How to Effectively Reduce Noise in DaVinci Resolve

Noise removal can be a frustrating endeavor. DaVinci Resolve offers effective tools to reduce noise in video footage, though these features are only available in the Studio version.

You can apply noise reduction in two ways: find Noise Reduction in the Open FX library and apply it to a node, or open the Motion Effects panel (the last icon above primary grading tools). Both methods produce identical results. Ensure noise reduction applies to the first node in your color grading chain.

Understanding the Noise Reduction Panel

The panel contains five key areas: Temporal NR, Temporal Threshold, Spatial NR, Spatial Threshold, and Motion Blur. These controls can be used independently or together.

Temporal Noise Reduction

Temporal NR identifies image detail across a set number of frames (1-5) to separate legitimate detail from noise artifacts.

Key characteristics:

• Works best on non-moving image areas
• Higher frame selections apply more averaging, increasing processing demands
• Can cause motion artifacts with moving subjects
• Adjustable luma and chroma thresholds (0-100 range)

The luma slider affects only brightness, while the chroma slider targets color noise. You can raise chroma thresholds higher than luma thresholds with fewer visible artifacts.

When footage contains movement, adjust the Mo. Est. Type (Motion Estimation Type) and Motion Range sliders to exclude moving subjects from processing.

Spatial Noise Reduction

Spatial NR examines nearby pixels to identify and smooth high-frequency noise, processing frame-by-frame.

Key characteristics:

• Analyzes a localized sample area to reduce noise
• Radius setting determines analysis area size (larger = better results but higher cost)
• Effective for smoothing flickering noise that temporal NR may miss
• Heavy use, particularly with luma, creates an airbrushed appearance

Combining Both Methods

Blackmagic Design recommends: "Keep in mind that the strength of temporal NR is to reduce noise in unmoving parts of the image. When you've achieved the best tradeoff, then turn to spatial NR to further eliminate noise throughout the rest of the picture."

The recommended workflow:

1. Apply temporal NR first for stationary areas
2. Adjust spatial NR slightly for remaining noise
3. Fine-tune both until acceptable results

Practical Approach

There is no universal setting. Every clip presents unique noise depending on camera sensor, ISO settings, lighting conditions, and shadow recovery during grading. The noise reduction operation can be processor-intensive; disabling the node temporarily during edit revisions may improve playback performance.