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Miljenko Devcic | all galleries >> tech >> Converting from RAW > Resolution, double sharpening
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10-SEP-2004

Resolution, double sharpening

Standard Photoshop Sharpening filter as better alternative to in-camera sharpening may be to mild for some pictures and some lenses. Therefore, photographers usually apply somewhat heavier sharpening, like Sharpen More (I prefer it for not-so-sharp lenses) or Unsharp Mask set to higher percentages. I usually try to apply another approach: using Standard Sharpen twice. This, in most cases, gives highest resolution possible with least artifacts ("ringing" or "hallos"). In this case, I've applied second sharpening AFTER resizing to 200% for two reasons: 1)it gives more mild and natural results than if applied at 100% pic size, and 2)it can resolve and display resolution to the very limit. Samples converted with applications allready showing some sharpening artifacts didnt't display much gain with additional sharpening; actually, their results got worse. On the other hand, Nikon Capture Editor and Raw Magick benefited with additional sharpening, gaining in overall sharpness. The most inspiring discovery was result obtained in Raw Magick: for the first time 80 lp/mm group (Nr.5 in the middle of the RM sample) appeared on D70 test shot! This test shows some great potential within this new RAW converter (at this moment still in beta phase).

Nikon D70 ,Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF
1/750s f/8.0 at 50.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Miljenko Devcic20-May-2005 07:32
Thanks, Ellis. No, I didn't test Photokit Expert Sharpener yet. It is scheduled for the next month when enough "smart sharpeners" are collected for the test. It will be interesting to compare it with contestants like Raw Magick Lite and Photoshop CS2 who have very efficient sharpening routines....