Table of Contents
- Why Can RAW Images Be Noisy?
- How to Reduce Noise in Adobe Camera Raw
- How to Use the Denoise Feature in Adobe Camera RAW
- Pro Tips for Noise Reduction in Camera Raw
- Let PhotoUp Help You Reduce Noise in Your Photos
Do you want to know how to reduce noise in Camera Raw?
Noise in photos can be frustrating, especially when it distracts from the clarity and details of your images. For photographers, shooting in RAW format provides more editing flexibility, but RAW files can sometimes appear noisy.
Fortunately, Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) in Photoshop offers robust tools to reduce noise while preserving essential image details.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to effectively reduce noise in Camera Raw and answer why RAW images might come out noisy in the first place.
| Key Takeaways |
| Understanding why RAW images can be noisy—whether due to high ISO settings, underexposure, or sensor limitations—will help you make better shooting decisions to minimize noise from the start. |
| Using Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop will effectively help you reduce noise in your images. |
Why Can RAW Images Be Noisy?
Typically, the amount of noise depends on the camera. For instance, low-end cameras can cause color noise even without increasing the ISO.
To give you some practical scenarios, noise in RAW images primarily occurs due to:
- High ISO Settings: When shooting in low-light conditions, increasing the ISO sensitivity amplifies the sensor signal. Unfortunately, this also amplifies digital noise, resulting in grainy or speckled photos
- Long Exposures: Long exposure photography can generate noise due to the heat buildup on the camera sensor, particularly in darker areas
- Underexposed Images: Underexposing a shot and then boosting the exposure in post-processing can introduce noise, as the sensor captures fewer details in shadows
- Sensor Size: Smaller sensors (such as those in smartphones or entry-level cameras) tend to produce noisier images compared to full-frame or medium-format sensors
Unlike JPEGs, RAW images are uncompressed and retain all the original sensor data. This makes them more prone to showing noise, but it also gives you the tools needed to reduce it effectively in post-processing.
Understanding why RAW images can be noisy—whether due to high ISO settings, underexposure, or sensor limitations—will help you make better shooting decisions to minimize noise from the start.
Have You Ever Thought To
Outsource Photo Editing?
Try it today with 10 free edits from three professional photo editors.
How to Reduce Noise in Adobe Camera Raw
Reducing noise in Adobe Camera Raw is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the quality of your RAW images.
There are two different ways to do this. The first is to use the manual noise reduction method, and the other is to use the AI-based tool—the Denoise feature.
To get started, follow these steps to reduce noise in Camera Raw:
Step 1. To use the manual noise reduction method, open your image in Camera Raw.
Step 2. Go to File > Open > Select your RAW image, and it will automatically open in Camera Raw.
Step 3. In the right-hand panel, click the Detail tab. Go to the Manual Noise Reduction section.
Step 4. Adjust the sliders gradually to avoid over-smoothing. Once you’re satisfied, click Open to bring the image into Photoshop.
Step 5. To use the Denoise feature, do the same as before. Open your image in Photoshop, and on the right panel, go to the Detail tab and click the Denoise feature.
Step 6. A preview window will pop up. Use the Amount slider to control how much noise is removed. Start around 50% and adjust. You can zoom and pan to see the before and after.
Step 7. Now, click Enhance. Camera RAW will create a new DNG file with noise reduction applied.
Step 8. Once done, you’ll see both the original and the enhanced version in your filmstrip. Click Open to bring the image into Photoshop or Done to save edits without opening.
And there you have it! You’ve now learned how to reduce noise in Camera Raw in Photoshop using two easy methods.
Before we leave this topic, let’s take a look at some effective tips when working on noise reduction.
Pro Tips for Noise Reduction in Camera Raw
To help you become a noise wizard, here are some pro tips for noise reduction in Camera Raw:
- Balance Noise Reduction and Detail Preservation: Overdoing noise reduction can make the image look soft and lose texture. Always zoom in to preview changes
- Use Masking with Sharpening: Masking helps avoid sharpening areas with noise
- Shoot at a Lower ISO When Possible: To minimize noise, shoot in good lighting conditions or use a tripod for longer exposures at lower ISO settings
- Expose Correctly in-Camera: Avoid underexposing your shots, as increasing exposure later can amplify noise
With practice, mastering noise reduction in Camera Raw will ensure your images retain their clarity and visual appeal, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Have You Ever Thought To
Outsource Photo Editing?
Try it today with 10 free edits from three professional photo editors.
Let PhotoUp Help You Reduce Noise in Your Photos
If you’re struggling with noise or want to ensure your real estate photography is edited to the highest standards, consider outsourcing your photo editing.
PhotoUp offers high-quality real estate photo editing with prices starting as low as $0.50 per image (for dedicated editing).
PhotoUp’s team of skilled editors is proficient in a wide range of advanced editing techniques, including:
- Noise reduction and image sharpening
- Image enhancement
- HDR blending
- Day-to-dusk conversions
- Advanced object removal and decluttering
- Perspective correction
- Sky replacements
- Brightness and color correction
- Pano stitching
- And much more!
Outsourcing photo editing to PhotoUp allows real estate photographers to save time while also enhancing their portfolio and brand.
Browse Top Dedicated
Real Estate Photo Editors
Ready-to-hire editors for real estate photo editing, and more.
User-Friendly & Intelligent Platform
With PhotoUp’s user-friendly software, you can easily upload and receive photos, send instructions, and leave feedback.
It also allows you to track and manage team members and clients, and deliver photos directly to your clients.
Here’s how to get started with PhotoUp:
Step 1. Sign up for a free PhotoUp account.
Step 2. Upload your photos to our easy-to-use software.
Step 3. Choose the level of editing that you need and provide instructions (optional).
Step 4. Wait for PhotoUp professional editors to edit and return the photos in less than 24 hours (48 hours for virtual staging).
Step 5. Download and start using your beautifully edited photos.
It’s really that easy to get your photos edited and returned to you in 24 hours or less!
PhotoUp Offers More Than Just Editing
PhotoUp offers so much more than just editing! We are a complete one-stop shop for real estate marketing services and alBo provide powerful tools such as:
- Virtual staging
- Virtual house tours
- Single property websites
- Property flyers
- Floor plans
- And house portraits
You can find everything you need to enhance and market real estate photography in one user-friendly software.
So what are you waiting for?
Sign up for a free PhotoUp account today and let us help take editing off your plate!
Plus, when you sign up for an account, you’ll receive a bonus of 10 free credits to use however you please.
We hope this blog post helped you learn how to reduce noise in Camera Raw. If you found this guide useful, you may also want to check out the following resources:
