Sharpening 1D Mark II Files

[Mike H]

I've been using Capture One to sharpen my 1DM2 files, and I'm generally happy with the results. Still, I would like to know what others have been using, especially if anyone has done any substantial comparisons of methods, since I'm always looking to improve image quality.

My current settings in C1 are "Standard Look"/Amount 100/Threshold 2. I don't usually sharpen in Photoshop. Thanks.

Mike H

[Whaler]

Mike, I don't have a MK II but, I sharpen this way;

1. "soft look" I think it looks more natural
2. Amount 200 - 300 my preferences are set at 300 and I back off if needed
3. Threshold "1"

Also, I set my color saturation at 4 - 6 %

This works well for me with my DRebel & 20D RAW files.

[scottbergerphoto]

I use 150-250%, 0.6-1.5, 0
Scott

[Mike H]

I use 150-250%, 0.6-1.5, 0
Scott

These are Photoshop settings, right? Thanks.

Mike H

[scottbergerphoto]

These are Photoshop settings, right? Thanks.

Mike H
USM in PS CS.
Scott

[primoz]

I don't use C1 but in PS I use 200-250%, 0.3-0.6, 0. But it has a bit to do with lens too, not just camera :)

[griff2]

I use the "smart sharpen" method, in Photoshop, as described on the Luminous Landscape site: it uses USM, but only to the parts of the picture that needs it. It thus avoids exaggerating any residual noise on the image, especially in the shadows, that USM can otherwise introduce. My settings are 80-100%,1.5,1 - the 80-100% depends on the lens used.

[Persian-Rice]

1D files need a little more shrpaneing, especially if you shoot raw. I use FM's intellisharpen II at 50/50.

[Mike H]

1D files need a little more shrpaneing, especially if you shoot raw. I use FM's intellisharpen II at 50/50.

Does that add much time to your workflow, or can it be automated? One of the things that I enjoy about sharpening in Capture One is that I can leave my usual sharpening settings in place and the program sharpens automatically when converting the RAW file, whereas with Photoshop I would have to add a few keystrokes to sharpen every shot. That's not too much extra work, but over the course of a few hundred shots it really saves time. Thanks to all who responded. Keep 'em coming!

Mike H

[Persian-Rice]

Mike, I never batch process anything, I spend time with each of my images so I can make them perfect. I probably spend alot more time on my images then most people. The way I look at it, if I made an effort to go photograph something, I might as well put the same effort in the PP.

I am pretty picky with my photo's, I'm pretty much at our computer lab till 2 am every night...... I like PCR, I tried phaseone and I just dont like the layout.....

[Groundworxs]

MIke I have found these settings to be excellent. 5oo may sound like alot but try it I was amazed
>> Set camera sharpening to none.

In Photoshop, set Unsharp Mask to 500% with a .5 radius and zero theshold. This is good for ASA 50-400.

For ASA 600-1250, go with 350%; and 250% for ASA 1600.

This is according to Canon reps during the Summer Olymics in Athens, and was also recommended by Photoshop expert Eddie Tapp at a recent Photoshop seminar.


Cheers
Groundworxs

[Mike H]

Mike, I never batch process anything, I spend time with each of my images so I can make them perfect. I probably spend alot more time on my images then most people. The way I look at it, if I made an effort to go photograph something, I might as well put the same effort in the PP.

I am pretty picky with my photo's, I'm pretty much at our computer lab till 2 am every night...... I like PCR, I tried phaseone and I just dont like the layout.....

I'm not really batch processing mine either. I go through each shot individually in Capture One, adjusting the density sometimes, levels other times (depending on the needs of each shot). I will sometimes tweak the color, but since I've gone to setting custom white balances indoors I rarely need to do that. Outdoors, I find that the 1DM2 auto white balance is generally right on.

Sharpening in C1 is a different tab from the exposure, color balance, or develop tabs. Leaving the settings in one place just means that I don't have to go back to set the sharpening tab every time I hit the button to develop. I also enjoy evaluating and working on each image individually. After spending so much money (maybe too much?) on all of the equipment, and so much time learning and improving skills, it just makes sense to give each shot the attention it needs to be as good as it can be. Thanks.

Mike H

[KennyG]

Mike, anywhere from 100 to 150, threshold 2 in C1 should do the trick. The only time I don't use C1's sharpening is if the image is noisy, then I turn it off and do it in PS. Processing 1,500 images a time I find that this works best for me. Never had a single complaint from a photo editor which is all that counts in my book.

[jfred]

MIke I have found these settings to be excellent. 5oo may sound like alot but try it I was amazed
>> Set camera sharpening to none.

In Photoshop, set Unsharp Mask to 500% with a .5 radius and zero theshold. This is good for ASA 50-400.

For ASA 600-1250, go with 350%; and 250% for ASA 1600.

This is according to Canon reps during the Summer Olymics in Athens, and was also recommended by Photoshop expert Eddie Tapp at a recent Photoshop seminar.


Cheers
Groundworxs

I just tried these settings on some photos from my 20D..... I wouldn't use sharpening on everything I take... but for some photos..... Wow!!! :D

Thanks!