There has been quite a lot of new Image Editing software for photographers to use. It looks like the “monopoly” that Adobe has had is breaking. I think it is a good thing even though I use Adobe Creative Cloud every day. The more we have the better.
Image: Skylum
Recently I have tested some other software and have found that Skylum Luminar and Aurora HDR are quite good for editing. Aurora HDR is more of a HDR software, but can be used as a stand alone software for general image editing too. Together with Luminar they quote a nice bundle.
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If you are interested n the Aurora HDR Luminat 4 bundle click the link below to get it for $99.
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I have also made a video about Aurora HDR if you want to know more.
I just came across Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKIIIs camera and was wondering what it is. It turns out to be a model between the new E-M10 MKIV and the original E-M10 MKIII. It was launched ay the same time as the new E-M10 MKIV was.
It has some of the features from the new E-M10 MK IV, but not all of them. The body is the same as E-M10 MKIII. The only visible difference is the IIIs marking on the bottom of the body.
image: Olympus
This model in for the Chinese and Thailand markets. Most likely it is all about the price. But it is also for sale in a UK online store. It is actually quite a clever move from Olympus. It has the 16Mpix sensor from the original E-M10 MKIII and most of the specs. The things that are from E-M10 MKIV is the new panorama mode and the ability to use Silent Shutter in PASM.
The silent shutter is one of the best features of mirrorless cameras. It makes it possible to shoot in total silence. It is a great feature for concerts and other places where the noise of the mirror of the mechanical shutter can be distracting.
I personally like the new panorama mode. It should have been already in the original E-M0 MKIII, but I am glad it is now on the new camera. Panning the scene and letting the camera stitch the panorama is more convenient than taking individual images and then stitch them in post. Of course, in some cases, it is better to make the panorama in post. There are more options to tweak it then. But for casual shooting, I think the panning way is better.
This could be also a very interesting collector’s item for those who collect Olympus cameras.
Noise is something we usually want to avoid in our photos. Noise can make the image quality worse. That is always a matter of opinion. Also, noise looks a bit different in different cameras. Some cameras can even produce quite pleasant looking noise. There are two kinds of noise, color noise, and luminance noise. I usually do not like the color noise that much. Luminance noise is not that bad, but of course, it can also be ugly looking.
Getting your exposure correct when making the exposure is very important. If you need to increase the exposure, most likely the in shadows will become more visible. Getting the exposure correct when photographing will get you better results. If you shoot RAW then exposing the image as bright as possible and then lower the mid-tones and possibly also highlights in post will reduce the visibility of the noise.
2. Use RAW
Using RAW will make it possible to edit your images. Lowering the exposure in post like I mentioned in the previous tip will make the noise less visible. RAW will give you more flexibility.
3. Use as Low ISO as possible
Modern cameras have a very effective stabilizer. That will make long exposures possible without tripods. When using low ISO there will less noise in your images. If you have LowISO in your camera as one of the options, try that and see how it affects the noise level of your images.
When using low exposure that increases noise. Many cameras have noise reduction in camera when exposure is more than certain seconds. In Olympus cameras that limit is 4 seconds. If your exposure time is 4 seconds or longer the camera will do noise reduction. Some cameras are not good in noise reduction and in most cases it is better to do in post. But the best way is to test it with your own camera.
5. Use Noise Reduction in Post
Image editing software usually has a noise reduction tool. Some work better than others. In most cases, I use the Lightroom noise reduction tool. But sometimes I use Topaz DeNoise AI. It works very well reducing noise.
If you are interested in Topaz DeNoise Ai click thislink. Ii’s an Affiliate link. You do not pay extra and I get a small commission. Win-Win
Always remember not to overdo the noise reduction. Images start to look really plastic if you reduce too much noise. Always be very careful and easy on the noise reduction so that the details do not disappear.
6. Noise Reduction in Camera Video
I have a video about Noise Reduction on my YouTube -channel. There are a few more tips about the reduction.
