dFINE by olivier

d fine™ 1.0 User Guide

å÷ nik

multimedia,÷Inc.

Table of Contents

Introduction & Installation Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Dfine™ Selective Installation & Photoshop®

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Dfine™ Camera Profile Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Purchasing and Adding Camera Profiles Loading Camera Profiles

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Using Multiple Camera Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Compatibility

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16-Bit Compatibility

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Learn More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Learn More...Know More

Understanding Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 The Dependent Nature of Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Defining Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Noise and Misconceptions

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The Unique Nature of Digital Cameras Dfine™ Camera Profiles

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Your Digital Camera & In-Camera Noise Management

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How In-Camera Noise Reduction Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Limitations of Some Digital Cameras

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The Golden Rules of Noise Reduction & Detail Optimization

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Key Considerations When Reducing Noise . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Product Overview Custom Camera Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Main Feature Functions 1. Luminance Noise

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2. Chrominance Noise & JPG Artifact Reduction

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3. Contrast & Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 4. Color Cast & Color Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Table of Contents

The Dfine™ Preview System

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Multi-Preview Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Real-Time Preview Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Grab and Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Preview Ratio

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Quick 100% Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Interface Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Reveal Analysis Mode Image Histogram

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Single-Click Presets Dfine™ Selective

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Dfine™ Selective Editing Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dfine™ Selective Brushes Using Dfine™ Selective

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Dfine™ Selective: Using Camera Profiles

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Lessons and Applications Dfine™ an Image in 4 Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 1. Reduce Luminance Noise

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2. Reduce Chrominance Noise & Artifacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 3. Adjust Contrast and Light

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4. Adjust Color Cast and Color Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 How Do I... Using Dfine™ Remove JPG Artifacts

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Reduce Noise from the Sky Using a Dfine™ Camera Profile

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Optimally Reduce Noise in a Portrait Using a Camera Profile . . .38 Reduce Noise in an Image Using Dfine™ Selective . . . . . . . . . .39 Adjusting Color and Light with the Tonal Adjustments Option

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Enhancing Skin Tones and Colors in an Image . . . . . . . . .43 Reducing Noise and Sharpening Images

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Sharpening and Noise Reduction - Tips & Guidelines . . . . . . . .46 More Information

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Contacting nik multimedia, Inc.

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Introduction & Installation Introduction Dfine™ provides a wide range of options for reducing noise and optimizing detail in digital images. Using an easy-to-use four-step process, you can choose to reduce varying types of noise and artifacts including luminance noise, chrominance noise, and JPG artifacts. You can also use a variety of features in Dfine™ to enhance color and contrast in an image while considering the effects of the noise reduction process. This guide is divided into individual sections that will guide you through the installation process, offer an overview of the features and functions in Dfine™, and provide a small series of lessons to help you get acquainted with Dfine™. Installation Dfine™ offers an automated installation procedure that installs Dfine™ into any compatible image-editing application. To use Dfine™, the software must be installed into a Photoshop® compatible plug-in application. When using Dfine™ with Photoshop® or Photoshop® Elements, the Dfine™ installer will locate the more recent installation of Photoshop® or Photoshop® Elements and offer a possible location for plug-ins based on the current settings for Photoshop® plug-ins in your system. If the correct location does not appear in the location line of the installer, simply choose the appropriate location on your hard

Windows

Mac

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Introduction

drive for plug-ins and proceed with the installation process. Dfine™ Selective Installation & Photoshop® When installing Dfine™, the Dfine™ Selective tool will also be automatically installed into your plug-ins folder to integrate Dfine™ Selective into the Automate menu in Photoshop® or Photoshop® Elements. Once you have located the appropriate folder for installing Dfine™, the Dfine™ Selective tool will also be installed. Dfine™ Camera Profile Installation

Dfine™ Selective is compatible with Photoshop® and Photoshop® Elements for Windows and Mac OS X and appears as an option on the Automate menu in Photoshop® (or Elements) when installed.

Dfine™ camera profiles can be purchased electronically via the Internet by clicking on the Load Profile button within Dfine™. When the Load Profile button is clicked, select the Get Profile from Web option in order to purchase and install a camera profile.

The installation procedure for Dfine™ camera profiles is a two-step process that you are guided through. Step one of the installation process involves downloading the profile. Step two involves activating the profile to work with Dfine™. These two steps ensure that you have the appropriate profile that will work with your version of Dfine™. Purchasing and Adding Camera Profiles To access a list of profiles, click on the Load Profile button and select the Get Profile from Web option. After reaching the profile page, simply choose a profile to purchase. Once the purchase is completed, a self-installing file is downloaded that can be launched, installed, and integrated into Dfine™. NOTE: Depending on the profile you purchase,

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a validation code may be emailed to you to be used during the installation process. Loading Camera Profiles Once a profile is integrated into Dfine™, the camera profile can be loaded simply by clicking on the Load Profile button and choosing Load From Disk. Once the profile file is selected, the camera profile is loaded into Dfine™ and becomes an accessible option under the Luminance Noise feature. Using Multiple Camera Profiles Dfine™ allows you to work with multiple camera profiles in the noise reduction process. However, when using Dfine™, only one profile may be loaded at any one time. To switch profiles, simply click on the Load Profile option at the lower part of the interface and select another profile to load. To quickly access different profiles, load a profile and save a preset under the Single Click Presets, as referred to on page 28. This preset can then be used to quickly access this camera profile again. Compatibility Dfine™ is an Adobe® Photoshop® compatible plug-in, compatible with Adobe® Photoshop® , and Photoshop® Elements. Dfine™ is developed for Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP and Mac OS 9 & Mac OS X systems, and includes a pressure sensitive Dfine™ Selective application module, compatible with Adobe® Photoshop® and Photoshop® Elements for Windows 98/ME/NT/ 2000/XP and for Mac OS X. 16-Bit Compatibility Dfine™ supports both 8-bit and 16-bit digital images, with the software utilizing full 16-bit image capabilities. When 8-bit images are processed, Dfine™ uses an internal conversion 5

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procedure that allows Dfine™ to process the image with all the advantages of a 16-bit image, alleviating the histogram “gapping” that o c c u r s w h e n i m a g e information is adjusted in the image editing process. Dfine™ Selective does not support 16-bit functionality currently as Photoshop® itself does not enable layer-masking functionality for 16-bit images.

