unsharp mask settings 1

[kentucky]

Does anyone have any tips on these settings as far as percent, threshold and radius? I have been using 85% on items that I photograph with a digital camera. but I really do not know about the other 2 options.

 

[dmacster]

Threshold for the most part you can leave at the lowest level to get the most (think of everything about unsharp as backwards since it really sharpens) - and the radius is obviously how far you want it to go. Generally I try to go for about 70%, threshold 0, and radius at .7 - no overkill, but some defining.

It's really playing around and previewing what you like. So much depends on the quality of what you're starting with.

 

[rhyno2k]

If you have PS CS2, "Smart Sharpen" is an even better option... Scott Kelby thinks it will replace Unsharp Mask as the sharpening filter du jour.

 

[mscallisto]

I agree with dmacster but I can add some more.

See my post on thread229-696185

I have another even better method but must wait til I get home to freshen my memory from my notes...I'll post later.

 

[mscallisto]

My most favorite sharpen technique:

http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html

scroll down to Advanced Sharpening Technique (it's near the bottom)

You may need to load Apple Quicktime...free from apple.com and also avail from the russell brown link.

download Advance Sharpening tutorial (3 meg) so you can view anytime.

Unsharp mask finds the areas of greatest contrast then puts a lightened pixel on one side and a darkened pixel on the other side to increase the contrast. more contrast means sharper pics. This tutorial shows how to use layer blending to individually adjust the light and dark pixels.

Remember sharpening will only work for pics that need slight sharpening. Really out-of-focus pics can only be sharpened to a degree. Sharpening adds pixels where they can increase contrast and adding pixels ain't a perfect method so don't expect miracles.

 

[rhyno2k]

That's a great link - lots of nice tutorials there.

Unfortunately, I wish you could turn on Subtitles and mute the movies! He thinks he's delivering a monologue on Broadway...

 

[mscallisto]

Yes I agree...Russell Brown joined Adobe when it was still a very young company as the artistic director or something like that and does have a unique way to make movies (Incredable but True)!!