Hi!
I've just started experimenting with my canon S5 IS to produce HDR shots using the three shot function. Using Photomatix and Photoshop CS2 I got some pretty decent results, however I'm getting alot of graininess or 'noise' I think is the correct term :-p
IS there any way at all to eradicate this?..I guess it doesn't help that I took the shots either resting on a wall or hand held as I have not got around to buying a tripod yet!
I used the clone tool on Photoshop to get rid of double lines caused by shaking branches of trees etc, which worked well..but its just the noise I need to tackle...any suggestions?

Thanks!

I would download NeatImage (its free) most members here use that to get rid of grain.. its easy to use..

your camera settings? .. ISO? .. a description of the scene? .. bright, shadowy, contrasty?

Thanks I'll try out that programme and see how it goes ;-)

Interesting. Stacking images and/or HDR is supposed to reduce noise as it averages the noise of each image. But if in your case this is not happening for some wierd reason, then you could try 1) downloading neat image/noise ninja/etc or 2) take your usual HDR ... and then take another HDR of exactly the same image. And repeat as many times as you wish. And then stack them in photoshop (or other program).

But after quickly reading around, I heard that photomatix increases noise on some occasions (usually because of the lack of shadow detail [underexposure]). And that if you use a wider range and an increased number of exposures should help.

Gill - A wee comment about using programs to correct camera operator errors. Neat image is a good program, but very basically, it softens an image as it removes noise. In other words lassy, you loose detail. Why not just get used to the Photographic drudgery of using a Tripod and setting your ISO to a slower setting, you then get to keep the detail, there will be less camera noise, you also will have more free time because there will be little need for post editing, your arms will be more toned and stronger from toting the Tripod, you will be a much happier girl, and of course you photos will no longer look like animal droppings. The rule of thumb here is that it takes much less time to shoot it right the first time than to try and fix it later. Good luck.