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Learn More Learn Moreâ&#x20AC;ŚKnow More This booklet included with Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ covers the main topics that relate to noise reduction, detail optimization, and the features of Dfineâ&#x201E;˘. You can also find additional full color lessons, samples, and tips on getting better results with your digital photographs by going to the nik multimedia website at www.nikmultimedia.com/dfine. Understanding Noise Optimal noise reduction involves a combination of considerations that include the capture device (the camera), the nature of noise and image details, and the subjective nature of perception, or the human eye. Optimal noise reduction depends on a number of variables that relate to digital photographs. Photographic details and the natural characteristics of the image need to be considered to obtain the best results. Optimal noise reduction needs to consider detail and provide the ability to maintain detail in order to promote the natural appearance of the entire image. Effective photographic optimization of detail in a digital image involves providing maximum detail preservation while avoiding a digitally processed appearance. Reducing the noise-todetail ratio at the capture and signal processing stage is device dependent, and many cameras address the problem of noise reduction, some more effectively than others. The Dependent Nature of Noise In theory, every camera captures images in the same way. In reality however, the way images are captured and processed differs greatly from camera to camera. This single consideration is one of the most significant factors that creates the dependent nature of noise in digital 7

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cameras and it is the major reason that noise varies from camera to camera. Additionally, because cameras capture and process details differently, detail types and their relationship to noise will often differ from image-to-image. This requires various techniques to be utilized and offered to you in order to get the best possible results when reducing noise and optimizing image details. Defining Noise Simply put, noise is image detail that does not appear exactly as it was intended to appear. These small detail errors appear as part of the photographic detail of the digital image and become visible as bright, colored, or dark specks. When visible, noise can distract the viewer and create an unnatural appearance in a digital image. Various factors affect noise, including the presence of light at the time of capture, the exposure time, the sensor (CCD or CMOS) temperature, and the manner in which the cameraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensor processes the image. Digital camera noise can be categorized into two main types: 1. Luminance Noise is noise that appears as small, dark spots that often look like film grain. 2. Chrominance Noise is noise that appears as small off-colored spots or specks in the image. When reducing noise and optimizing detail with Dfineâ&#x201E;˘, the four steps provided enable you to identify noise based on how it appears, and then adjust other aspects of your digital photo. Additional steps for reducing JPG artifacts, adjusting light, and enhancing color are provided to enable you to balance the features of any digital photograph. For more information www.nikmultimedia.com

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on noise and other noise terminology, please go to www.nikmultimedia.com/dfine. Noise & Misconceptions Noise reduction can be a confusing task, given the complex nature of noise and its relationship to image detail. Some detail can be mistaken for noise, and vice versa. When reducing noise, one of the most common mistakes is assuming that a visual imperfection either is or is not a particular type of noise. When reducing noise, it is important that a range of considerations be made to achieve the best possible results. For example, small JPG artifacts can be mistaken for luminance noise when present against varying types of image details. This is a key consideration in the process for reducing noise. Another common error occurs when luminance noise is mistaken for chrominance noise, which often appears randomly in an image, and in different intensities. Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ and its four-step process was developed to help identify noise and guide you through the noise reduction and detail optimization process. In the first step, luminance noise can be reduced. The second step offers a range of methods for chrominance noise & artifacts. Step three provides options for adjusting contrast & light. Step four offers options for adjusting color casts & color balance in an image. These steps create a process that focuses on enabling you to reduce noise, reduce JPG artifacts when present, and optimize detail in a single process to improve the overall quality of an image. The Unique Nature of Digital Cameras All digital cameras capture digital images differently. Depending on the brand or camera

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model, the camera captures and processes images based on the way in which that specific camera is designed to capture and digitally process images. Dfine™ Camera Profiles Dfine™ uses a unique and powerful system that enables you to reduce noise generated in the camera through its camera profiling system. Each camera profile combines a powerful noise controlling function that works in conjunction with the The Dfine camera profile controller enables camera’s characteristics users to control how noise is reduce based on by drawing a detail-tothe presence of color in an image. color correlation in the image. The camera profile controller enables noise reduction to be applied across the image in a natural and flexible manner. The user first identifies different color ranges that require specific levels of noise reduction, and then adjusts the amount of noise reduction against the indicated color accordingly. Camera profiles have been developed for most current digital camera models from major manufacturers and will continually be updated for future camera models. The camera profile system utilized within Dfine™ enables nik multimedia to provide users with the most up-to-date functionality for current and future cameras. Camera profiles can be purchased electronically directly from Dfine™ by clicking on the Load Profile button and selecting the Get Profile from Web option. Alternatively, profiles can be purchased by calling nik multimedia, Inc. at (619) 725-3150 or toll-free in North America at 1-888-284-4085. www.nikmultimedia.com

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For more information on camera profiles and how to use a camera profile, refer to the section: Dfine™ an Image in 4 Steps. Your Digital Camera & In-Camera Noise Management Regardless of the brand or model, your digital camera is equipped with settings for a variety of adjustments for processing images inside the camera. Among these adjustments, most cameras offer a noise reduction setting. Performing noise reduction in the camera should be avoided when you want to reduce noise after the image capture. We recommend turning noise reduction off in the camera. As a result, it is important to review noise reduction settings in the camera and understand what is happening. How In-Camera Noise Reduction Works While noise reduction at the time of capture allows you to point, shoot, and print, incamera noise reduction does create a number of problems if you want to fine tune your image before printing. When a digital image is created, it is captured and interpreted at what is called the “signal processing level,” which is the actual image creation process within the camera. During the image creation, the manner in which the sensor (CCD or CMOS) creates the image includes techniques to maximize detail while minimizing noise. At this point, a noise reduction routine occurs automatically based on a variety of factors in order to process the image and create the photo. Among the factors the in-camera noise reduction considers are details it reads as “intended photographic detail” and details it interprets as noise. In doing so, a relatively simplistic noise reduction process within the 11

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digital camera chooses which details to suppress (or soften) and which details to leave untouched. Once this noise reduction occurs in the camera and detail is suppressed, the image is recorded to the camera’s memory and the detail is lost. By turning off noise reduction in a digital camera or by lowering it to its lowest setting, the detail that is captured by the digital camera is maximized. Having more “digital information” in the image offers the option for reducing noise after the capture process while optimizing important image detail. Limitations of Some Digital Cameras As mentioned earlier, virtually every digital camera utilizes noise reduction internally. While most cameras offer settings to turn this feature on or off, some consumer digital cameras utilize noise reduction but do not provide an option to turn it off or even to alter the degree to which noise is reduced automatically in the camera. Manufacturers sometimes do this in their efforts to reduce noise along with simplifying the picture-taking process. Cameras such as these do not provide as much flexibility for noise reduction. When reducing noise in images from these cameras, care should be taken. In these cases, the best approach to reducing noise is to utilize the Print Optimized Reduction option for Luminance Noise, or you may want to use the detail specific brushes in Dfine™ Selective. For best results if you are using Adobe® Photoshop® or Photoshop® Elements, you may want to use the Dfine™ Selective tool along with the Protected Reduction feature under Chrominance Noise and the Print Optimized feature under Luminance Noise to selectively reduce noise in areas where it is visible.

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Golden Rules of Noise Reduction & Detail Optimization 1 - Turn Off In-Camera Noise Reduction: In-camera noise reduction can cause unnecessary loss of detail in an image and makes noise reduction in the image editing process difficult. 2 - Turn Off In-Camera Sharpening: In-camera sharpening can accentuate noise, make noise reduction more difficult, and make optimal sharpening in the image editing process extremely difficult. 3 - Use Your Camera’s Flash: Using your digital camera’s flash in low light conditions provides necessary light to process an image, often reducing the creation of noise.

Hair and other fine detail is frequently altered or lost as the result of in-camera noise reduction.

4 - Avoid Using Above-Average Contrast Setting in Your Digital Camera: Because contrast in an image cannot be removed, capturing an image with low to normal contrast is often a good idea. Doing so enables you to adjust contrast in the image editing process and optimize the detail-to-noise relationship in an image. Key Considerations When Reducing Noise - Reducing noise is often a better approach than removing noise when you intend to print your image. - Reducing less noise in high detail areas (such as grass, foliage, and hair) often leads to better results. The key in noise reduction is to maintain as much “captured image detail” as possible. - Selective noise reduction can often enhance an image much better than the application of a global noise reduction process. 13

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- Every image has different details. As a result, each image should be considered differently when reducing noise in an image.

