Legal Tool? Quick Question - DPChallenge Forums

08/09/2003 01:39:40 AM · #1

Using Paint Shop Pro,

Are these legal to use if applied uniformly to the entire image?

Texture preserving smooth
Edge preserving smooth

Any help here is greatly appreciated.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/09/2003 02:19:15 PM · #2

Is there a better way to get an official ruling on this?

Or do I just post this question here in the forum and hope for an answer?

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

08/09/2003 02:27:23 PM · #3

post - but usually when there's more site council on. :)

M

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

08/09/2003 02:30:13 PM · #4

Thanks Mavrik

ChrisW123

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

08/09/2003 03:52:20 PM · #5

Since nobody else has replied I'll give my "2 cents"... I'm not familiar with PSP, but have you tried to "fit" the two filters you want to use into this statement (part of the Rules):

"Any filter or stand-alone utility designed and used to preserve the integrity of the image and/or reduce the effects of noise, scratches, etc, are permitted... These include but are not limited to the Sharpen, Unsharp Mask, and Dust & Scratches filters..."

So if PSP does not have Sharpen, USM, or Dust & Scratches, then maybe the filters you mentioned are meant to take their place, in which case they would be legal. On the other hand if PSP does have the filters above, then the filters you mention are probably not legal (because they do something else). What does the PSP documentation mention about them? What are they for generally?

Message edited by author 2003-08-09 15:54:04.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/09/2003 03:56:21 PM · #6

I am unfamiliar with the tool. What does it do in layman's terms?

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

08/09/2003 04:02:31 PM · #7

this is what is says:

Use the Text Preserving Smooth dialog box to eliminate noise in an image while preserving the details in textures. For example, smooth a personâ��s face while retaining the details of his sweater. The effect is similar to that of the Edge-Preserving Smooth filter, but this filter preserves area of texture, while the other filter preserves edges.

Typically my "sharp" tool will over sharp beyond my needs, this tool seems to bring it back and keep the clarity. If you keep re-applying it, the effect becomes somewhat surreal.

ChrisW123

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

08/09/2003 04:10:15 PM · #8

That description is kind of like what NeatImage does... eliminates noise in the image while preserving the details. I've also heard/seen images that can look "surreal" (like you mentioned) after using it several times, or with extreme settings, and NeatImage is leagal.

So I vote YES! You can use it. Don't blame me if you get DQ'd for using it however. :) May want to wait for "official" word from the DPC Gods first.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

08/09/2003 04:15:05 PM · #9

It sounds as though it fits within the spirit of the rules on filters, so long as you use it to improve the photo-realistic look. If it does that, people shouldn't notice that it was used ...

One suggestion would be to crop out a representative bit of your photo, and email the admins a before/after sample demonstrating what you want to do and get an official ruling. Otherwise, you will have to rely on the unreliable poll of opinions you get in this thread over the next few hours.

I'd have two versions of the entry ready to upload; send in the one you have the most confidence in.

08/09/2003 04:15:18 PM · #10

Hahaha, thanks Chris.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

08/09/2003 04:20:07 PM · #11

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Thanks GeneralE, I went ahead and entered the one that didn't use the tool at all, but the effect was so cool when I over used it, I'd like to use it in the future.

so long as you use it to improve the photo-realistic look. If it does that, people shouldn't notice that it was used ...

If the tool is legal, will this really matter?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

08/09/2003 04:24:18 PM · #12

Originally posted by Gringo:

If the tool is legal, will this really matter?

No, although if they don't notice anything odd they are unlike to request a DQ in the first place.

I've, over-used "DPC-legal" toods to achieve odd effects on more than one occasion; I think my entries for Fear and Off-Center each used extreme applications of Curves and Unsharp Mask; unfortunately, it's not a technique particularly popular with the majority of voters ....