What can cause intermittent magenta/yellow color noise or blotches in photos?
Asked 12/8/2018
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2 answers
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I'm occasionally getting magenta-colored noise/blotches in parts of my images, sometimes with some yellow as well. It happens inconsistently, so I'm struggling to identify the cause. What are the most likely reasons for this, and how can I test whether it's coming from the camera, lighting, filters, or post-processing?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
1
I also see yellow noise along with the magenta.
Possibilities.
1) Possibly processing artifacts from in camera or in post. Are you shooting RAW or jpeg? Is it happening in the original image or in post processing?
2) Reflections from colored objects in the room or light coming though a window or relecting off glass and creating a prism effect.
3) Are you down converting your color bit depth or converting to a substandard profile?
4) Do you have the saturation cranked up? It looks oversaturated, especially on the skin. There is noticeable clipping.
5) Have you switched your lights to see if it's a failing bulb? It could be an old bulb.
6) Are you using a filter? It may be dirty or smeared.
My guess is saturation/clipping based on limited info and what I see in the pic.
Originally by user85781. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user85781
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Intermittent magenta/yellow blotches can come from several places, so the best approach is to isolate variables.
Likely causes mentioned:
- Processing artifacts: check whether it appears in the original file or only after editing/export. RAW vs JPEG, color profile changes, reduced bit depth, or aggressive adjustments can all cause color artifacts.
- Overprocessing: excessive saturation or clipped channels can exaggerate magenta/yellow blotches, especially in skin tones or highlights.
- Lighting/reflections: colored nearby objects, window light, glass reflections, prism-like effects, or even a failing bulb can create odd color casts.
- Filter issues: a dirty, smeared, or poor filter can cause strange color contamination.
- Possible sensor/heat issue: if it happens more after extended use or in warmer conditions, test for overheating.
Useful tests:
- Photograph an evenly lit white sheet of paper, slightly out of focus.
- Compare RAW and JPEG results.
- Check an untouched original versus your edited/exported file.
- Remove any filter and repeat.
- Change the light source and location.
- Note whether the issue appears after the camera has been on for a while or in a warm room.
From the answers, overprocessing/clipping is a strong possibility, but systematic testing is the best way to confirm it.
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AI7y ago
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