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Product Overview Dfine™ offers a variety of options for reducing noise and optimizing detail and color. To better fine-tune the noise reduction process, Dfine™ utilizes a custom profile system. Dfine™ also utilizes four feature functions to provide power and flexibility to better enhance any digital image. These four feature functions are: Luminance Noise, Chrominance Noise and Artifacts, Contrast & Light, and Color Cast and Color Balance. The Dfine™ interface consists of multiple preview windows, an analysis mode, image histograms, and 8 Single-Click Presets. For added control, Dfine™ can be applied selectively to any image and incorporates pressure sensitive pointing device functionality. Custom Camera Profiles Dfine™ includes a system that enables you to fine-tune the noise reduction process by utilizing additional custom camera profile modules for Dfine™. Dfine™ camera profiles and its camera profile controller are designed to simplify and enhance the noise reduction process. Camera profiles have been developed for most current digital camera models from major manufacturers and will continually be updated for future camera models. The camera profile system utilized within Dfine™ enables nik multimedia, Inc. to provide users with the most up-to-date functionality for current and future cameras. Camera profiles for Dfine™ are developed exclusively by nik multimedia, Inc. and can be purchased electronically from nik multimedia, Inc. by clicking on the Load Profile button in the Dfine™ interface and selecting Get Profile from Web. Alternatively, users may call nik multimedia, Inc. customer service toll-free in North America (888) 284-4085 to purchase one or more profiles on CD. International customers can find appropriate contact information at 15

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Product Overview www.nikmultimedia.com/dfine. When Dfine™ camera profiles are used, the camera profile controller feature is provided. The camera profile controller manages the range of noise reduction appropriate for the specific camera. The camera profile controller controls the noise reduction process based on: 1. The manner in which the specific camera captures and processes an image; 2. The varying image structures and details; 3. The relationship of details and color in the image; As digital cameras capture and process images differently, camera profiles from Dfine™ target noise based on the individual camera and the manner in which it processes the image. Additional power and features are also provided, including the Detail-to-Color Optimization process (described below). Dfine™ provides a new and proprietary feature for noise reduction called Detail-to-Color Optimization. This feature enables you to reduce noise based on the color against which the noise may appear. This Detail-to-Color Optimization process is provided within Dfine™ camera profiles, and serves as the "camera profile controller." You can review the image for noise and select or sample multiple colors from the image to identify the strength of noise reduction that is desired. For example, green colors in highdetailed foliage may need less noise reduction, gray colors and shadows may require a different level, and white clouds in the sky may need to be treated differently. Custom color combinations can be set, and Dfine™ optimized noise reduction will use the color values set in conjunction with the camera profile.

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Once the profile controller values are set, a relationship among color and image detail is created to reduce noise in the image. Dfine™ uses the specific color chosen in its calculation, as well as other colors in the image, forming a unique system that considers how noise appears and should be reduced. When a camera profile and the Dfine™ Selective tool are combined, the user is provided with the ultimate level of control, being able to selectively apply the color and detail-specific noise reduction in any part of the image. Main Feature Functions Each of the four steps in Dfine™ contain a variety of options for reducing noise and optimizing detail and color. These feature functions are available to provide the power and flexibility to better enhance the image based on its unique characteristics. 1. Luminance Noise For best results when reducing luminance noise, consider using Dfine™ camera profiles, which are designed for specific cameras. Use the Load Profile button and select the Get Profile from Web option to purchase and then load profiles. Camera profiles provide more control and enable better photographic results when enhancing your image. Quick Fix - The Quick Fix method for Luminance Noise offers a quick fix for color noise reduction appears throughout luminance noisethat reduction that appears the image. To use QuickToFix method, click throughout thethe image. use the Quick Fix on the pull-down menu and select a Quick method, click on the pull-down menu and Fix method that level of noise select a Quick Fixmatches methodthe that matches the that theappears image. If Fix level appears of noise inthat in the the Quick image. If noise reduction for Luminance Noise the Quick Fix noise reduction for Luminance appears to reduce too much detail, Noise appears to reduce too image much image consider using ausing Print aOptimized method, a detail, consider Print Optimized Dfine™ Selective or a specific camera method, a Dfine™tool, Selective tool, 17

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Product Overview or a specific camera profile using the Load profile the Load Profile option. Profile using option. Print Optimized Methods Low, Normal, and Strong Print Optimized options in Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ use a unique process for noise reduction that targets noise reduction while considering details in an image for the print process. When a camera profile is not used, Print Optimized methods are recommended for maintaining higher levels of detail in print. Each of the three Print Optimized methods use a slightly different method for reducing noise based on the level and type of noise that is present in the image. See the individual descriptions below for information on each method. Use Print Optimized methods when an image has fine noise structures or when you intend to print the image. Raise the Noise Reduction Strength slider to increase the level of noise reduction. Higher settings for the Detail Strength slidersmaller protectdetails smaller Protection slider protect in the details in the image. image. Print Optimized, Low - Print Print Optimized, Low - be Print Optimized, Low should used Optimized, Low should when an image appearsbe toused have a when amount an imageofappears to have small luminance noise.a A small amount Luminance Noise. variable Noise of Reduction Strength A variable Noise Reduction slider is provided, offering levels Strength sliderallowing is provided, from 0-100%, noiseoffering levels fromto0be - 100%, allowing reduction set at any level. A noise reduction be set atslider any Detail ProtectiontoStrength level. A Detail Protection Strength slider enables detail to be protected in the noise enables detail to be protected in level the noise reduction process, balancing the of noise reduction process, balancing theHigher level of noise and detail retention. settings reduction and Protection detail retention. Higher settings for the Detail Strength will protect for Detail protect detail and detail and Protection affect the will noise reduction process. affect the noise process. Balance the use reduction of these two slidersBalance for bestthe use of these two sliders for best results. results.

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Print Optimized, Normal - Print Optimized, Normal provides a method for reducing low to modest levels of noise in an image. The Normal option uses slightly different settings than the Print Optimized, Low setting. The Normal method provides a single Noise Reduction Strength slider with combinations of noise types. Because images with moderate amounts of noise generally have different noise characteristics than very low noise images, the Print Optimized, Normal setting uses a progressive scale for noise size and intensity. Lower settings reduce noise that is small in size and with a lower intensity in the image. Higher settings for each range (small, normal, and large) reduce noise based on its frequency (how much it appears) in the image. Settings 1-3 are appropriate for low levels of noise. Moderate amounts of noise generally have an average size and can be reduced using one of the three normal settings of 4-6. When Luminance noise Noise isis more more prominent prominent and and appears luminance appears larger noise adetails, higher noise as largeras noise details, higher anoise reduction reductionofstrength of 7 strength 7-10 is appropriate. 10 is appropriate. Print Optimized, Strong - Images with levelsStrong of noise require Print higher Optimized, - Images stronger noise reduction while with higher levels of noise require balancing the process of while stronger noise reduction maintaining detail. Print balancing the process of Optimized, Strong provides twoPrint sliders. The maintaining detail. Optimized, Noise Strength can be StrongReduction provides two sliders. The adjusted from levels 1-5, with Noise Reduction Strength can 5 be representing highest adjusted fromthe levels 1-5, noise with 5 reduction level this st function. The Detail representing thefor highe noise reduction level Protection Strength protects details and for this function. Theslider Detail Protection Strength sets level at which is protected slidera protects detailsdetail and sets a level at which relative the noise reduction process. detail is to protected relative to the noise reduction process. Caution: When stronger methods like Print Optimized, Strong are applied to images with Caution: When stronger methods like Print average or Strong low noise, detail with Optimized, are artifacts applied or to images irregularities may appear. average or low noise, artifacts or detail 19

