In today's tutorial, I take a look at the new and improved Sharpen AI by Topaz Labs. That would be Sharpen AI version 4.1.0. In the video, I demo it as a Photoshop plugin. Get more information about Sharpen AI here: bit.ly/3cDqa5J *Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15 Note that the discount code may not work on sale product For a list of everything that is new, improved, and fixed, go here: community.topazlabs.com/t/sharpen-ai-v4-1/30782 I read about the smart masking feature here: www.topazlabs.com/learn/sharpen-ai-v4-1-improved-auto-select-mask-models-streamlined-batch-model-downloads-and-other-performance-enhancements ** I am an affiliate for all of the other companies mentioned here EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ My Current Gear I’m always trading in cameras and lenses trying out new products. As of the recording of this video, here is the gear I currently own and use. All gear is purchased by me at normal retail pricing - I’m not sponsored by anyone nor am I an ambassador for any camera/lens manufacturer. The links below are my Amazon affiliate links. **As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Cameras: Nikon Z9: bit.ly/32Pa9Kg (Adorama Affiliate Link) Nikon Z7ii: amzn.to/351PPmL Nikon Z6ii: amzn.to/3399eS7 Nikon Z6: amzn.to/2TIBGnR Nikon Zfc with Nikon 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 Lens: amzn.to/3ykA07w Nikon D500: amzn.to/2WyO8Lt Sony A7Riv: amzn.to/3amo9JJ Lenses: Nikon Z-Mount: Nikon Z 24-70mm F4.0 Lens: amzn.to/2Z0hW55 Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S: amzn.to/2JWo5IX Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 Lens: amzn.to/3j4xVrA NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: amzn.to/3Cw4CVU TTArtisan 11mm F2.8: amzn.to/354Vnji Sony E-Mount: Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens: amzn.to/3iKdbBQ Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens: amzn.to/36fD8F1 Nikon F-Mount: Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 Lens: amzn.to/2WpggM2 Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 Lens: amzn.to/2VQMKi9 Nikon 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 Lens: amzn.to/2QuWmyb Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 Lens: amzn.to/2ZXR55C Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VRii Lens: amzn.to/2WG1p5f Nikon 1.4x Teleconverter: amzn.to/2WlkZ1z Nikon 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 DX Lens: amzn.to/2MiEKUk Tokina 100mm Macro Lens: amzn.to/2ZRgxfK Sigma 105mm 1.4 Art Lens: amzn.to/32PmFDZ Other Gear: Battery Grip: VG-C4EM for Sony A7Riv: amzn.to/3g3Wvnm Tripods & Ballheads Vanguard Tripod: amzn.to/2WqWB2u Siriu Ballhead: amzn.to/2W1MyS0 MeFOTO Travel Tripod: amzn.to/31GVvys The Carbon Fiber Version: amzn.to/2LjVt9m Joby GorillaPod: amzn.to/2zMNAEc Camera Straps & Backpack Peak Design Camera Strap: amzn.to/2Sqi4Eg Peak Design Slide Camera Strap: amzn.to/2DoLxLl Peak Design Everyday 30L Backpack: amzn.to/2MJPFcb Spider Pro Hand Strap: amzn.to/30k170u Spider Pro Hand Strap ver 2: amzn.to/3aC3p1Z Memory Cards Sony 120GB XQD Card: amzn.to/2HlfR8Y Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 64GB: amzn.to/2PUJHoD Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB: amzn.to/3oP6EZX Sony XQD/SD Card Reader: amzn.to/2NBuSHB Sony 128GB CFExpress Card: amzn.to/353hWC4 Delkin Devices 256GB CFExpress Card: amzn.to/3pULMDR CFExpress Card Reader: amzn.to/2X2xMbQ Anthony Morganti’s MUST HAVE applications: At least one Non-Destructive RAW Editor Lightroom - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW Capture One - www.captureone.com Luminar - bit.ly/2JUJxKw (Save with the Promo Code AM16) On1 Photo RAW - on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20) Exposure X7 - bit.ly/2U8UxrK (Save 10% with Promo Code: AnthonyMorganti) PhotoLab 5: tidd.ly/2HhiN9X At least one FULL Editing App: Photoshop - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW Affinity Photo - affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/ My MUST-HAVE Plugins: Topaz Gigapixel AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J Topaz Sharpen AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J Topaz Denoise AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J *Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15 or instead of Topaz Denoise AI: On1 NoNoise AI - on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20 - May not work on sale product) Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 - tidd.ly/3dc4gYm The Best Sky Images I've Seen Available -- Ocudrone - bit.ly/3vtDpjR *Save 10% with Discount Code: Morganti10 ** Note that all of the promo codes listed above may not work on sale products. *** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement: onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/ Please follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/anthonymorganti/ Thank you!
The low light sharpening choice works really well. I have my updating set to manual so that every time I move around the image a little bit to look it doesn't try to update again until I click the button.. Thanks for all of the info and happy shooting! I move around the image a little bit to look it doesn't try to update again until I click the button.. Thanks for all of the info and happy shooting!
In a previous Topaz video on this channel I had a bit of a rant about Topaz’s customer service. About a week after I made the comment Topaz did get their act together and via a one to one direct link on Zoom to one of their service guys they got all the software up and running correctly.
