Focus vs. Magnification

[Gerry]

I have a high-res image that I like but it is not in focus at 100% but is sharp at 50% or less in my photoshop workspace. What can I do with this image? Can it be displayed on my website? Can anyone view it at higher magnification and see the OOF? I have heard of people down-sizing images to bring into focus. Is this the thing to do and if so, what is the formula? Can this image be printed? If so, does it have to be down-sized to prevent OOF in the print or should the ppi/dpi be increased to prevent OOF in the print? This image has been edited and saved from RAW to .psd file and is about 5200 X 3190 pixels. Thx. for any comments and suggestions.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Gerry,

Downsizing will help, but if you want to print big (e.g. more than 6 x 4 inches), then you'll need to do something with it.

Try Focus Magic and download the free "10 use" demo version.

I am still on #9 but will buy when I have used up all my freebies.
It copes with movement during exposure or just plain simple mis-focused.

Cheers,

[Gerry]

Thanks for that, Dave. If I down-size it to 50% then it should be sharp when magnified to 100%, correct? Then I could print that to whatever print-size it worked out to be, correct?

[Colin Southern]

Hi Gerry,

In essence, "focusing" is about defining edges and leaving surfaces untouched. When you down-sample an image the correct algorithm (bicubic sharper) gives more emphasis to edges and thus increases the perceived sharpness - but - you're also throwing away information that you might need if you're going to be printing a large shot. So my suggestion would be to sharpen the image correctly first (which will probably make a big difference) and then look at what further steps are needed for web display and printing (two different treatments).

If it helps, I can take a look at the RAW file for you?

[Gerry]

Thx., Colin. How would I post a RAW file? Or should I post the .psd?

[Colin Southern]

Hi Gerry,

Best way is to pop along to www.sendthisfile.com and create a free account for yourself - then send the file to yourself (they will send you a download link after you upload the file) - which you can then paste in a private message to me. RAW file is a zillion times better for me than a PSD.

[Gerry]

Thx., Colin. Will do now.