Sharpening Raw Files: In-Camera Vs Post-Processing

When taking a photo with a modern digital camera, the image is captured by the sensor, which measures the amount of light hitting it. This raw data is then converted into a usable image file through a process that introduces some softness. In-camera sharpening can be applied to JPEG images, but not to RAW images. This is where in-camera sharpening comes in – it can help compensate for the softening effect and improve the overall quality of the image. However, it's important to find a balance as too much sharpening can lead to unnatural-looking results and artefacts. The amount of sharpening applied will depend on various factors such as the camera model, ISO, and personal preference.

Sharpening and noise reduction

There are two types of noise: monochromatic (luminance) and colour (colour) noise. Luminance noise sometimes doesn't affect a photo, while colour noise ruins the overall effect of the photo as it contains colours that don't belong in the image. For this reason, the default value for RAW images is set to 50% for colour noise.

The sharpening controls on the Detail tab adjust edge definition in the image. The Adjustment Brush tool and Graduated Filter tool use the Radius, Detail, and Masking values when local sharpening is applied. The Radius controls the size of the details that sharpening is applied to. Photos with fine details generally need a lower setting, while photos with larger details can use a larger radius. Using too large a radius generally results in unnatural-looking results.

When you shoot using your camera's JPEG option, the processing is done by the camera's on-board processor, and part of that processing includes some sharpening. When you shoot RAW, the sensor information is dumped to a file on your memory card, and the reassembly process is done in software rather than the camera's processor. Because it doesn't have to be done in real-time, it means that you have more options for processing and that different or more complex algorithms can be used for the various parts of the process. Part of that process still includes sharpening, but often the options are greater than in-camera because you have more time and greater processing power.

The thing is, how you sharpen your raw file can actually have a significant impact on the look of the image, and not necessarily just the perceived sharpness. The algorithm used can impact the structure of the file, and too aggressive or too much sharpening can lead to an overly processed or "digital" look.

RAW files and JPEGs

When it comes to in-camera sharpening, the effect on RAW files and JPEGs differs. In-camera sharpening refers to the automatic sharpening that some cameras apply to images when they are captured. If you shoot in JPEG format, your camera will apply sharpening to the image right after it is taken. This sharpening cannot be undone and becomes a permanent part of the JPEG file. However, if you shoot in RAW format, you are telling your camera to ignore the in-camera sharpening. The RAW file will capture all the image data without any sharpening applied.

The reason for this difference lies in the nature of the two file formats. JPEGs are typically the default format used by cameras, and they are designed to be ready for immediate use with minimal post-processing required. That's why cameras apply sharpening to JPEGs by default. On the other hand, RAW files are meant for more advanced users who want to have full control over the image editing process. By shooting in RAW, photographers can apply their own sharpening and other adjustments using dedicated software, allowing for more flexibility and customization.

It's important to note that while in-camera sharpening does not affect RAW files, these files still require sharpening at some point during the editing process. This is because digital camera sensors and lenses always introduce some blurring to images, which needs to be corrected. The sharpening applied to RAW files is often called "capture sharpening" and is typically done during the RAW development process using software like Adobe Camera RAW, Lightroom, or other similar programs. This capture sharpening is an essential step to ensure that the image will respond well to further editing and sharpening adjustments.

In summary, in-camera sharpening does not affect RAW files directly. However, it is automatically applied to JPEGs, and it cannot be undone. Photographers who shoot in RAW format have more control over the sharpening process and can apply it manually during the editing phase. This allows for a more personalized and tailored approach to sharpening, taking into account the specific characteristics of each image.

In-camera sharpening

It's important to note that the amount of in-camera sharpening applied can vary depending on the camera model and any custom settings you have applied. Additionally, different camera brands and models may have different sharpening settings and options available. Some cameras may offer basic sharpening adjustments, while others may provide more advanced features like edge enhancement or noise reduction.

When applying in-camera sharpening, it's crucial to strike a balance to avoid over-sharpening. Over-sharpening can lead to unnatural-looking results, with artefacts such as noise, halos, and jagged edges. It's recommended to review the image at 100% zoom or higher and compare the before and after versions to ensure the sharpening enhances the image without introducing unwanted artefacts.

