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  #1  
Old 25-11-2010, 07:42 PM
Dennis
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New “InFocus” deconvolution plug in – Topaz Labs: sale ends 3 Dec 2010

Hello,

I’ve just come across a new Topaz Labs plug in called “InFocus” which allegedly, has a deconvolution routine. It is a Photoshop Plug-In so I believe that it cannot run stand alone.

Before I purchased the plug-in, I ran a test on a 1280x960 full resolution crop from a recent Canon 7D photo of a dragonfly. The original is a RAW image, straight out of camera, cropped to 1280x960 with no processing applied.

Then I applied a CS5 Smart Sharpen of 250% 0.5px for the 1st image and
Applied the Topaz Plug-In “InFocus” for the 2nd image. There is a noticeable difference.

At the moment, until 3rd Dec 2010, InFocus is just US$ 29.95 a discount of US$ 40.00 from the full price of US$ 69.95. All you have to do is enter the code “SuperSharp” when purchasing the digital download.

Cheers

Dennis
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  #2  
Old 25-11-2010, 09:06 PM
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Dennis. is the plugin version specific, i.e. CS4 or CS5 or will it work on either?
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Old 25-11-2010, 09:42 PM
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either
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:03 PM
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So is this a good option if my normal Astro software doesn't use decon?

Have you tried it on Astro photos Dennis?
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:05 PM
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Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)
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Yes - works well... as does the rest of the bundle.
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:26 PM
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The bundle is also on special, is it worth the money Chris?
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:31 PM
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oh yes it is phil
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:35 PM
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Absolutely Phil. There are some very powerful tools included. I use them a lot in our advertising business.
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:37 PM
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I don't see much difference between those 2 images, are my eyes that bad Maybe around the hairs a bit

Why not try these free maxim scripts for deconvolving astro images?
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Last edited by Tandum; 25-11-2010 at 10:54 PM.
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  #10  
Old 26-11-2010, 04:33 AM
Dennis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by acropolite View Post
Dennis. is the plugin version specific, i.e. CS4 or CS5 or will it work on either?
Hi Phil

From the Topaz Labs website:

"Windows
•Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
•1 GB RAM minimum
•Adobe Photoshop 7-CS5 (32-bit and 64-bit), Adobe Photoshop Elements 1-9, or another editor that supports Photoshop plug-ins. These include: Irfanview, PaintShop Pro, etc.
"

So it looks like PS Version 7 to CS5.

It’s also worth noting that it looks like there is a 50% saving on the Topaz Bundle for PS at the moment too.

Cheers

Dennis
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Old 26-11-2010, 04:34 AM
Dennis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davewaldo View Post
So is this a good option if my normal Astro software doesn't use decon?

Have you tried it on Astro photos Dennis?
Not yet Dave.

Cheers

Dennis
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  #12  
Old 26-11-2010, 04:40 AM
Dennis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tandum View Post
I don't see much difference between those 2 images, are my eyes that bad Maybe around the hairs a bit

Why not try these free maxim scripts for deconvolving astro images?
On my display, both for the original psd edits and jpg saves, there is a definite improvement in sharpness and clarity when I "blink" the insect eyes. The hexagonal cells seem to pop and be more defined on the InFocus jpg.

BUT – I suspect that using the native CS5 sharpening tools alone, a skilled CS user could probably achieve a comparable result.

I just like the interface and quickness of the plug in.

Cheers

Dennis
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Old 26-11-2010, 06:11 AM
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Hi Dennis, yeah I saw that in an email Topaz sent around. I use CCDSstack for deconv on raw files but it has its advantages in PS. It makes a big difference in your shot in the eye cells in the foreground but I think this kind of plugin will be tricky to use and require masking as you'll get obvious artefacts in the out of focus background parts of your shots and you can start seeing the patterns it creates on the edges. Another tool to have in your box though and the price is right at the moment.
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  #14  
Old 26-11-2010, 07:38 AM
Dennis
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Spot on Mark.

Layers and Masking is the way to use this Plug-In, to isolate its effects on those areas you want to “lift” whilst minimising the effects on other regions of the photo.

I have found it to be effective when also used in conjunction with DeNoise5, another Plug-In from the suite.

Cheers

Dennis
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  #15  
Old 26-11-2010, 08:41 AM
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iceman (Mike)
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The second one is definitely sharper, but the background is now showing more jpeg artifacts.

I'm sure it would be great on the full versions though. Not sure why I didn't receive the TOPAZ email as I've purchased the whole bundle before.

I'll definitely download this!

Cheers Dennis!
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Old 26-11-2010, 08:54 AM
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I've posted on Topaz' facebook wall to see if I need to purchase InFocus or whether I get it for free since I paid for the Photoshop Bundle in the past.

Will let you know.
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  #17  
Old 26-11-2010, 09:51 AM
Dennis
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Originally Posted by iceman View Post
... Not sure why I didn't receive the TOPAZ email as I've purchased the whole bundle before...

Cheers Dennis!
Hi Mike

Much like you, I didn’t receive an e-mail. Maybe we are part of that small community that get our shots “spot on” in camera, so Topaz figured we had no need for a post capture processing plug-in!

Cheers

Dennis
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Old 26-11-2010, 09:55 AM
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Quite possibly

I usually receive their email alerts, so they must've targeted some different users this time.
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  #19  
Old 26-11-2010, 10:10 AM
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Quite possibly

I usually receive their email alerts, so they must've targeted some different users this time.
I only bought Topaz Details(v1 & 2) a while ago and I get an email from them once a week. I guess they target people with not enough plugins. You guys bought probably a bigger bundle.
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  #20  
Old 26-11-2010, 10:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by multiweb View Post
I only bought Topaz Details(v1 & 2) a while ago and I get an email from them once a week. I guess they target people with not enough plugins. You guys bought probably a bigger bundle.
I have the bundle and also got the email about Infocus. They must have seen some of my more dubious holiday pics on SmugMug
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