[enoxatnep]

I was just goofing around this evening with my K-3 and DA* 50-135. I was zoomed in all the way at f/2.8 in TAv mode, 1/80 sec., but it wasn't until I had it in Lightroom 5 that I realized it was ISO 16,000! For the record, it was shot as a DNG file. I didn't think NR would have much effect, but all I did was move the luminance noise-reduction slider to 30 - no other NR adjustments - and I was absolutely blown away!! I don't know how to export 100% crops, so here's a JPG of the entire shot. I just have to share this because I'm in a state of disbelief!

[sergysergy]

very impressive

[civiletti]

Low light photography has come a long way. That would be impressive for iso 400 35mm film.

[bsamcash]

Wow! That looks better than my K-5IIs! Not something I was expecting!

[enoxatnep]

I thought the bigger sensor vs. my old K-5 would certainly mean more noise. I was never satisfied with anything over ISO 3,200 on that camera.

[Steve.Ledger]

The cat looks surprised too...

[RobG]

When I got my K3, it was by default in Auto-ISO up to 3200 ISO. I was really impressed by the results at 3200 ISO. It hasn't been very long since the K7, and I seldom attempted to push the K7 beyond 400 ISO.

[Codazzle]

I thought the bigger sensor vs. my old K-5 would certainly mean more noise. I was never satisfied with anything over ISO 3,200 on that camera.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this. I recently picked up a Nikon Df for this very reason (though Pentax is still #1 in my heart, and probably my hands!)

Perhaps I should've investigated the K-3 closer, though consensus everywhere I read was that the K-3 was similar to the K-5. Perhaps I mis-read

[mwilky55]

Thanks for sharing. That is remarkably free of noise for that ISO.

What I want to know, though, is how did you get in our house to take a picture of Cleo, our cat? Or maybe she found her way to Alberta and back one night???? Spitting image.

Thanks again. I'm considering a K-3 and this is good reinforcement.

[Michaelina2]

I was just goofing around this evening with my K-3 and DA* 50-135. I was zoomed in all the way at f/2.8 in TAv mode, 1/80 sec., but it wasn't until I had it in Lightroom 5 that I realized it was ISO 16,000! For the record, it was shot as a DNG file. I didn't think NR would have much effect, but all I did was move the luminance noise-reduction slider to 30 - no other NR adjustments - and I was absolutely blown away!! I don't know how to export 100% crops, so here's a JPG of the entire shot. I just have to share this because I'm in a state of disbelief!

AND... Want to do more...?
Try this in LR (should take less than 10 seconds)...

1. Open the DNG file in the DEVELOP module.
2. Open the DETAIL dialog box and go to the Noise Reduction set of sliders.
3. Press the "Alt" key on your PC to turn the image to B&W, then with your mouse pointer, push the Luminance slider to the place on the scale where the noise speckles start to fade, then adjust to suit your fancy (some like to leave a few speckles to keep the image from looking plastic...). Be patient as it may take a moment for the effect to become apparent.
4. Press the Alt key, again and adjust the COLOR slider to remove the color speckles. Again, be patient as it may take a moment or two for the color speckles to dissolve.
5. Go to the SHARPENING set of sliders (above the NR set in the DETAIL dialog box).
6. In your mind, subtract the Luminance adjustment number from 100 and enter that calculation into the AMOUNT slider's adjustment result box. For example, if your Luminance number was 30, enter 70. Notice that the luminance noise you erased earlier has returned. UGH ! Get rid of it by...
7. Press the Alt key on your PC, again, and adjust the MASKING slider to the point that your image appears to be a B&W line drawing.
8. Release the Alt key...

BINGO ! You have killed the image noise AND sharpened it, as needed to fit your taste. Now, let's get that pesky WB under control...


(H/T: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/247974-k-3-noise-2.html#post2644938 )

Cheers... M

[btnapa]

I was just goofing around this evening with my K-3 and DA* 50-135. I was zoomed in all the way at f/2.8 in TAv mode, 1/80 sec., but it wasn't until I had it in Lightroom 5 that I realized it was ISO 16,000! For the record, it was shot as a DNG file. I didn't think NR would have much effect, but all I did was move the luminance noise-reduction slider to 30 - no other NR adjustments - and I was absolutely blown away!! I don't know how to export 100% crops, so here's a JPG of the entire shot. I just have to share this because I'm in a state of disbelief!

Attachment 250223

Wow! are you sure it is ISO 16,000? I gotta get more familiar with this noise adjustments in PS and LR. If I saw this image without the relevant information, I would have never guessed that high of an ISO. It is very sharp too. Good job.

[normhead]

The exif shows 16,000, but I've had much worse noise on 1,600 ISO

[enoxatnep]

Wow! are you sure it is ISO 16,000? I gotta get more familiar with this noise adjustments in PS and LR. If I saw this image without the relevant information, I would have never guessed that high of an ISO. It is very sharp too. Good job.

I had to double-check again this morning because I thought perhaps I had mis-read ISO 1600, being late and all. That would have made more sense to me. But nope, it's definitely ISO 16,000! Again, I'm still blown away, plus I'd like to try Michaelina2's advice, but I'm wondering if I use the Alt key on a Mac as well?

[Parallax]

I thought the bigger sensor vs. my old K-5 would certainly mean more noise.

K-5 and K-3 are the same size sensor. both are APS-c.

[LeRolls]

Image looks quite good for such a high ISO. The quality of light must have also played a role in how well the image came out.