Very much appreciate the effort you've put into making this review. Over the last year I've been using Topaz Sharpen AI and On1 No Noise (previous version). I've found them very odd in many ways. First both work very, very well. Both work very badly. They seem highly image dependent. As I've got to know both I'm drawn to thinking On1 does, overall, a better job in sharpening most of my images that I'd put in the "OK" category; despite it not being pitched as a sharpening tool. Where I have some poor images (and I've a lot of those) Topaz rescues them astonishingly well. However as time goes by my requirement to fix old frames reduces so I'm leaning more to No Noise as a standard element of my workflow. Your video is great at explaining how, going forward, I can get more from one plug-in and pay less as at some point Topaz will want cash for another upgrade. I do get issues quite often and your Lego shot shows I'm not alone in this, I think as it sharpens the image it introduces artefacts in the verticals.
Hi, Jeff I'm glad the video helped you a bit. To be honest, I don't think that any of these tools are a replacement for good lighting and low ISO. It's just that we don't always have the luxury of taking photos in ideal circumstances. These tools will never make a photo look like we had good lighting. Their purpose is to create an acceptable alternative.
Very much appreciate the effort you've put into making this review. Over the last year I've been using Topaz Sharpen AI and On1 No Noise (previous version). I've found them very odd in many ways. First both work very, very well. Both work very badly. They seem highly image dependent. As I've got to know both I'm drawn to thinking On1 does, overall, a better job in sharpening most of my images that I'd put in the "OK" category; despite it not being pitched as a sharpening tool. Where I have some poor images (and I've a lot of those) Topaz rescues them astonishingly well. However as time goes by my requirement to fix old frames reduces so I'm leaning more to No Noise as a standard element of my workflow. Your video is great at explaining how, going forward, I can get more from one plug-in and pay less as at some point Topaz will want cash for another upgrade. I do get issues quite often and your Lego shot shows I'm not alone in this, I think as it sharpens the image it introduces artefacts in the verticals.
Hi, Jeff
I'm glad the video helped you a bit. To be honest, I don't think that any of these tools are a replacement for good lighting and low ISO. It's just that we don't always have the luxury of taking photos in ideal circumstances. These tools will never make a photo look like we had good lighting. Their purpose is to create an acceptable alternative.
thank you very much!
You're welcome!