What is image noise?
One of the greatest giveaways that a photo was captured on a smartphone is the noise and grain typically found in the dark areas (shadows) and low light images. Effective noise removal can make your low light photos look much more professional.
Noise (aka grain) is a random variation of speckled brightness or colour detail in the image. This is usually a by-product of having a high ISO sensitivity setting. It is most evident in the dark areas (shadows) of the image. It is also caused by sensor size, pixel density and noise reduction algorithms. All very technical isn't it? If you find yourself taking lots of low light photography - this is one of those rare occasions, when I will actually say it is about the camera. Technology has improved leaps and bounds in this area and is definitely worth the upgrade.
The good news, all smartphones, including the iPhone already has image noise removal and reduction built-in and does a great job. If you use the standard camera, this happens automatically before the photo is being saved to your Photos app.
Note: When you utilise a camera replacement app and select RAW (DNG) file format - this bypasses the Apple noise removal software and the noise can become increasingly evident.
Noise (aka grain) is a random variation of speckled brightness or colour detail in the image. This is usually a by-product of having a high ISO sensitivity setting. It is most evident in the dark areas (shadows) of the image. It is also caused by sensor size, pixel density and noise reduction algorithms. All very technical isn't it? If you find yourself taking lots of low light photography - this is one of those rare occasions, when I will actually say it is about the camera. Technology has improved leaps and bounds in this area and is definitely worth the upgrade.
The good news, all smartphones, including the iPhone already has image noise removal and reduction built-in and does a great job. If you use the standard camera, this happens automatically before the photo is being saved to your Photos app.
Note: When you utilise a camera replacement app and select RAW (DNG) file format - this bypasses the Apple noise removal software and the noise can become increasingly evident.
Want to see noise in action?
Of course, you do – you are a photo enthusiast and we are visual people.
1. Open the native camera app
2. Carefully place your iPhone lens against something to block any light from entering the lens
3. Notice the speckles jumping all over the place.
4. Now when you take a photo - you are taking a snapshot of this random noise jumping all over the place. Doesn't that look weird?
How do we use Live Photos remove noise and grain?
1. Open a photo in the Live Photos album and swipe up on the photo to reveal the Effects options (available since iOS 11 update)
2. Swipe up on a selected Live Photo to reveal three settings (bounce, loop and long exposure) and tap on long exposure
2. Swipe up on a selected Live Photo to reveal three settings (bounce, loop and long exposure) and tap on long exposure
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These are the best editing apps available on both Android and iPhone
Noise removal on other iPhone photos – Noiseware app (iOS)
This noise removal app is amazing. The developers have been providing various image enhancing software for years as a plugin that works alongside desktop-based software.
The user experience could not be simpler. Tap on albums, locate the image and it automatically applies a default setting. You have the option to choose a stronger or weaker enhancement > tap the share icon and save it to your Photos app. To compare the original image > tap and hold your finger on the photo to reveal the before image.
This app does a fantastic job of blurring the noise, whilst retaining textures and areas containing contrast without blurring the entire image.
Download here
The user experience could not be simpler. Tap on albums, locate the image and it automatically applies a default setting. You have the option to choose a stronger or weaker enhancement > tap the share icon and save it to your Photos app. To compare the original image > tap and hold your finger on the photo to reveal the before image.
This app does a fantastic job of blurring the noise, whilst retaining textures and areas containing contrast without blurring the entire image.
Download here
Noise reduction app for Android photographers
I didn't forget you – PicsArt is a great noise removal alternative that is available on both iOS and Android.
Open the app > tap the Plus icon > Edit > Select your image > Effects > Scroll right across the titles at the bottom and tap on Corrections > Denoise > tap Denoise again to access the Denoising and Details slider.
Google Play download here
iOS App store download here
Google Play download here
iOS App store download here
Lightroom mobile app has a great noise removal alternative that is available on both iOS and Android.
iOS app> tap the Adjustments icon > Detail >then select either Noise Reduction or Colour Noise Reduction. Fine-tune the adjustments using the Detail, Contrast and Smoothness sliders.
Android app > tap on the Filters icon > Components > then compare the results of Noise Reduction - 01 - Low, 02 - Med or 03 - High
Google Play download here
iOS App store download here
Passionate - Creative - Curious
Android app > tap on the Filters icon > Components > then compare the results of Noise Reduction - 01 - Low, 02 - Med or 03 - High
Google Play download here
iOS App store download here
Passionate - Creative - Curious
- Mike
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Acknowledgement of Country
Smartphone Photography Training acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Smartphone Photography Training acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.