Question about sharpening - DPChallenge Forums

12/04/2007 03:11:36 PM · #1

I understand what unsharp mask does, but I am trying to figure out what is the difference between it and a generic sharpening pass. (I use Paintshop Pro if that makes any difference). Should I only use unsharp mask,or are both methods useful together?

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

12/04/2007 03:18:44 PM · #2

Try this tutorial here at DPC: Basic Image Sharpening of Digital Photographs

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

12/04/2007 03:32:23 PM · #3

That tutorial was actually part of what raised my question. I understand unsharp mask, but the "sharpen" button is unclear to me as to whether it is the same thing or not.

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

12/04/2007 03:39:29 PM · #4

I believe the sharpen button, at least on PS, is a predetermined radius and percentage amount, where the unsharp mask gives you much more control. I would suggest Bruce Fraziers Real World Image Sharpening, it helped me alot.

12/04/2007 04:13:19 PM · #5

So the sharpen button is simply a preset automatic setting for unsharp mask? That is what I suspected, but I was not totally sure. I thought it might do it differently somehow.

I'll check out that real world book you mentioned. I already own Real World Color Management and Real World scanning & halftones. Great books.