Philadd Loc: Phoenix, AZ

For processing right now, I'm working with Lightroom 5.

From what I've read, due to the filters located on the sensor, all RAW files could stand some level of sharpening in post processing. Please correct me if I'm wrong here.

While I understand that the exact amount of sharpening that is appropriate will depend on the image itself...Is there some rule of thumb that can be used as a starting point, particularly when batching a large number of similar raw files? I suppose a follow-up would be, DOES the camera used to capture the image affect that recommendation in any significant way?

Let me know if there is any additional information I can give to help answer.

Thanks!

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Note that the raw 'sharpening' is not sharpening at all but a contrast adjustment. Either the picture is in focus or not. It has nothing to do with (un)sharpening filter but adjusting the raw contrast profile.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I expect that different brands of cameras might require a slightly different approach to raw sharpening. I shoot Nikon and I have set up presets for each of my lenses that include lens profile correction and a small amount of sharpening and noise reduction. After I have made any other adjustments I need to, I apply the appropriate preset then fine tune my sharpening as needed.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I think you defined sharpening on the whole - it is a microcontrast adjustment that you apply at different radii based on image content. Proper sharpening "finds" edges (transition areas) and enhances contrast at these edges.

It's best to consider three types of sharpening - capture, creative and output - since each requires a different approach and will give different results.

Photokit Sharpener 2 is one of the best sharpening software applications - it does a great job and does it non-destructively.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

These are my initial setting that apply to all my imports then adjust from there

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Philadd, you might want to read the camera manual on this question. I have a Canon 60D which has different profiles for raw's. You can select profiles that have different degrees of sharpness or make a custom profile. This way you may reduce sharpening later in LR. I use zero sharpening and am satisfied with what I get. Alternatively, experiment with the clarity slider in LR. It too increases "sharpness" or the illusion of sharpness. I sharpen only when I have sharp objects in the picture. Otherwise, it is a waste of time in LR.

Let us go back to your original statement. "From what I've read, due to the filters located on the sensor, all RAW files could stand some level of sharpening in post processing." Two problems here. First, do not believe all you read. Pick your sources very carefully. Second, those filters may be the ones that create the individual RGB channels. Do not forget that all digital cameras start with a raw file. If you want the camera to save as a jpg, then that little computer in the camera converts the raw to a jpg just as you would in LR or ACR. In doing so, it sharpens the image among other things according to what the camera manufacturer wants so that you do not have to. The difference with a raw and LR is that you sharpen the image to your taste.

Finally, sharpness has four meanings here: optical or lens sharpness, motion, focus and the contrast in the fine details. Post-processing can improve these to a limited extent and can make things worse when overused. Improve your equipment and shooting technique and you will need less sharpening later.

I hope this helps.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Nothing wrong with Philadd's comment - ALL raw images require at the very least capture sharpening.

This explains it in easy terms:

http://dpbestflow.org/image-editing/sharpening

Minimal capture sharpening is necessary to correct interpolation as the light goes through the bayer filter, but how much additional sharpening, and how that is approached.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Filter (un)sharpening rearranges the pixels in contrasty regions (destructive) when using contrast itself modifies the value of the pixels w/o reordering them.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Unsharp mask does not "rearrange pixels" (or whatever you mean by that) - it uses a slightly blurred version of the image identify edges by subtractive blending. It is still a edge detection and contrast enhancement, as is all sharpening.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Do a pixel comparison....

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

There is no mystery here, but you might want to explain what you mean by rearrange pixels.