. the most important job of these programs is retaining detail, not smoothing it out for the sake of grain that you would not see on a print.

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

I think we can all agree that noise removal has come on leaps and bounds over the years and TBH all produce acceptable results on an isolated subject like above. However, whilst I realise you are partial your bird shots, your initial image is not what I'd consider really noisy. It would be nice, and perhaps far more informative to see this comparison done with something taken at more extreme ISO's like an aurora or astro shot perhaps.

[@edadams477]

Anthony, I am a bit confused by you saying NoNoise is best as a standalone. I use it as part of my raw development in On1 Raw 2022 which I think is the real advantage to it. I have Topaz DeNoise and have found out of the box NoNoise is a bit crisper and Topaz DeNoise is a bit soft but using NoNoise from within my raw workflow is so much easier than using Topaz DeNoise as a plugin and bring it back as a layer in On1 Raw 2022 or having to find it to process it standalone in Topaz DeNoise , then make sure I put it back in the right place for On1

[@aaronsiegel8367]

Running in ON1 Photo RAW 2022 is the same as running in the ON1 NoNoise standalone they both have access to the raw image.

[@TimLaytonDarkroomDiary]

Very practical and much-needed comparison. Thanks for making this video.

[@hashy666]

So what one do you think was the "best"

[@seabreezeof]

My workflow, directly into DXO Deep Prime with no edits, when returned, I edit, then if it still has a little noise, I run it a second time through DeNise AI. but we are talking a very noisy file, most files work once through DXO Deep Prime.. Anthony, remember the brighter the images is when returned from any Denoise action, the more you will see noise, if the file is a very noisey to start out with.

[@InArcadiaSum]

I have a new Ideal boiler and Halo, which seems to work OK. However, looking at the reviews on Apple for the Halo phone app, it doesn't work well or at all, and the majority of user reviews are highly critical. No phone app for me, if it just complicates things.

[@jav_eee]

Just bought your presets. On some photos, some of the presets are greyed out. Those same ones might not be on a different photo. What does this mean?

[@keshav4778]

Do dxo then export to photoshop and do denoise.... The best so far

[@petergottschling2597]

Thank you Anthony, this was very informative for this novice. For me, simpler is better so probably will go with DXO2 because I like what it did to the image appearance.

[@AdrianIII]

Consider pronouncing DeNoise as DEE-Noise instead of DUH-Noise?

[@marcopigoni9483]

Whats your problems?

[@DM-fp8uw]

DXO had tone changes and the other two were tweaked by you after the AI finished so hard to compare.

[@marshafouks]

I have the latest version of Topaz AI Sharpen. Should I also upgrade to the latest version of Topaz A1 Denoise? thanks

[@gbdr_ps_fan8656]

In my opinion the latest Denoise AI version (3.6.1) is noticeably better than its previous release. So, yeah, I'd say go for it. Now it's very similar in quality to PL 5 with it's Deep Prime, which I sill prefer overall.

[@marshafouks]

@@gbdr_ps_fan8656 Thanks

[@PaulCarmona]

Personally, I found that Pure raw breaks my work flow and is really slow, find that using Topaz Photo AI gives be quick and great results for what I do, only use Topaz DeNoise when I need more fine tuning that AI photo can give me and keeps my Lightroom/ Photoshop round tripping easier to work with

[@Skye_the_toller]

I made extensive tests over the last few days… Topaz remove noise, but, in some situations, brings some artifacts in white… DXO seems sharpen the photo and makes tone d’ajustements.. but results are globally more predictive… but… the 2 software cannot handle all the Z9 files at this point…

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Im wish I could join with you in processing my own images, but Pure Raw 2 still only support my Z9 with a couple of my Z-mount S-line lenses and NOT the Z 70-200/2.8 with a TC attached. Whereas PL5 allows me to download all the relevant modules BUT PL5 still does not support the Z9. ARGH !!! Please start by setting Recover Original Detail to ZERO in DNAI.

[@KarenVaisman1]

Can you please elaborate on what you mean about not support Z9 files?

[@uhligsu]

I believe that with non-raw files, such as scanned negatives, Topaz Denoise AI, ist superior. Maybe worth another test,

[@stevebryson5464]

Agreed. I use the Topaz product (as a plug-in) for digitizing negatives and slides. Very good results.

[@raylander6329]

Exceptional video, as always; very clear and great comparisons; thank you for this

[@ypebanbung-michael8865]

if no adjustments would be done in any applications just auto this would be a fair comparison I guess.

[@Viktalphotography]

In my experience, Pureraw2 it's not significant faster at all, just stick to version one and save yourself some money.

[@ataraxia4526]

As some one who shoots DNG I could regret buying the DeNoise AI but it's pointless to regret things. DeNoise AI used to perform well in the beginning but now it is kind of useless. It creates lots of weird artifacts, with DNGs at least. Photos become too often just a mix of blotches of heavy unnatural grain created by the SW next to plasticy clean areas.

[@Hsukhaybir]

This not how noise reduction supposed to be .. zooming like that is Impractical for real work use .. DXO is the best out of them but this comparison makes Looks awful because you need to balance between sharpness and noise reduction, the other 2 has much softer pictures which is matter! And because no one will zoom at that level to see the noise ..

[@MrSurvivalTv_CS]

Damn this dude put moition blur on his cursor

[@jonasweiss5817]

A mess of extra effects in all but Topaz, and it darkened the image.

[@marca9955]

I hate that PR2 messes with my colours when it's only supposed to remove noise and correct lens distortion. I think it's all so they can do those awesome before/after comparisons and say "look, with only one click!" Compare the before/after comparison RAW against the straight RAW to see how they degrade the appearance of it to make that case. DXO is a shit company in so many ways. They continue to sell DXO Optics Pro for Photos in the Mac App Store, even though it hasn't worked for years. They refuse to issue refunds for it. When you get a VAT exemption they just keep the VAT. They don't offer student discounts. They don't honor their own promo codes, as for Anthony above. Just a shit company with some good engineers.