[Johndm]

So, just wondering what Unshark Mask settings we all use in PS

Some examples below from my fellow aircraft photogs ..

I currently use the first suggestion..

Granite (Gary Watt) gave me an excellent USM setting of 500% , 0.2 , 0

I hit it with that for a first go.... Then reduce the % for the next sweep depending on the sharpness or jaggies. Normally between 100-300%. Normally 2 x 500% is to much...

In my case it seems to work very well...

Simon C

I've had two badsoft today, my first in ages but I use a method that a screener advised me to try and it had worked most of the time....until today.
The rejected ones, the screeners were right, they were soft and I have been scanning some more oldies and I think I might have left the threshold at 7 in error!
I Use 200% 0.3, 2, then 200% 0.2,2, and, if it will stand it 200%, 0.2, 2 again (most don't)
This works but goes against what Adobe say...they say make one sweep and get it right first time as any subsequent sharpening is performed differently.
If I get Badsoft I re-open the image in LAB mode, select the lightness channel, increase the contrast a touch if the pic can take it then add USM 200%, 0.2, 2 before converting back to RGB.
That usually works for me
Mick Bajcar

hehe

500%, .5 Radius, 5 Levels.

100% acceptance on last batch.

For sharpening I first resize the picture to desired size and then set radius to
0.2 pixels and threshold to 0. Then I adjust the amount to desired setting. I find that 3 applications of amount 100% gives better results than 1 application of amount 300%.

Simon,
Change the image to Lab mode and then click on the lightness channel, then start at a USM of 300, 0.3, 0 and go from there. Then change it back to RGB to finish.

This shouldn't introduce any unwanted noise within the sky etc.

Hope this is of some use, if you need any help drop me a mail.

Cheers,
Ian.

Wow, very different stuff here.

I do radius o .2, threshold of 0. I do one pass at 500 and then a second at anywehre from 110 ro 350.

-Phil

[HotblackDesiato]

I generally use a high pass filter to sharpen.

[Geordie Jester]

I remember reading somewhere that a good method is to move AMOUNT to maximum and then slide the RADIUS until you pick the thickness of lines you are targeting. Then reduce the AMOUNT to ensure the result looks natural and as harsh as you want.

keep unchecking/checking the preview box to see the effect on the image.

[Johndm]

Well I'm suprised there's not been more comments here...

Are we all NOT using Unsharp Mask in PS..?

Its just about one of the most important things to use when processing, be it a RAW or jpeg file..

[tomson]

Can't say I use one specific setting - different images require differing amounts of sharpening.

But I tend to use Fred Mirandas Intellisharpen if i'm doing lots of images. Used to use the 10D finisher action a lot too. If i'm just doing the odd few then i'll do a slightly too high USM and fade it back until it looks about right (apple+shift+f on a mac).
I find the LAB colour technique pretty good too.

[mr jones]

tend to vary it to see what works on a particular image

[Johndm]

Interesting reading here for those not yet familiar with Unsharp Mask..

http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/11242-1.html

[Pink Fairy]

Originally Posted by Johndm

Well I'm suprised there's not been more comments here...

Are we all NOT using Unsharp Mask in PS..?

Its just about one of the most important things to use when processing, be it a RAW or jpeg file..

I have used various sharpening programmes over the years, Nik sharpener Pro (PS filter plug-in type) and lately Pixelgenius Photokit Sharperner (more of an PS action based system, situated in automate).

Generally over time I revert back to goold old usm but Photokit sharperner seems to be producing some distinct advantages with fine feather detail on my shots... and lots of control over the effects.
Must admit, that I rarely need to apply any significant in-computer sharpening since I started using the D2x.


cheers,
Andy