Comments on: Topaz Detail

By: Aswirly

Aswirly — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:44:43 +0000

Those bears sure look cute and comfy. Interesting to see the comparisons with Topaz. I haven’t tried this plugin yet. I like Lucis and all the NIK filters, but I’ll have to give this one a go

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:51:52 +0000

Andy – I am still experimenting with what sharpening might be required in addition to using this plugin, if at all. As you can see from my examples, applying extra output sharpening on top of the plugin results perhaps went over the edge a bit.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:23:51 +0000

Hey Carl – yeah – I know what you mean – I need more software or ways of processing images like I need a hole in the head. I am trying to simplify things you know?

Your question was the exact same I had – which is why I did the comparison with sharpening. Normally that is all I need to bring forth the detail. Quite frankly when I looked at these comparisons I was a bit surprised that it did this well with this particular shot. I don’t know if it will work the same 100% of the time. I expect that there will be some images where more detail is a distraction versus helping. What I am now wondering is if it will help images where my DOF is slightly off – if there is hidden detail that can be brought out.

By: Carl D

Carl D — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:41:19 +0000

Hey Mark,

Just what I need, more software. Sheesh!

What would you try with PS to get this kind of effect without the plugin?

Cheers

Carl

By: Andy

Andy — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:46:58 +0000

Thanks for this Mark. I have been using Bruce Fraser’s USM technique for a long time, putting his PS Action into my workflow. A downside is that you have to read, understand and then write the action yourself (though he gives you a step by step). But this looks like a reasonable cost, much easier, and more user-friendly method. I will have to download it and give it a whirl.

By: Anita Bower

Anita Bower — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:08:16 +0000

I appreciate your comparisons. I sometimes use Topaz Detail, and agree with your conclusions. I also like the photo of the three bears.

By: Roberta

Roberta — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:12:48 +0000

Love the photo! I have Detail but don’t use it much because the dislike points you mentioned, but also because I don’t usually aim for detailed images. I’m usually looking to remove detail! However, the plugin does have it’s merits and uses.

By: Anita Jesse

Anita Jesse — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:38:51 +0000

It appears that the bear on the right may have had dinner, as well as drinks, at the old “Sand Bar”. Now, you can add “Contentment” to your earlier studies, “Isolation” and “Happiness”.

I particularly appreciate your discussing, in some detail, your guidelines for output sharpening. I struggle with that. Due to some early ugly prints, I tend to back off at the earliest signs of “crunchiness”. You have motivated me to rethink my current guidelines.

By: Paul Grecian

Paul Grecian — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:14:38 +0000

Thanks Mark, adds a lot to my other reading on these plug-ins. Looks like the bear on the right already had his feast. Happy Thanksgiving.

By: Ron Niebrugge

Ron Niebrugge — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:58:14 +0000

Nice write up Mark, I might have to give that plug-in a try.

Love the bear on the right!

Ron