MichiganNature.com
|
||
Of InterestBe sure to visit our new Photo Gallery!
|
Sharpening Your Images
If you're into digital imaging, you more than likely sharpen your images in some form before printing. I have been using Photoshop's (unsharp filter) ever since I started using the program.until now. In visiting websites and reading articles about plug-in sharpening software available for purchase, I felt it was time to test them out and see if it was something I might use. I also thought that because I have this site.why not share my findings. I did not get into the specifics of each of the programs as to settings etc. as the creators do a good job on the web sites explaining their product.so click on their links and visit them. The products I tried, enabled me to download a demo version for a test run before deciding to buy, which was a nice feature. The first one is nik Sharpener Pro from the TECHnik Group. I was impressed with this program and thought it did a great job on my images. The directions and layout of the program were easy to follow and it didn't take long to get good results. I guess what made me hesitate on this one was the price. At $349.00. I felt it was a bit steep! The second program is a fairly new one called PhotoKit Sharpener from Pixel Genius for $99.95. When I tried the sample download.I was very pleased with the results. If you're into simple.this one might not be for you as it is just a bit more complicated to follow. This program does all the work on layers, which is a great idea. However, your file size will go from your original to about 4 times the size by the time you're finished. If you have the space on your hard drive fine.but if not.this might not be the program for you! This is a wonderful, well thought out program and produces very good results. I guess I didn't want to deal with 100-megabyte images right now, so I reluctantly passed on this one. The third demo I tried and liked so I bought it! It is called Focal-Blade from The PlugInSite. I found it simple to use with (3) experience level approaches to sharpen images. In the 'novice' level, a few clicks of the mouse and you're done. The other two approaches give you a little more control of your sharpening for a fine tuned image. In the end, I liked the workflow, along with my printed results. The price is right too! At $49.95. it's a great deal! Conclusion!I like what I saw in my images using the sharpening plug-in's and I'm glad I took the time to check them out. If you're happy with what you're doing now.stick with it. I'm not here to say what's best; I'm just saying what works best for me. If you're interested in image sharpening, take the time to check what's available before you buy. Your workflow and experience level will dictate what you might like the most. For more in depth information visit The Luminous Landscape by Michael Reichmann. A great site with many articles covering soup to nuts in photography! Good luck and have fun! |
|
MichiganNature.com
|
||
