Question about the Linear Sharpen 3.42

[seanspeng]

Pekka,

I downloaded your LinearSharpen 3.42 and tried to learn how to use it. I was surprised to see that the picture after 100-200 chooser or 400-800 convert and sharpen are completely white out (look like I put way too much bright and sharpen).

I was wondering if this LinearSharpen 3.42 works only on certain set of Camera Parameter setting (Sharpen, Contrast, Color). I remember that you prefer to set it all at LOW level. Is this true? If so, I think it would be great you can add this into your LinearSharpen page, just for beginner's sake. Any other things that we need to adjust on D30 setting in order for this LinearSharpen 3.42 works out perfectly just like yours?

Thank you very much for your help and your excellent work inspires me a lot!


Sean

[pigasus]

Sean,

It sounds like you're applying LinearSharpen to a nonlinear conversion. When you convert your raw files to TIFF's you have a choice as to how to convert them - linear or nonlinear. When you convert to nonlinear, you specify the settings for saturation, contrast, sharpness and white balance. When you convert to linear, you specify the setting for white balance only.

LS is specifically intended for linear conversions. Applying it to a nonlinear file would definitely produce the results you are seeing.

pigasus

[seanspeng]

pigasus,

Wow! I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES THIS TIME! I followed your instruction and convert the raw to Linear TIF and tried the LinearSharpen again. That made my eyes pop out! Now I understand why shooting in Raw is good. Here is what I observed.

I got a RAW file at size of 2.7MB, it can be converted to Non-Linear file of 8.9MB, or a Linear file of 17.8MB!!!

The 100-200 chooser HQ will take 3 minutes 45 seconds to 4 minutes on such a linear file. This is a lot of time, but it is worthy it. Maybe I need to get a new computer?
(Not too old, Dell Dimension 4100, Pentium III)

Question:
So when you shoot in RAW and convert it to Linear file and try LinearSharpen, does it matter on what Camera setting you use regarding the Contrast, Sharpen, Color??

Thanks a lot!

Sean

[seanspeng]

Just wanted to share what I got with LinearSharpen 3.42.

Here are the sample photos with and without LS.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291815861

OR

http://www.imagestation.com/members/pengrus

Choose the Photography Study folder.

I was totally amazed by the LinearSharpen. I just get started and will get addicted to it.

Sean

[pigasus]

seanspeng wrote:
pigasus,

Wow! I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES THIS TIME! I followed your instruction and convert the raw to Linear TIF and tried the LinearSharpen again. That made my eyes pop out! Now I understand why shooting in Raw is good.

Linear isn't the only way to convert from raw. Many do a nonlinear conversion, in which case they do not need a linear conversion action like Pekka's LS. But LS does more than just convert. As the name says, it sharpens as well. And I have found it to be one of the best sharpening routines going. Following the application of LS I generally apply Fred Miranda's Digital Velvia action. Fred charges for his action. But it's a good one and gets the colours right for me so I reckon it's worth it.

Here is what I observed.

I got a RAW file at size of 2.7MB, it can be converted to Non-Linear file of 8.9MB, or a Linear file of 17.8MB!!!
The nonlinear and linear files should be the same size. Did you do both conversions at 16-bit. The 8.9MB file might have been an 8-bit conversion.

The 100-200 chooser HQ will take 3 minutes 45 seconds to 4 minutes on such a linear file. This is a lot of time, but it is worthy it. Maybe I need to get a new computer?
(Not too old, Dell Dimension 4100, Pentium III)
In time, you'll discover that you are using one of the choices more frequently. I generally use the normal HQ level. Occasionally, when I look at the result, I decide I'd rather go more or less so I then LS it again.

Question:
So when you shoot in RAW and convert it to Linear file and try LinearSharpen, does it matter on what Camera setting you use regarding the Contrast, Sharpen, Color??
Nope. And it doesn't really matter for nonlinear either, as you can make the settings whatever you want them to be for the nonlinear conversion.

Thanks a lot!

My pleasure.

pigasus

[oops]

pigasus,

Great reply! Relay races were always my favorite. Must be a "team player" kind of thing.