FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

My concern is only with the marsh grass in the foreground of the attached images.

Image #1 is a JPEG from my Fuji X-T2 but this image has been slightly edited using the abbreviated photo editor that comes with Windows10. I used the œEnhancement feature with the slider set to a default value of 50.

Image #2 is a Raw(RAF) file from the X-T2 that has been processed with Lightroom Classic CC that I just subscribed to a few days ago.
Why does the marsh grass in Image #1 look so much more realistic than the same grass in Image #2 ? Note how sharp and clear the blades of grass appear in Image #1.

Image #3 is a JPEG straight-out-of-camera, no editing but a tad under exposed.

The overall sharpness is far better with Image #1 using the Windows10 photo editor but I would have expected the same sharpness from Lr Classic CC but that is clearly not the case. I do have the option of editing in Photoshop but I know nothing (yet) about working with Ps.
Does anyone have any ideas as to why I am seeing such a huge difference in the sharpness quality of the 2 images in question ?

I may have to return to this same marsh area this fall and repeat this session using my D750 and then compare the results from the 2 cameras.

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Crazytooth Loc: Suffolk, UK

I'm no expert but image #2 is at a much lower resolution, your export setting in Lightroom need adjusting.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

What did you the image editor do in Lightroom? You have nearly unlimited options to edit the image in LR. If you stop before you are satisfied, that's not the software, that's the operator.

If you don't know how to operate the software, that too is you, the operator.

All raw images receive a small amount of default processing during the import. A minimum amount of sharpening is applied to RAW files during the import, but typically not enough as you will typically need to "finish" the image. The LR default is less than would be applied from the in-camera processing that generates the JPG.

If you ran the 'auto tone' in LR and then made no further adjustments to the Basic and Detail settings in the Develop module, well, you can tell two things about LR: One, the auto tone rarely produces what will be the finished image. Two, you need more training / experience on how to operate Lightroom to achieve your desired results, whether using the Auto-Tone setting or moving all the sliders yourself from the default 0s. To move the LR sliders to a result closer to the Windows-edited version, it looks like you want to lower the saturation and blacks. You might want to lower the Kelvin temperature to make the image a bit cooler if the Windows edit is the target for your desired result. If you want more sharpening, then operate the software and move the sharpening slider (and Detail and Masking options) to the settings you desire.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Agreed. The OP posted two images in resolution 3008x2000-pixels. But the LR export is sized at 1500x1000-pixels. This modification occurs in the Export dialog. Since the resolution of the LR export is so much less, no one can properly assess how sharp the LR version is relative to the other two example images.

blackest Loc: Ireland

That may well be skill.

The two jpegs have have been processed from raw in camera and numerous adjustments made to optimise the images. The raw file has come out of camera without any adjustment at all and you may have made some adjustments in Lightroom. Potentially you can make a better photo from the raw file but you have to figure out what adjustments will enhance the raw image.

After a few days of use you have barely started to learn. Post processing is a skill that takes time to master.

You may be better served initially by shooting raw and jpeg or if fuji provide raw processing software that can replicate in camera settings using that to process raw files as well as lightroom. It's highly likely the fuji software will do a better job than you can at this stage.

Actually I am going to try this myself I've been shooting just raw for a few years now, and think I am doing ok with lightroom however it will be an interesting test to see if the Pentax processing software makes a better photo than I do.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I fully agree with CHG_CANON. Do you know how to use the Lr Develop Mode (it is like ACR for Ps). RAW files MUST BE processed, they are never meant to be used right from the camera. And as noted the Lr image is at a much smaller size / resolution so comparison is pointless.

Further, you know, I have had Window 10 since December 2015, but I've never used any of the "photo" apps in it. Do be careful though as I've found in the past anyway, some S/O supplied or other "cheapo" PP software automatically down-size your JPEGs. I am only using Ps CS6 with ACR and Bridge (last pre-subscription version).

Your capture looks good so probably any experienced Lr user could make a great image out of it! Have fun, peace.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

I have been using Lightroom 5 (disc version) since 2015. I have processed about 5,000 images with Lr 5.7. A few days ago I simply wanted to upgrade to the Classic CC version of Lr because the old disc version does not support Raw files from the Fuji X-T2 and the X-T2 is a recent purchase.

Only recently, have I been tinkering around with the Enhancement slider in the photo editor that comes with Windows10. That is when I discovered this big difference in the sharpness of the two editors. In Lightroom I generally set the sharpness to 75.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This is a really a post processing section post. I say that because you could capture screen prints of your settings in Develop and post those to show your edits. Others with LR experience can point to the settings to adjust / further adjust to achieve the Windows-edit target and to help you better understand how to operate LR to achieve a specific result.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

OK, I just need to find where the post processing section is.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

Do I need to do something with the RAW (RAF) file first before bringing it into Lr CC ? I simply imported the Raw image from the Fuji X-T2 directly into Lr Classic CC and went from there. I have viewed several of Anthony Morganti's videos on Lightroom so I have some understanding of how the Developemnt module works.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Just click on "Home" at the top of the page, and you will find a list of sections.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Nope. Other than determining where you want the file stored/handled upon import. Options will display at the top of the screen upon import

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

Inside Lightroom I simply create subject specific folders and my imported images go there.