While in-camera sharpening can be a useful tool, it's important to remember that it is just one step in the overall sharpening process. The final sharpness and quality of an image depend on a combination of capture, creative, and output sharpening techniques, along with other image editing adjustments.

RAW conversion

There are various online tools and software that can be used to convert RAW files, such as CloudConvert, Raw.pics.io, and Zamzar. These tools often allow for additional adjustments during the conversion process, such as image resolution, quality, and file size.

It is worth noting that RAW files tend to be very large due to the uncompressed data, making them unwieldy for sharing. This is why photographers often share both RAW and JPEG versions of images, as JPEG is better suited for social media, while RAW is ideal for physical printing due to its higher image quality.

During the conversion process, it is common to apply sharpening to the images. This is because the processes involved in converting raw data into a usable image tend to result in softer-looking images. In-camera JPEG conversions typically apply sharpening, so unsharpened RAW files may appear softer in comparison.

The amount of sharpening applied depends on various factors, including the image's fine details, output medium, and personal aesthetic taste. Different software applications offer varying levels of control over the sharpening process, with some providing simple plus or minus settings, while others offer more advanced options like edge definition adjustments and noise reduction.

It is important to note that over-sharpening can lead to an overly processed or "digital" look, so a balance is crucial. Additionally, different camera models and sensors may also affect the recommended sharpening settings for RAW conversions.

Software for sharpening RAW files

RAW files will likely need sharpening because of the filters on the camera sensor. The process of converting the raw data to a usable image also tends to result in soft-looking images.

Adobe Lightroom

Lightroom is a good option for beginners as it offers effective image management and editing of raw files. It has helpful presets and brushes to improve productivity. It also has decent tools to fix blurring. Go to the Develop module in Lightroom, choose "Detail" and click "Sharpening" or "Noise Reduction".

Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is a complex software that can be used to sharpen images. It is a good option for intermediate or advanced users. It works smoothly on Windows and Mac.

PhotoScape

PhotoScape is a free alternative to Photoshop that can be used by professionals and beginners alike. You can set the sharpening radius to any value between 0.1 and 0.8 and the amount of sharpening between 10% and 500%. However, it is only compatible with Windows.

Blurity

Blurity is a simple application that allows you to sharpen images in seconds. It removes motion and focus blur and uses deconvolution technology to make text legible and recover images with a high amount of blur. It is designed for beginners and is only compatible with Windows.

VanceAI Image Sharpener

VanceAI is a drag-and-drop editor that is easy to use, making it a good option for beginners. It uses AI to sharpen images, fix blurry areas, and enhance details. It is a free online tool that does not require any photo editing apps to be installed on your computer.

AI Image Sharpener

AI Image Sharpener is a tool developed with AI technology that can be used to improve photo edges, increase sharpness, and raise brightness. It can eliminate motion blur and out-of-focus defects. It works smoothly with popular graphic formats and has an easy-to-use interface. However, it has limited functionality in the free version.

Movavi Photo Editor

Movavi Photo Editor is a complex image editing software with AI functionalities. It has a smart detail enhancer that can improve specific zones of a photo. It also has other features such as colour and contrast correction, object removal, old photo restoration, and make-up application. It is designed for amateur photographers.

Focus Magic

Focus Magic is a sharpen photo app that uses expert forensic strength deconvolution technology to correct motion blur, camera shake, and out-of-focus issues. It can also switch the depth of field and move the focus on the object. It is used by large organisations, law enforcement bodies, NASA, the military, and intelligence agencies.

Topaz Labs Sharpen AI

Sharpen AI is a software developed by Topaz Labs that can be used as a standalone product or as a plugin for Lightroom, Photoshop, and Topaz Studio. It uses AI algorithms to correct noise, improve details, and provide realistic results. It has separate modules to address different types of problems: Stabilize, Focus, and Sharpen.

GIMP

GIMP is an open-source sharpening software that has a complete set of tools for basic image editing and colour correction. It has a classical Sharpen filter (Unsharp Mask) and a High Pass filter. It also has similar sharpening procedures to Photoshop, including the application of masks and layers. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

InPixio Photo Focus

InPixio Photo Focus is an image sharpening software that offers tools to sharpen high-resolution images. It supports batch processing, allowing you to apply focus adjustments to multiple images simultaneously. It is only compatible with Windows.

Frequently asked questions