I really like this plug-in. It works better than anything I've tried.

http://www.focusmagic.com/

Try the free download.

(I have no relationship or get anything from this)


-just thought I'd share.

 

Not too bad...however, I am never a fan of artificially sharpening photos, especially to that extent. IMHO, they have a slightly un-natural look to them.

Personally, I never try and fix blurry pics.

 

Just downloaded it.. will give it a shot on those images that I normally would trash.. thx

 

post up the before's and after's Norm....would make a good comparison.

 

Here are some blown images from a Christmas Party. I would have not used these images, but with the Focus Magic and PS, I am able to save these images for the family. I played with each photo about 15 minutes in PS. (remember this tool does not make botched pictures into Photo Contest entries)

Canon Rebel XTi
Canon 17-55 EF-S IS (IS was on)


ORIGINAL PHOTO (sized to 533x800 and border added NO PS)
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
Exposure Time: 1/5 sec
FNumber: f 2.8
Flash: No Flash
Focal length: 45 mm
ISO: 400



ORIGINAL PHOTO (sized to 533x800 and border added NO PS)
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
Exposure Time: 4/10 sec
FNumber: f 2.8
Flash: No Flash
Focal length: 55 mm
ISO: 800

 

Results may look artificial but if it saves an image you can't re-shoot then it is worth it. All the examples are impressive.

 

I am on the run so I can't post the images right now. I used the stand alone program instead of the plugin and wasn't too happy. In all fairness, I think the plugin might have more control over the stand alone (Plus... and this is a huge plus, the pluging will handle other file types where as the stand alone for some reason will only handle jpg. Opening and saving jpg's makes them soft because of the compression, plus they need to be knocked down to 8 bit images. )

Looking forward to playing with the plugin when I get back into town tonight.

FYI... There are a lot of programs that help with sharpening in addition and sometimes instead of the unsharp mask in Photoshop. I have used a few in my days but have always come back to the workflow I have established with Photoshop. Another thing to keep in mind is every type of output from web, to digital C process, to inkjet, all have different sharpening requirements and tolerances. One method is not going to work for everything...

Thanks for posting this up...

 

The above examples are not bad....did you tweak the colors, or does the plugin do it by itself?

I agree, that if its a photo you cant reshoot (vacation shot or something), I would use it, but if you can reshoot, I wouldnt try and save it. out of 10, Id give it a 7

 

Started with jpeg's

sized to 800x533
used auto setting
used shadows and highlights (varies from photo to photo)
used a filer setting (cooling for white walls or sepia)
used focus magic out of focus setting @ 1 and blur settings @ varried
added border and initials

 

Can you post an orginal, and then after the plugin is applied, with no other manipulations? I just want to see what that plugin can do on its own. Thanks