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Product Overview Reduce Noise Methods: Normal, Strong, and Very Strong The Reduce Noise methods are stronger methods for reducing noise and use a different method than the Print Optimized functions. The Reduce Noise, Normal and Reduce Noise, Strong both use a Noise Reduction Strength and a Detail Protection Strength slider. The Reduce Noise, Very Strong function uses a single Noise Reduction Strength slider with combinations of noise types. Use the slider to reduce high amounts of noise in an image while choosing the relative size of the noise in the image. The Reduce Noise, Very Strong function reduces noise based on a variety of factors that it considers for high noise images. When using this option, adjust the slider and observe the changes to the image to select the appropriate level of noise reduction. When an image has high levels of noise, the Reduce Noise options may be appropriate. While a camera profile will often provide a better result in these cases, the Reduce Noise methods provide a good alternative. Reduce Noise: Color Targeted - The Reduce Noise: Color Targeted method is useful for isolating and reducing noise that appears against one color in an image. Use the Color Targeted method to reduce luminance noise against a single color, such as a black background or a blue sky. Set the Target Color to the color in which the noise occurs. Raise the Tolerance slider to affect a wider range of color. 2. Chrominance Noise & JPG Artifact Reduction Quick Fix - This method often provides a good option for chrominance noise reduction that can be applied globally or www.nikmultimedia.com

Product Overview selectively to may an image using the Dfine™ irregularities appear. Selective tool. To use the Quick Fix method, click on Noise the pull-down Reduce Methods:menu and select a Quick Fix method. Choose button that matches the Normal, Strong, and the Very Strong amount of chrominance noise that you see in the your methods image is are a “JPG” file and The image. ReduceIfNoise stronger contains artifacts, choose JPG methods “blocking” for reducing noise and use the a different Reprocessing method than Option. the Print Optimized functions. Reduce Noise, Normal and Reduce Global Reduction The aGlobal Noise, Strong both- use Noise Reduction method Strengthdynamically and a Detail reduces chrominance noiseThe across the Protection Strength slider. Reduce image and isStrong recommended for most Noise, Very function uses a images. A value of 2 is Strength appropriate single Noise Reduction slider when very low chrominance noise Use is with combinations of noise types. present in to anreduce image.high Noisier imagesof the slider amounts require settings. noise in higher an image while choosing the relative size of the noise in the image. Protected Reduction - The Protected The Reduce Noise, Very Strong Reduction methodnoise enables color function reduces based on a transition be itprotected variety of details factors to that considerswhen for reducing noise. high noisechrominance images. When using this option, adjust the slider and observe To the Protected Reduction theuse changes to the image to select the feature, set the Chrominance Noise appropriate level of noise reduction. Level slider to higher values when the image contains chrominance noise. When an image has more high levels of noise, the A high Protect Color Details setting leaves Reduce Noise options mayslider be appropriate. more details unaffected. While color a camera profile will often provide a better result in these cases, the Reduce JPG Reprocessing - The aJPG Noise methods provide good Reprocessing alternative. feature reduces JPG blocking artifacts while reducing the presence of chrominance noise.- For Reduce Noise: Color Targeted The a complete reduction JPG Reduce Noise: ColorofTargeted method “blocking” artifacts, set is useful forcompression iso the JPG Artifact Intensity slider to 100% (recommended). The Chrominance Noise Level &slider reduce Quick Fix - The Contrast Lightwill Quick Fix chrominance noise it relates tofor JPG option provides twoasalternatives quick compressed images. Raise theone Chrominance contrast adjustments. Select of the two Noise slider until noise is no Quick Level Fix methods and chrominance then adjust the Strength longer in of thethese preview. The JPG slider. Ifvisible neither are appropriate, or for Reprocessing the and “blocking” more control, option try thereduces Highlights Shadows effect often occurs with JPGoption files. It option that or the Tonal Adjustment toismake advisable to use Chrominance Noise contrast and lightthe adjustments. 21

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Product Overview option with the JPG Artifact reduction as both chrominance noise and artifacts can be controlled with this option. 3. Contrast & Light The Contrast & Light correction options offer a variety of light and contrast adjustments. In this step, options are provided to compensate for counter-light, to brighten an image, and to make tonal adjustments to correct and improve images. Quick Fix - The Contrast & Light Quick Fix option provides two alternatives for quick contrast adjustments. Select one of the two Quick Fix methods and then adjust the Strength slider. If neither of these are appropriate, or for more control, try the Highlights and Shadows option or the Tonal Adjustments option to make Contrast & Light adjustments. Highlights & Shadows - The Highlights & Shadows function offers an alternative for adjusting contrast using three sliders. Use the Protected Contrast slider to adjust the imageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contrast so that highlights and shadows are not affected. Use the Darken Shadows option to emphasize shadows in the image. Use the Lighten Highlights option to lighten up highlights and balance the image. Correction Counter-Light Reduction Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ provides a variety of tools for adjusting light and contrast. The Counter-Light Reduction tool enables you to compensate for backlit conditions. Counter-Light occurs when a photo is taken directly toward (against) the direction of light. A counter-light compensation can be performed to more www.nikmultimedia.com

Product Overview effectively balance image components when the counter-light does not completely â&#x20AC;&#x153;blow outâ&#x20AC;? or wash out the details in the image. - Horizontal Counter-Light: The Horizontal Counter-Light adjustment provides control over horizontal directional light. - Global Counter-Light: The Global CounterLight adjustment balances the overall sources of light for backlight. Tonal Adjustments - The Tonal Adjustments option is the most powerful of the Contrast & Light options. The Tonal Adjustments option was created to allow you to adjust contrast and lighting in an image with control over the contrast of the image. Similar to making a Levels adjustment in PhotoshopÂŽ , this option provides you with specific control over the luminosity (contrast) of the cool tones and warm tones in the image. Adjustment option When selecting the Tonal Adjustments option you will see a histogram. Dark values are shown on the left side of the histogram (and controlled by the left slider in the interface), white values are shown on the right side of the histogram (and controlled by the right slider in the interface), and mid-tone luminosity values are shown in the middle (and are controlled by two bottom sliders). the bottom sliders). Use the left slider to adjust the image until it becomes darker (if desired). desired Use the right slider to adjust the image until the image becomes lighter without losing highlight detail. Use the middle two sliders to make adjustments to the Warm Tone Luminosity (the brightness of warm colors) and adjust the Cool Tone Luminosity (the brightness of cool colors) to balance the cool tones in the image. 23

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Product Overview 4. Color Cast & Color Balance The Color Cast and Color Balance options enable you to adjust and enhance color in an image. Adjustments for color balance, saturation, and color temperature are available. Select one of the methods provided to enhance the image. Quick Fix - The Quick Fix method for Color Cast & Balance offers a quick fix for color casts that often appear in images taken under different types of light. To use the Quick Fix method, click on the pull-down menu and select a Quick Fix method that matches the type of color cast that appears in the image. NOTE: Some images will not have an obvious or serious color cast. As a result, the Quick Fix method for color cast may not be appropriate. In these cases, consider using the Adjust Saturation and Color option to enhance or adjust color in the image. Remove Blue Cast - The Remove Blue Cast option reduces color casts that often appear when images are captured under bright blue skies or images captured with improper white balance. Use this method to reduce these types of blue cast for both outdoor and indoor images. Use the Remove Blue Cast option to make colors more vibrant and skin tones more natural. Adjust Saturation and Color - The Adjust Saturation and Color option provides controls for adjusting warmth and color brilliance in an image. Use this method to adjust the overall image saturation and the warmth of colors, while balancing the way that colors appear during the process of reducing noise.

