Question about sharpening

[sheila3]

So when I view my shots on computer they seem good...but then I do some sharpening and they seem in better focus. First of all I hv trouble knowing when I have sharpened enough. And second should I be sharpening all the time? Shouldn't I be able to take a picture that doesn't need sharpening? Perhaps I am too focused on focus (pun intended). Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanx!

[OsmosisStudios]

Images from a dSLR come out with very little sharpening so that you can add the amount you find necessary. That's the point. If you're shooting JPG you can adjust it in your picture controls, but if you're shooting RAW it'll have to be done every single time. It's not that hard to do properly.

[teaking]

I would have to agree wth OS I think all digital images could be improved by some degree of sharpening.

[dcclark]

Digital cameras fundamentally suffer from a bit of softness -- it's just part of the package, so to speak. There's absolutely nothing wrong with applying sharpening to your photos. In fact, I agree as well -- I sharpen ALL of my photos, to a greater or lesser degree.

[JAD40]

I only sharpen if I think it will benefit the photo for whatever I want to use it for. An example would be if I just wanted to post it on flickr then I don't sharpen it myself. That's because flickr does it on it's own, and I don't want it to look to overly done.

[sheila3]

Thanx everyone for the feedback. New to all this and have lots to learn

[rickp1]

What is the most popular sharpening method? I've read about high pass and unsharp mask, what's the difference?

R.

[teaking]

USM and High Pass are different methods to do the same thing and that is enhance the contrast of edges to make things look sharper.

High pass generally sharpens edges where as USM although still sharpens edges can sharpen other details to. They both use filters to find edges and depending on the amounts effect the contrast of the edge with USM you dont really get to see the filter and its applied to the image, where as with highpass you create the filter and use it in a blending mode to sharpen you have arguably more control of the filter.

Both used correctly give similar results, you can also use an edge mask with USM so the sharpening is only applied to the edges. I think its more down to what you feel comfortable with. I personally use USM to bring general sharpness back to my images and High Pass for content or selective sharpening but thats because its suits me

I strongly advise going on google theres a wealth of information and videos to help you make your mind up.