Sharpening raw

[stumac]

We all know raw images can benefit with a bit of sharpening but I was just wondering how you all go about it for example in cs3 there is ( I think) 3 different sharpening sliders ,amount, radius and something else ( not at pc )
Which do you use and why ?

 

[KMPhoto]

I found this a helpful guide to understanding it.

I no longer have access to a full PS so use PSE10 and sharpening is one of the last things I do before saving final jpeg.

 

[stumac]

I found this a helpful guide to understanding it.

I no longer have access to a full PS so use PSE10 and sharpening is one of the last things I do before saving final jpeg.

That was a good read thanks for that

 

[Photodiva]

Amount radius and threshold. I start with threshold and set it to 1 for landscapes and about 4 for pirtraits as it determines how 'different' pixels have to be before they get sharpened. Then go for radius which is the distance or range that the sharpening affects. The bigger the image the wider the range - usually 0.5 to 2. Then amount which is like a volume control. Move the slider until you get the effect you want. Avoid halos (too much radius) or over sharpening (too much amount) but bear in mind that if you intend to print your image at say 240ppi it will still display on your mOnitor at 72ppi so it may look a bit oversharpened before you print it.

 

[boliston]

I find my raws sharp enough without extra sharpening. I guess a lot depends on the quality of the lens.

 

[B1ts]

I find my raws sharp enough without extra sharpening. I guess a lot depends on the quality of the lens.

Sorry but they wont be, whilst the lens is important, all digital shots benefit from sharpening, the aa filter alone introduces softness that needs removing if nothing else.

 

[Iris]

I find the sharpening tool in Aperture more effective that PSE and find that I often just use the brush to sharpen certain areas as opposed to the whole image at the minute. If I want to sharpen just parts of an image in PSE I prefer to use the High Pass Filter. It's rare that an image doesn't need a touch of sharpening somewhere

 

[Phil V]

I find my raws sharp enough without extra sharpening. I guess a lot depends on the quality of the lens.

Of course 'sharp' is subjective. If you're happy with your results - that's fine.

But for the sake of clarity when we're discussing sharpness, people need to understand that the capture process purposely adds softness in most digital cameras. Unless your camera is short of it's AA filter*, you're being delivered an unsharp picture, if you're happy with that - all good, but other people may want to make the most of their images.

Also, different sized output images will require different amounts of sharpening, which is the reason for doing it last.

*Leica M8 and M9 and most digital MF cameras.

although there are also some cheaper DSLRs known to have weaker AA filters.