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Product Overview Adjust Saturation and Color - The Adjust Saturation and Color option provides controls for adjusting warmth and color brilliance in an image. Use this method to adjust the overall image saturation and the warmth of colors, while balancing the way colors appear during the process of reducing noise. Additive Color Filter - The Additive Color Filter adds a color cast to an image to allow for color enhancement or compensation. Use this option to add a specific color cast to remove that colorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complimentary, or opposite, color. Select the desired color from the color picker and adjust the Strength and Brightness sliders to obtain the desired effect. For example, a pink or red cast in an image compliment anycolor color would be removed by its complimentary cyan (or sky blue) and a blue color cast would be be removed bywarm a warm yellow filter color. removed by a yellow filter color. Subtractive Color Filter - Use the Subtractive Color Filter to remove a specified color cast in the image by selecting the color of the color cast. Set the Subtractive Filter Color to the appropriate color and adjust the Strength and Brightness sliders accordingly. The Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ Preview System The Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ Preview System Multi-Preview Options - Multi-Preview Options: The multiple preview modes enable you to view The image multiple preview modes enable you two to view the using a single large preview, the image using a single large preview, two side-by-side landscape oriented previews, two side-by-side portrait landscape oriented previews, side-by-side oriented previews, or two a shows the image in apreview. two-window five-window analysis Whenpreview

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Product Overview opened, Dfine™ shows the image in a two-window preview mode, automatically selecting the appropriate side-by-side preview to adapt to the orientation of the picture. All preview windows contain multiple zoom levels for reviewing image detail. Real-time Preview Update When using Dfine™ , you can see image changes as they are made by using the Real-Time Preview Update. By using the right mouse button (Windows® systems) or holding the Option key (Mac® systems) while adjusting the slider with the mouse, the changes to the image will be seen immediately in the preview. To make adjustments easily, use the Real-Time Preview Update to see changes in the window as you make them.

The Real-time Preview Update is useful for seeing image changes as you make them and enables quick and precise adjustments. Grab and Drop The Grab and Drop feature enables you to grab any specific detail or image feature and drop a duplicate view of that detail into an adjacent window. Grab and Drop is designed to be especially useful when in the “five preview” mode, where one or more details can be viewed simultaneously. The Grab and Drop feature facilitates an efficient image analysis system, allowing you to grab a detail from any preview window and drag it to an adjacent window. Grab and Drop enables you to compare sensitive detail in either the normal or the analysis mode, and allows the before and after www.nikmultimedia.com

Product Overview image to be compared in the noise reduction process. Preview Ratio The Preview Ratio shows the current view of the image based on the actual size of the image. To view the image at 100% (1:1), use the Quick 100% Preview by clicking on the Preview Ratio. Quick 100% Preview View the image at 100% (i.e. 1:1) in a single step by clicking on the Preview Ratio. Interface Features Reveal Analysis Mode The Reveal Analysis Mode provides an added tool for reviewing and analyzing an image for noise and light. Similar to inking a microscope slide, the Reveal Analysis mode analyzes the image and reveals noise and color irregularities (or changes) that may need to be addressed. The Analysis Mode works similar to inking a slide viewed under a microscope, helping to reveal noise in an image that is often more difficult to see on a computer screen. While showing changes in image detail, the Analysis Mode inks low and high contrast areas to enable you to observe and control such changes in the detail optimization process. Areas inked in red represent shadows and low light areas that you can monitor in the process of making contrast and light adjustments. Areas inked in blue represent areas of high luminosity that can be monitored when making any contrast and light changes to avoid â&#x20AC;&#x153;blown outâ&#x20AC;? areas in the image. Use the Analysis Mode to observe important aspects of the digital photo easily in order to improve its appearance and maintain a natural 27

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Product Overview

looking image. Adjust the Preview Mode to one of the multiple preview options and set one of the previews to Analysis Mode to observe changes in contrast as you make changes to the image. Image Histogram The histogram features in Dfine™ illustrate the changes in digital information that occur in the image with regard to color and image contrast. The Dfine™ histograms illustrate both color and contrast changes in a single histogram to provide a combined view of the changes to the image. Single-Click Presets Dfine™ offers 8 Single-Click Presets that enable you to save and access frequently used settings for the lighting conditions or types of images captured. Presets could be created, for example, for indoor or outdoor photos, for portraits that are captured with studio lights, for night-time photos, or for any custom setting that you want to access again quickly.

To set Single-Click Presets: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Adjust the settings you would like. Click on any of the 8 “Set” buttons. Type a name. Click OK.

To change any of the settings for a specific button, simply repeat the process. Presets can also be used to store and recall a camera profile that has been installed and loaded at least once. Because only one camera

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Product Overview

profile can be loaded into Dfine™ at any one time, the Single-Click Presets can be used to recall a profile once the current profile is unloaded. Dfine™ Selective Dfine™ Selective offers a range of noise reduction and detail brushes to enable you to selectively reduce noise and optimize detail. All brushes support pressure sensitivity offered by graphics tablets, providing up to 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity and control. Dfine™ Selective brushes are also fully compatible with any mouse or other pointing device. Dfine™ Selective Editing Functions Paint - Selectively reduce noise or JPG artifacts in a photo. When used with a pressure sensitive graphics tablet, enhancements can be controlled with up to 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity. After selecting one of the brushes from Dfine™ Selective, use the Paint function to selectively paint in noise reduction or JPG artifact reduction. Erase - Selectively erase any part of the current noise reduction or JPG artifact removal. Use the Erase function to set Dfine™ Selective in erase mode, then selectively erase any part of the current Dfine™ Selective brush that has been applied. Fill - Fill the entire image with an enhancement and then fine-tune the results by using the Erase function to remove any part of the enhancement or image change. Clear - Clear the current Dfine™ Selective application for a fresh start, while using the same Dfine™ Selective brush. Using the Clear function enables you to start over with the current brush without Dfine™ Selective needing to analyze the image again.

