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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Sharpen vs. Unsharp Mask
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Canon PowerShot S50
 05/19/2003 03:31:12 PM · #1
What is the difference between sharpening a photo and applying the Unsharp Mask? My software has both (I don't use photoshop), but what are the advantages/disadvantages of one over the other? I have used both in submissions. In fact, my current submission to Complementary Colors uses the Sharpen More option and is getting my highest score ever (which isn't saying much, but it's great for me).

Anyone?
Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT
 05/19/2003 03:37:54 PM · #2
In photoshop, the unsharp mask is a better tool because you can vary the degree of sharpness multiple ways with three different tools, this is helpfull because not every photo needs the same amount of sharpening. The sharpen more option has a preset amount of sharpening that it uses every time.
Canon EOS-20D
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro
 05/19/2003 04:41:38 PM · #3
I guess I've known that you could "tweak" the sharpness with the Unsharp Mask (and that's a majoe difference between the two), but how the heck do you use the three options to your advantage? Unsharp mask seems to be the most widely used form of sharpening but I am clueless on how to use it effectively. Any suggestions?
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)
 05/19/2003 04:50:32 PM · #4
Originally posted by K-Rob:
I guess I've known that you could "tweak" the sharpness with the Unsharp Mask (and that's a majoe difference between the two), but how the heck do you use the three options to your advantage? Unsharp mask seems to be the most widely used form of sharpening but I am clueless on how to use it effectively. Any suggestions?

Start with this tutorial.

Message edited by author 2003-05-19 16:51:10.
Nikon D100
 05/19/2003 04:57:20 PM · #5
Here's my unhelpful point of view:

The amount slider determines how much sharpening is going to be used. It does this by increasing contrast of pixels.
The radius slider is used to tell it how many pixels around each effected pixel will also be effected.
The threshold slider is used for tolerance; how different do the pixels in color have to be in order to be sharpened.
Nikon D3000
 05/19/2003 08:25:37 PM · #6
With PSP sharpening mask sharpens the colors and makes the colors stand out more. The unsharpening mask cleans up the edges and makes the lines much more crisp and clean.
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