I just experimented with a very high ISO image and how to best remove noise from it. This is an experiment of removing noise in two steps instead of one to prevent plastic looking results.
The left image is processed in several steps with NI and the right is one go only. There is not much difference, but I would still say that the left image has more detail visible.
Multiple noise removal steps for enhanced control
Andewid -- if you're still around, could you detail the multi-step procedure you used? Did you filter frequencies or channels seperately, how many stages etc. This looks valuable. I have to photograph a lot of wood grain, walnut paneling, mahogany etc. and it drives me cross-eyed trying to preserve detail. The trouble is, I hate to lose ANY.