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Product Overview Apply - Apply the current enhancements to the image. By clicking Apply, you finalize the changes you have made with the current Dfine ™ brush. Discard - Discard the current enhancements for the Dfine ™ Selective brush. Dfine™ Selective Brushes The detail-specific tools in Dfine™ allow you to reduce noise that is located against a specific detail type selectively, in areas such as sky or skin, to provide a more natural effect. By clicking on the associated tool on the Dfine™ Selective palette, you can brush away noise from the associated area. When pressure sensitive graphics tablets are used, Dfine™ Selective tools can be applied in varying degrees to the image for added control. Skin - The Skin brush reduces noise when associated with skin and similar surfaces. It reduces chrominance noise and irregularities, while taking into account any fine structures that may be present in the image. Background - The Background brush applies a unique filtering process that is designed to effectively reduce noise that appears in a background or in an area that is outside of the focal area of the photo. Sky - The Sky brush reduces chrominance noise and smooths the effect of the grainy looking appearance of noise against the sky while focusing on maximizing structures and detail in the sky. Hot Pixels - Hot pixels become visible as bright aberrant pixels that often appear against dark backgrounds and night shots. The Hot Pixel brush provides selective hot pixel reduction while minimizing blurring of details in selected areas. www.nikmultimedia.com

Product Overview Shadows - The Shadows brush reduces chrominance noise based on its appearance in shadows and low light areas, while considering the potential for detail and structures in such areas. When stronger noise appears in shadow areas, the Strong Noise brush may be an appropriate choice. JPG Artifacts - The JPG Artifacts brush utilizes image information from the original JPG file to reprocess and reduce JPG artifacts, depending on the level of artifacting present. Original image detail is preserved to the greatest degree possible to enable better noise reduction and detail optimization. Note: For best results, apply the JPG Artifact brush on original, uncropped JPG images. When information is removed from the digital capture (such as cropping) the image is not affected in the same manner. The full JPG image file is needed for best results. Strong Noise - The Strong Noise brush reduces strong noise while preserving as much image structure as possible. This brush is appropriate in images with high levels of luminance (grainy looking) noise and for high ISO images where noise is very dominant. The Strong Noise brush is an alternative method to selective blurring, where traditional blurring methods often lead to unnatural structures and color shifts. Hair & Fine Structures - The Hair & Fine Structures brush reduces dominant chrominance noise while reducing luminance noise. This effectively balances the presence of detail and noise in image components such as hair and fine image structures that may otherwise be adversely affected by noise reduction. Normalize - The Normalize brush is used for subtle color and contrast â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalizingâ&#x20AC;? after an initial noise reduction process. The Normalize brush is designed to detect and minimize low contrast and larger unwanted structures that 31

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Product Overview often appear in plain areas as noise reduction artifacts and banding. Use the Normalize brush in areas where noise reduction has already been applied, while looking for areas that have color and contrast irregularities. NOTE: While the Normalize brush was designed to be used for post-noise reduction retouching, the Normalize brush can also be used for a variety of image corrections and retouching, depending on the type of irregularity or imperfection to be removed. The Normalize brush, for example, can be used to reduce color irregularities in white areas (such as clouds) while maintaining detail. Using Dfine™ Selective To use Dfine™ Selective, simply click on any of the 10 buttons to begin using a brush type or to selectively apply Dfine™. Dfine™ Selective brushes utilize complex filters that are designed to both analyze and process image information in a single step in order to allow you to selectively apply the enhancement. When a Dfine™ Selective brush is selected, the analysis and processing begins without any other intervention from the user. To enhance flexibility, speed, and workflow, Dfine™ Selective is designed to be compatible with Photoshop® selection tools, allowing you to choose the targeted area that will be used for the specific brush. For example, using the Marquee tool to first select an area can accelerate and simplify the enhancement process. Dfine™ Selective: Using Camera Profiles You can combine the Dfine™ Selective tool with the Dfine™ camera profile and selectively apply optimized noise reduction anywhere in the image, taking advantage of up to 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity when using pressure sensitive graphics tablets. www.nikmultimedia.com

Lessons and Applications Dfine™ an Image in 4 Steps Open an image and select Dfine™ from Photoshop’s Filter menu. Dfine™ provides four easy steps for enhancing an image: 1. Reduce Luminance Noise Review the image to locate luminance noise and reduce noise in the image. Luminance noise appears as small black or pure white “specks” in an image. Luminance noise most often looks like grain in an image and is often present in sky scenery. Click on the Analysis Mode icon and zoom to a preview level of 3:1 or greater to see the detail structures of the image as you look for luminance noise. Using a Camera Profile: A camera profile is the easiest and most powerful way to reduce luminance noise. When you purchase and install a camera profile, the Camera Profile Controller appears with five sliders. The five Camera Profile Controller sliders enable you to control noise that occurs against certain colors in the image for better results. Begin by clicking on the first color slot and select a color in the image to reduce noise against, such as blue in the sky. Zoom into the preview to a 3:1 or 4:1 view. Right-click (PC) -- or Option-click (Mac) -- while adjusting the slider for the first slot and observe the amount of noise being reduced in the sky. You will see the luminance noise reduction changes as they are made in the preview. Choose a second color such as white for clouds that may appear in a sky scene. Proceed to choose other colors for the remaining Profile Controller slots for important details like skin 33

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Lessons and applications tones, grass, or other details and adjust the noise reduction appropriately. A higher value such as 70% or higher will reduce more noise as dark luminance noise may need to be reduced to a greater extent. For most images, consider choosing black or a dark color as one of the controller settings and use a low slider setting. Darker areas (and areas with lower apparent detail) will need less noise reduction applied so that more detail will be maintained. For best results, ensure that you select each of the controller color slots, choosing colors directly from the current image. Print Optimized Alternative: When a camera profile is not available, try one of the Print Optimized methods found under Luminance Noise. Choose one of the Print Optimized methods, and using the real-time preview update, right-click (PC) -- or option-click (Mac) -- adjust the slider for Noise Reduction Strength, then observe the amount of noise being reduced in the image. 2. Reduce Chrominance Noise & Artifacts Click on the Analysis Mode icon to use the analysis mode. Zoom to a preview level of 3:1 or greater to see the detail structures of the image as you look for chrominance noise and JPG artifacts. Chrominance noise appears as small off-colored â&#x20AC;&#x153;specksâ&#x20AC;? that appear in an image. JPG structures appear as little

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Lessons and applications squares in the image in Analysis Mode. Adjust the Chrominance Noise slider until the color noise in the image is reduced. If too much color detail is affected, you can alternatively use the Protected Reduction method found under the Chrominance Noise & Artifacts menu and then apply the Reprocessing option separately. Raise the JPG Artifact Intensity to 100% for most images. NOTE: The JPG Artifact reduction process is designed to affect only the blocking structures of JPG files and will not affect any unrelated image detail. 3. Adjust Contrast and Light Making balanced adjustments to contrast and light can improve the quality of your image. Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ includes 4 options for adjusting contrast and light. Choose the Highlights & Shadows option: The Protected Contrast slider adjusts the imageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall contrast without affecting the highlights and shadows. Raise this setting as necessary to enhance contrast. Adjust the Darken Shadows and Lighten Highlights sliders to balance shadows and highlights in the image. Another Option: For more advanced controls over contrast and light, consider using the Tonal Adjustments method to enhance shadows, highlights, and the color temperature of mid-tones in the image. 4. Adjust Color Cast and Color Balance Adjust colors in an image to increase their brilliance or reduce color casts that often appear when images are taken outdoors or under different types of light. Skin tones, skies,

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Lessons and applications and overall color can be enhanced and balanced in the image. Choose the Adjust Saturation and Color method for adjusting color in the image. Increase the Saturation slider to enhance colors. Warm the image by increasing the value of the Warmth slider. How do I… Using Dfine™ Remove JPG Artifacts JPG images can cause different types of artifacts to occur. The most prominent and visible artifacts are the blocking structures that appear in the image when a JPG file is opened and decompressed. (When an image is saved, these artifacts are saved to the image and the process is compounded the next time the image is saved.) These JPG “blocking” artifacts can be removed from an image by using the JPG Reprocessing option in Dfine™, found under the Chrominance Noise & Artifacts feature. To reduce the appearance of JPG artifacts, follow these steps: 1. Select the JPG Reprocessing option and set the JPG Artifact Intensity to 100%. Because the JPG Reprocessing routine is adaptive, the blocking structures will be removed based on the level of blocking that occurs in the image. Other image details will not be affected by this process. 2. Adjust the Chrominance Noise Level slider to reduce color noise that appears in the image as well. There is often a close relationship between color (chrominance) noise and JPG artifacts, and chrominance noise needs to be reduced differently from image to image.

