Grainy Photos

[Safaris2006]

What is the easiest way to correct a grainy photo? I scanned photos into Adobe Elements 4.0 from 35MM negatives with a PrimeFilm 1800u scanner at the highest resolution possible as TIFF files. I then did color correction at 150, 600 and 1200 pixels and converted files to JPEG; grainy problem didn't change with different pixel level. The grainy areas are in the clouds and darker colors of the photo. I have been able to improve the problem with the various brush tools but hoped there might be an easier way. I am a beginner and have a long way to go before I will have reached an acceptable level of competency with Adobe Elements 4.0. Would really appreciate any help that might be out there.

[GaryK]

Hi

Welcome to the forums.:)

One thing you can try is scanning at a lower resolution:eek:

Sometimes this helps, sometimes not.

A lot of people have had very good luck with Neat Image for noise removal. It is an addon and an additional cost but very well reviewed.

They do have a trial version.. I'm not sure of the limitations.

If you have a lot of slides you may want to give it a try.

[AngelicKim]

Hello and welcome. If you are using a PC you can get Imagenomic (http://www.imagenomic.com/download.aspx) Noiseware Community version free. It is a stand alone program. Scroll all the way down to the last download at the bottom of the page.

[Rusty]

I am currently scanning a lot of old 35mm slides. I did some side-by-side tests and proved (at least to me :) ) that what Gary just said is 100% correct. Extreme resolution does more harm than good.

I have found that 35mm scanned at 1200 is going to be plenty good - that enlarges to almost 300 at 8x10". If I know that I will want to zoom in for a tight crop, I will probably scan at 2400 ... but no more than 2400. Be aware, I don't claim to be any kind of expert -- I'm only saying what works for me.

For noise reduction, I can speak only for NeatImage - it is excellent. Other products are likely as good, I have no experience with them.

Welcome to the Forum, I look forward to getting to know you better.

Rusty

[Wendy]

Hi ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

I was going to suggest the same thing ... scanning at too high a resolution seems to magnify the grainyness (is that how you spell it :eek: )

Wendy :)

[GaryK]

Wendy

That's how they spell it in the UK.:D

[Chuck_IV]

Hello and welcome. If you are using a PC you can get Imagenomic (http://www.imagenomic.com/download.aspx) Noiseware Community version free. It is a stand alone program. Scroll all the way down to the last download at the bottom of the page.


I'll second this. Noiseware is VERY good. It does a great job of removing noise, without removing detail or sharpness.

[Safaris2006]

Thanks to all for the help. Didn't expect such quick response!!! Downloaded the Neat Image demo software and it looks like it will do the job for me. Have purchased and downloaded Neat Image software and am now in the process of learning how to use it. Thanks again for the help. Wasn't aware of what a great resource the Elements Forum is might be!!