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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
... 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!
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.
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