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Lessons and applications Reduce Noise from the Sky using a Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ Camera Profile One of the best methods for reducing noise in the sky of a digital image using Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ is with a camera profile and the camera profile controller. Use Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ and a camera profile to reduce noise naturally in the sky without affecting other portions of the image. Follow these steps to optimally reduce noise in an image. 1. Choose the color of the sky by selecting it with the eyedropper for the first color slot in the camera profile controller. Zoom in to the preview to a 1:1 or 2:1 view. Right-click (PC) -- or option-click (Mac) -- and adjust the slider for the first slot and observe the amount of noise being reduced in the sky. A lower value reduces noise to a lesser extent against the selected color and for colors within a close range. 2. Choose a second color such as white for clouds in the sky and repeat the process for the second slot in the camera profile controller. When reducing noise in clouds and white areas, consider raising the slider value to a higher value (70% or higher), as dark luminance noise may need to be reduced to a greater extent. 3. Continue selecting colors for the remaining three color slots in the profile controller and adjusting them to balance the noise reduction process. By choosing black and setting this

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Lessons and applications controller value to a low slider setting, darker areas (and areas with lower apparent detail) will have less noise reduction applied to these areas. For best results, ensure that you select every one of the controller color slots, using colors from the current image. Optimally Reduce Noise in a Portrait Using a Camera Profile Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ provides a variety of options for reducing noise in portraits, considering varying details such as skin, hair, background structures, etc. When using Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ for noise reduction, a Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ camera profile provides the most control. Follow these steps to optimally reduce noise in a portrait image: 1. Choose the dominant skin tone of the image as the first color slot in the camera profile controller. Zoom into the preview to see 1:1 or 2:1 preview. Right-click (PC) -- or option-click (Mac) -- and adjust the slider for the first slot. A lower value reduces noise to a lesser extent against the selected color and for colors within a close range. 2. Choose another color by clicking on the second slot in the camera profile controller. Select a color where a dominant color or dominant characteristic appears, such as hair. Setting a lower value for noise reduction against hair will maintain more detail in these areas and provide a more natural noise reduction. 3. Continue selecting colors for the remaining three color slots in the profile controller and adjusting them to balance the noise reduction process. When in doubt about which final colors to pick, you may want to choose white and/or black and set a noise reduction value for these colors depending on the amount of black or white that appears in your image. Keep in mind www.nikmultimedia.com

Lessons and applications that low slider settings reduce luminance noise to a lesser degree against the selected color and higher values reduce a greater amount of luminance noise. Reduce Noise in an Image Using Dfine™ Selective In some cases, you may want to reduce noise in a portrait by selectively removing certain types of noise using the Dfine™ Selective tool. Open Dfine™ via the Dfine™ Selective interface (from the Photoshop® menu, choose File | Automate, then choose the Dfine™ Selective option to open the Dfine™ Selective interface). By accessing Dfine™ through the Dfine™ Selective interface, you can selectively apply any noise reduction or enhancements by simply brushing in the image changes. Follow these steps to selectively reduce noise: 1. Using the Quick Fix Method for Chrominance Noise, begin by reviewing the image in the preview window. Zoom into the image closely (using a 3:1 or greater zoom ratio) and use the Analysis Mode function to inspect for chrominance noise in a particular area of the image. Chrominance noise will appear as distinct, multicolored squares against varying shades of gray. Using the Analysis Mode enables you to identify and distinguish color noise in the image. Set the Method to Quick Fix. Inside the Quick Fix panel, select an appropriate strength to reduce the chrominance noise. Once you have the level of noise reduction set, click Apply. (Note: While this method uses the Quick Fix option, you may also use the Protected Reduction option and control the level of chrominance noise and the level of detail protection.) 39

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Lessons and applications You will notice that the image did not change. Dfine™ Selective allows you to paint in the enhancement (the chrominance noise reduction) via the four buttons in Dfine™ Selective: Paint, Erase, Fill, and Clear. 2. Click “Fill” to apply the enhancement to the entire image. Then inspect the image inside the Photoshop® window and look for the effect of the chrominance noise reduction on image detail. If there is some detail loss, you can either use the Erase function to remove or alter the level of noise reduction in that area, or you can discard this effect and run Dfine™ using the Protected Reduction option under Chrominance Noise to control the level of chrominance noise and the level of detail protection. 3. After using the “Fill” button to fill this effect, and the “Erase” button to selectively remove portions of the effect, click “Apply.” By clicking Apply, you have applied Dfine™ with selective chrominance noise reduction to the image. 4. Select a shadow area using the Marquee tool from Photoshop®, such as under the chin in this sample image, and then select the Strong Noise brush. The Strong Noise brush works well for luminance noise in shadow areas. This enables Dfine™ to analyze and process only this area of the image and allows you to work with only this area of the image. Choose the Strong Noise brush from Dfine™ Selective and begin to brush in areas around the chin to reduce the luminance noise in this area. 5. Ensure that you are in the Paint mode in Dfine™ Selective and that you have not chosen any other tool from the Photoshop® tools palette. You can change the brush size in Photoshop® (keyboard shortcut “ [ “ decreases brush size and “ ] “ increases brush size for www.nikmultimedia.com

Lessons and applications North American and similar keyboards). The Strong Noise brush reduces dominant “strong noise” while leaving some structure in the image. If you are using a pressure sensitive graphics tablet, such as the Wacom® Intuos2 tablet, you can control Dfine™ Selective brushes with up to 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity. Full pressure applies the full effect of the brush, while less pressure varies the noise reduction effect. 6. When you have finished using the Strong Noise brush, click “Apply” to apply the enhancement to the image. Deselect your previous selection by choosing “Deselect” from the Select menu, or use the keyboard shortcuts of Ctrl-D on a PC or command-D on a Mac before moving on to the next image enhancement. 7. To reduce noise in the background selectively, we will use the Background brush from Dfine™ Selective. Using the Background brush with the entire image selected will take some time, since Dfine™ will analyze the entire image. To shorten processing time, we recommend using selections as done in the previous step to keep Dfine™ from analyzing the entire image. Once a selection has been made, click on the Background brush to continue to the next step. 8. Use the “Paint” mode to reduce noise in the background of the image. The Background brush reduces noise in the background while also reducing fine structures and shifting the wall out of focus slightly to make the subject more of the focal point of the image. The choice of whether or not to use the Background brush is more a matter of taste, as the Background brush will turn even sharp objects into slightly out-of-focus background objects. 41

