PMA: RAW Conversion, Noise Reduction Apps Updated

If you shoot digital images in RAW format, and use editing software to reduce digital noise, you might consider using a third-party application.

Sure, digital cameras that shoot in RAW format include software for converting images to other formats, such as JPEG, and noise reduction is a common feature of image editing programs. But using specialized software could save you time or deliver better results.

Pixamantec is showing at PMA a new version of its RAW conversion software, which runs on Windows 2000 or XP. RawShooter Essentials 2006 is the free version; RawShooter Premium 2006 costs $99, and comes with a 15-day free trial.
In the demonstration, the program was able to convert multiple images in the background, while still accurately displaying the edits being made to an image in the foreground. Workflow features include an easy categorization scheme, whereby simply pressing a number key tags the image being previewed.

The premium version has a feature for quickly making low-resolution JPEG proofs, horizon straightening, and additional scene adaptive processing. Downloads are available here.

Imagenomic is demonstrating Noiseware 4, the latest version of its noise-reduction software. The standard version costs $26 as a standalone app, and $49 as a plug-in. There is also a freeware community edition, but it doesn't have the self-learning feature the standard and professional versions have: The software reads the EXIF data your camera generates, and, over time, learns the characteristics of different cameras and settings in order to create a default noise-reduction profile for each. Download the software here.

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