Shaper vs Unsharp mask

[Jimmy Boyd]

What is the majority rule here. I use DPP for pp and then convert from raw to either TIFF or jpeg then use unsharp mask in photoshop. To save a step can you sharpen in DPP in raw and get the same quality result? To me you end up with more noise to sharpen in raw or not as clean pic. Is there more loss of quality one way or the other?

[Bobster]

smart shapen over USM

[California4Life]

I used to use USM all the time until recently. My settings revloved around 150%, 0.4pixels and a threshold of 1

Now, I use the high pass method with much better results. Here is a tutorial. (http://www.ronbigelow.com/articles/sharpen3/sharpen3.htm)
The High Pass method is covered further down at the bottom of the page.

High Pass is still very new to me, and I'm always looking for advice on settings from people who know it well.

[Screamer]

I use high pass too.

[cdifoto]

I'm glad I found this thread. While not ideal for batching, this High Pass method is great when you can spend a little extra time on an image.

[California4Life]

cdi & screamer: What high pass settings do you find yourselves working around?

[cdifoto]

I just started playing yesterday, but I'm kinda hovering around the settings in the tutorial link so far.

[bacchanal]

Anyone have any thoughts on High-pass vs. Lab Sharpening? Lately I've been using USM when I batch process and Lab, when I process images individually. I think High-pass may be a better option for me since I tend to shoot high iso a lot.

[number six]

I've been experimenting with high-pass sharpening for a while now. It seems to allow me to sharpen edges while ignoring flat areas where noise is more likely to appear.

I cheat, though: I just use the high-pass sharpen tool in Paint Shop Pro XI.

Perhaps someday Photoshop will catch up with PSP.

:lol:

-js

[liam5100]

I have been happy with the results of my usm using LAB.

[René Damkot]

I used to use USM all the time until recently. My settings revloved around 150%, 0.4pixels and a threshold of 1

Now, I use the high pass method with much better results. Here is a tutorial. (http://www.ronbigelow.com/articles/sharpen3/sharpen3.htm)
The High Pass method is covered further down at the bottom of the page.

High Pass is still very new to me, and I'm always looking for advice on settings from people who know it well.

From that link: "High Pass Sharpening has some real advantages over the previous sharpening tools. The ability to adjust the sharpening at a later time through the use of the blend modes and the Opacity control is significant."

The same could be said for all other sharpening methods by simply duplicating the BG layer before sharpening :rolleyes:

When I need to do critical sharpening, I either use something like described in part 4, using either USM or smart sharpen. If I go wild, I might even make an edge mask...

Scottes has a good tutorial on POTN here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=48929&highlight=sharpen).

[cdifoto]

I'm starting to fall out of love with High Pass. It's nice for some images, but it's far to easy to get a halo and yet have insufficient sharpness (to my eyes) on others.

[strmrdr]

There is no right sharpening for every image.
I create a stamp visible layer cntrl+shift+alt+E on windows and apply one then delete the layer and try another method until I am happy with the results.
n some images I will use 3 different methods all on one image.
It all depends on what result im looking for and what the image needs.
My usual min is 2 pass usm once at around radius 1.5 to 2 and once at .6 or so.
Some images I will apply them on 2 layers at amount 500% then adjust the opacity as needed to bring out the details I want.

[dpastern]

I tend to sharpen slightly in DPP or C1 Pro, export to TIFF and then do some creative sharpening in Photoshop - LAB mode and smart sharpen filter. After resizing for the web, I'll do a bit of output sharpening via USM. I have a tutorial of my workflow here:

www.macro-images.com/Photoshop_workflow_tutorial.doc

Dave

[Screamer]

I should clarify on mine, it was a little short, not totally complete, and was asked to elaborate. I approach sharpening in a couple of different passes. I have different processes for global, local, and print. My short comment of high pass pertains to print output specifically. In post, I'll generally use USM or Smart Sharpen, I might use high pass too depending on the effect.