Ho1972
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I will add Sharpen AI to my unsure list. I downloaded the trial today and will compare it against the other software in my arsenal -- but not off to a good start. On my first attempt using the Stabilize module, the results on the subject were not bad but the background had very noticeable artifacts which did NOT show up in the preview prior to applying the filter.
Inconsistent output seems to be a recurring issue with Topaz. Some filtered images have nothing visibly objectionable, others do. If you're willing to pixel peep, mask and jump through other hoops you may end up with an acceptable result with the affected shots. If you're in a production environment where you're processing a lot of images and don't have time to inspect each one with a jeweler's loupe, then proceed with caution.
EDIT: After comparing AI to C1, there is little to no value in the Topaz software for images that are already in focus. I turned C1's default sharpening to 0 and then sharpened a few images and their copies in the respective software. C1 handily trounced AI, which has little effect on in-focus elements (the effects are very mild). So even as a capture sharpener it would be lacking in my opinion. For creative enhancement of already good photos, it is useless.
But that apparently is not what it's designed to do. When I tried AI on slightly OOF images, both natural and manufactured (Photoshop Lens Blur) the results were quite a bit different, and in a positive way. However I do not think the end product is good enough for critical use. If you're posting to the web, you're probably OK. If you're making prints, probably not. Those images where it might produce an adequate result are, for me, too few and far between to justify the investment.
I thought about posting examples, but how I work and what pleases my eye is most assuredly a personal preference, so I encourage anyone who's interested to download the trial and give it a go. There are likely more pluses and possibly other minuses I've missed in my short test, so your opinion may be entirely different.
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