Why Sharpen in Phocus?

Why sharpen in Phocus?

First things first, not all Raw files are alike. All “35 mm” raw digital files apply some degree of sharpening at the time of capture. This is why they appear sharp when opening the file. Hasselblad’s raw 3FR files are totally untouched and unprocessed by the camera’s software. 3FR files are truly raw files.

3FR files will open directly into some Apple or Adobe imaging programs, however I strongly recommend processing 3FR files using Hasselblad’s Phocus imaging software. Phocus with Digital Auto Correction (DAC) increases image resolution and delivers perfect pixels, providing the perfect base for optimal image rendering and further processing.

Once you import your 3FR files creating FFF files you may notice they do not appear as sharp as you would like them to be, again these are truly raw files with no sharpening applied.

Here is a quick example of my sharpening workflow:

          1. Select one image in the Thumbnail Viewer opening the image in the Viewer.

          2. Decide on the sharpness setting that will be appropriate for this and all similar images.

          3. From trial and error I have found these settings are a good starting point

              

H4D 40 - Amount, 250     H4D 50 - Amount, 350-450     H4D 60 - Amount, 550

     4. As for Radius, Threshold and Dark Limit, for a properly exposed image I normally use the default     settings. If the image is underexposed or shot using a high ISO I view the image at 100% and experiment with different combinations.

     

Before

After

Full Image

    
 5. Once I decide on the best sharpening settings, I select all the files shot under similar conditions and settings. 

     6. Click on Modify in the Toolbar.

     7. Check; Add new default adjustment using:

                1. Uncheck all

                2. Then check Sharpness

                3. Click Modify

All images now have the same sharpness settings.

I have found the sharpening results using Phocus are far superior than sharpening in Photoshop or other imaging programs. Working your raw files in Phocus allows you to go back and make corrections and/or changes to your settings.