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Lessons and applications 9. Click “Apply” to apply this effect, and finish the enhancements. Adjusting Color and Light with the Tonal Adjustments Option To adjust overall contrast and light in an image, two options are provided by Dfine™. By using the Highlights & Shadows option you can adjust the overall contrast in an image while controlling the shadows and highlights individually. A more advanced option for making tonal and contrast adjustments is provided with the Tonal Adjustments option. The Tonal Adjustments option was created to enable you to adjust lighting in an image, similar to making a Levels adjustment in Photoshop®. Specific controls for the luminosity of the cool tones and warm tones in the image are provided in the Tonal Adjustments option to offer added control for the relationship of color and light. Follow these steps to enhance the color and light within your image: 1. Select the Tonal Adjustments option in Dfine™. You will see a histogram - a representation of the lighting and contrast of the image that is dispersed along a range of possible contrast values. Dark values are shown on the left side of the histogram (and controlled by the left slider in the interface), while white values are shown on the right side of the histogram (and controlled by the right slider in the interface). Mid-tone luminosity values are shown in the middle (and controlled by the two bottom sliders). To achieve a proper contrast range, a histogram for most images should cover the entire range of values.

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Lessons and applications 2. If the left side of the histogram begins to the right of the edge of the histogram range, bring the left slider towards the right side of the histogram. Black and shadow colors that were gray and muddied should change into deep, dark blacks. 3. If the values on the right side of the histogram do not start at the right edge, bring the right slider towards the left edge of the histogram. Whites and lighter colors that were too dark will become brighter, and colors will appear more pure. 4. Finally, make adjustments to the Warm Tone and Cool Tone Luminosity sliders. Bring both of these sliders either to the right or the left to increase or decrease the appearance of warm and cool tones in the image. 5. Once the contrast has been optimally set, and the colors appear natural and fully saturated, click OK to apply this effect. Enhancing Skin Tones and Colors in an Image The appearance of skin tones can be adjusted with two options. The Tonal Adjustment option under Contrast & Light can be used to control the appearance of skin tones. Adjusting the Warm Tone Luminosity and the Cool Tone Luminosity can help warm or cool skin tones in an image. For more information on adjusting contrast, please see the previous lesson, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adjusting Color and Light with the Tonal Adjustments Option.â&#x20AC;? Skin tones can be adjusted by using the Adjust Saturation and Color option as well as the Remove Blue Cast option under the Color Cast & Balance feature. The Adjust Saturation and Color option provides you with controls for adjusting the warmth of the image as well as 43

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Lessons and applications the color saturation (or the amount of the color) in the image. To begin adjusting skin tones, follow these steps: 1. Use the Adjust Saturation and Color option under the Color Cast & Balance feature function and adjust the Saturation setting first to achieve the desired level of color. 2. Next adjust the Warmth slider to balance the temperature of the colors to achieve a natural appearance in the image. When adjusting the warmth of only the skin tones in an outdoor image, the Remove Blue Cast option may be appropriate, depending on the type of light that is present when the image was captured. 3. Click OK once you are happy with the results and the colors appear natural. Reducing Noise and Sharpening Images Balancing wanted detail (photographic detail) in an image with unwanted detail (noise and artifacts) is a delicate process. Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ uses a system that allows you to selectively reduce noise and artifacts while maintaining as much detail as possible in an image. In doing so, Dfineâ&#x201E;˘ provides a wide range of controls to enable you to control the reduction of noise and the process of maintaining detail in order to optimally sharpen an image. When sharpening an image that has been noise-reduced, it is important to consider how much noise has been reduced. Images that began with an extraordinary amount of noise and then were noise-reduced can be sharpened. However, the amount of sharpening that is applied becomes an important consideration when preparing an image for print. For some images that have high amounts of noise (such as high ISO or very low light images) and have been noise-reduced, very www.nikmultimedia.com

Lessons and applications little or no sharpening may be preferable to maintain a natural looking image. When sharpening an image, we recommend using any of the nik Sharpener Pro! products. nik Sharpener Pro! was developed to sharpen images while considering varying levels of detail as well as specific types of detail that may be in a digital image. This becomes an important consideration for noise-reduced images, as When using nik Sharpener Pro!, we recommend using a high Printer Quality the objective of the noise setting, as this will refine the sharpening reduction process is to process. reduce noise and optimize wanted photographic detail. Selectively applying nik Sharpener Pro! using penPalette™ is another option that provides you with the same level of control that is offered using the Dfine™ Selective tool. For more information on penPalette™ from nik multimedia, go to www.penPaletteTools.com. When using nik Sharpener Pro!, we recommend using a high Printer Quality setting (in nik Sharpener Pro! Complete and nik Sharpener Pro! Inkjet), as this will refine the sharpening process. Depending on the image and detail type, a high Printer Quality setting will slightly modify the sharpening process to balance the finer sharpening (often needed by higher quality printers) with the level of detail that is present in the image. We also strongly recommend not using the Sharpen tool found in Photoshop® and other applications, since uneven and/or over sharpening can easily occur. If you are using Unsharp Mask, take great care not to over-sharpen the image. Unsharp Mask does not

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Lessons and applications consider the level of detail in the image, a crucial step in optimal image sharpening. Also keep in mind that Unsharp Mask will globally apply the chosen sharpening settings to the entire image. If you choose to use Unsharp Mask, intermediate and advanced users may want to consider using layer masks to apply varying levels of sharpening in an image. Sharpening and Noise Reduction - Tips & Guidelines 1. Avoid trying to sharpen heavily noise-reduced images. Images that require a lot of noise reduction may not have the detail structures that will benefit from sharpening. Consider selective sharpening for heavily noise-reduced images. 2. Whenever possible, use a Dfine™ camera profile to reduce noise in an image that you intend to sharpen. Dfine™ camera profiles enable you to dynamically reduce noise in an image based on the presence of color, while considering the type of detail that appears in the image. This added control enables better detail maintenance and better sharpening before printing. 3. When a Dfine™ camera profile is not available, consider using a Print Optimized option for noise reduction. Print Optimized noise reduction methods use a unique process that treats detail differently based on the Print Optimized settings while considering how image details appear in print. 4. Avoid using the Reduce Noise: “Normal” through “Very Strong” options when an image www.nikmultimedia.com

Lessons and applications will be sharpened, as these settings are designed for very high levels of noise. Images that require this level of noise reduction may not contain sufficient detail to sharpen the entire image while maintaining an optimal appearance. Selective sharpening may be appropriate.

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More Information For more information, go to www.nikmultimedia.com or email the Dfine™ product team at Dfine@nikmultimedia.com. Updated information, lessons, and FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) are available at www.nikmultimedia.com/dfine. Contacting nik multimedia, Inc. Contact nik multimedia, Inc. by phone at (619) 725-3150 Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (PST). In Europe, contact nik multimedia, Europe at +49-40-25 40 48-70 Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (CET). nik multimedia, Inc. 2615 Camino del Rio South, Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92108 U.S.A Phone (619) 725-3150 Fax (619) 725-3151 Email: Dfine@nikmultimedia.com www.nikmultimedia.com

© Copyright 2003 nik multimedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Dfine™ is a trademark of nik multimedia, Inc. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Patent pending.