I just sharpen in PhotoShop using unsharp mask and a simple rule I
derived from Bruce Frazer's book on sharpening. First resize to a ppi
setting that the printer won't alter. I use 300 ppi for my own printer
but 250 ppi sending to Mpix. I used to send them 300 ppi as well until
I discovered that the printer (whatever it is) will automagically resize
to 250 ppi to suit itself and mangle my sharpening. After it's resized
to the appropriate resolution for the output device I use unsharp mask
with the image on screen at 25-30%. While not critical to be precise,
the rationale is to compensate for the resolution you're getting on
screen vs on the print. If you're going to print at 300 dpi and the
viewing screen is only 90 ppi then you want to view at 90/300 = 0.3 or
30% of full pixel view. Once the image is at the right viewing size
then use unsharp mask to sharpen until the image looks just a bit too
crispy. That because the print process will soften the edges as you've
noted.
If all the images are starting from the same size you should be able to
generate a batch script for PhotoShop to automate the process. Could be
you'd want some images to be a little more or less sharp so re-do the
few outliers as required.
Chuck Norcutt
usher99@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Generally like to print on a Fuji frontier---Ran out of time for a
> small project for a whole bunch of 4X6's. Used the labs "print Wizzard
> from the lab for rapid crop of 4X3 Jpegs, down res, and presumptive
> appropriate sharpening.
> Results--ugh for most, waaay tooo soft appearing. I'm not looking for
> perfection in a batch process of this for small prints or a
> hypersharpened look , but that It was a leap of faith that did not
> payoff. I have Raw backups from the G9 for most of them. Some required
> more attention so as long as I had to fuss, I used the RAW file and did
> most adjustments in PS CS3. There is another way to send the files
> directly and bypass the print wizzard. Those were better. (usual modus
> operendi) The in camera sharpening set a bit down for usual display
> size and allowing for later adjustment if the RAW not used--not too
> often, if I have time.
>
> The Portra 160 NC from OM were nice right off the bat, in general. So
> is there a way to batch down res and appropriate approximate sharpening
> for a Fuji frontier? The cropping even can take some time in PS, but I
> may not be doing that the best way. I have heard of a NIK software
> sharpenener that has batch sharpening for various printers and even
> different setting for papers. Never have used Qimage but it has been
> mentioned on the list as the best in up-res. This can't be that
> hard--what does Joe Shmo do? The manager can do some batch adjustments
> at her end too but I'd rather send her the fiinal package if possible.
> She apparently can't accomplish that the "print wizzard", but only from
> original JPG's and likely doesn't want Huge files clogging their inbox,
> though I can send her a CD or whatever.
>
> Sheepishly posted,
> A not feeling so sharp today, Mike
--
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