I rarely use Sharpen AI. In most cases the DeNoise AI does a fantastic job, especially in Low Light mode where sharpening is also done - but can be set to zero, if it harms the result. Sharpening AI - and DeNoise AI in other modes - still! tend to leave white haloes around the edges in high frequency areas. DeNoise AI combined with Smart Sharpening in Photoshop is often the best combination - in my humble opinion (of course).
Thanks Anthony. Maybe it remembers mask, just doesn’t automatically turn it on. To check, I guess you could modify a mask and then do this again. After you turn it back on, does the modified mask pop up….
I thought I would rarely use this program after I upgraded to a very high resolution camera with phenomenal autofocus, but I continue to find valuable times to use it. Most recently I got a shot of the Moon at 600 mm and there was enough atmospheric instability to cause softness in the details. I had to find the right model and tweak it, but the end result was amazing. However, you really want to inspect the image closely because I have found the right combination of image features in combination with the various models and settings can result in unnatural looking artifacts, as the “A.I.” guesses wrong. I guess this program may not be for those who want single button operation and find this too complex, but that complexity in certain situations sets it apart.
Some comments. With Topaz improving dramatically over the years. Personally, no slight on video, rarely change suggested levels e.g. effect on feathers, etc. but it's a user preference.
I don't use any of Adobe's software for photo editing. But I am a big fan of invoking "photoshop-style" plugins from within ON1 Photo RAW 2022. Problem is in ON1 Photo RAW 2022, plugins comes back as baked in image so you can't return to the plugins with the preserved edits. I just noticed you "Convert for Smart Filters" from within Photoshop. Do you know if there is such a thing in ON1 Photo RAW 2022? I updated my Topaz Sharpen AI yesterday but couldn't tell the difference until I saw your video. Thank you for sharing.
Unfortunately, the processing time jumped from less than a minute on an easy picture to 25 minutes on my computer. The quality difference didn't justify spending money on fixing that.
Sounds like it may be time to upgrade to a newer computer. I've discovered that even a 3-year-old computer can choke on these new AI software programs but once I got a newer machine, the AI programs work at a magnificent pace!
Great review Anthony, quick question: I have a photo let say taken at ISO 1000 or 1600 and I let Sharpen AI take care of the noise and sharpenning. If I use masking on the subject, does it mean that the noise on the background would not be removed?
Great video as usual. Finding that mask ai bit of a hit or miss depending on the complexity of the background. For me birds against a plain background eg clear sky very good but against bushes and clouds often fails to identify the subject. Nothing like Lightroom.
Could you maybe help with how you update? I have difficulty EVERY TIME I update. I am sure I am doing something wrong but don't know what it is. Thanks in advance
It updates automatically..it gives the option when you launch the application If on a Mac it will ask you to enter your admin password to complete the install
Just love how you pay for the program and after a year ??? You have to pay for updates. Update cost is very close to the initial cost of the program. It’s all about the all mighty $$$. Thanks for an excellent tutorial, as always…..
So how will they make money?.. they give you an application for an example in 2011 for 49$…and you just keep using it and updating until 2022 with no cost? They wouldn’t be in business for long
In today's tutorial, I take a look at the new and improved Sharpen AI by Topaz Labs. That would be Sharpen AI version 4.1.0. In the video, I demo it as a Photoshop plugin.
Get more information about Sharpen AI here:
bit.ly/3cDqa5J
*Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15
Note that the discount code may not work on sale product
For a list of everything that is new, improved, and fixed, go here:
community.topazlabs.com/t/sharpen-ai-v4-1/30782
I read about the smart masking feature here:
www.topazlabs.com/learn/sharpen-ai-v4-1-improved-auto-select-mask-models-streamlined-batch-model-downloads-and-other-performance-enhancements
** I am an affiliate for all of the other companies mentioned here EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One.
Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:
onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/
My Current Gear
I’m always trading in cameras and lenses trying out new products. As of the recording of this video, here is the gear I currently own and use. All gear is purchased by me at normal retail pricing - I’m not sponsored by anyone nor am I an ambassador for any camera/lens manufacturer. The links below are my Amazon affiliate links.
**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Cameras:
Nikon Z9: bit.ly/32Pa9Kg (Adorama Affiliate Link)
Nikon Z7ii: amzn.to/351PPmL
Nikon Z6ii: amzn.to/3399eS7
Nikon Z6: amzn.to/2TIBGnR
Nikon Zfc with Nikon 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 Lens: amzn.to/3ykA07w
Nikon D500: amzn.to/2WyO8Lt
Sony A7Riv: amzn.to/3amo9JJ
Lenses:
Nikon Z-Mount:
Nikon Z 24-70mm F4.0 Lens: amzn.to/2Z0hW55
Nikon Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S: amzn.to/2JWo5IX
Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 Lens: amzn.to/3j4xVrA
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: amzn.to/3Cw4CVU
TTArtisan 11mm F2.8: amzn.to/354Vnji
Sony E-Mount:
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens: amzn.to/3iKdbBQ
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens: amzn.to/36fD8F1
Nikon F-Mount:
Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 Lens: amzn.to/2WpggM2
Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 Lens: amzn.to/2VQMKi9
Nikon 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 Lens: amzn.to/2QuWmyb
Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 Lens: amzn.to/2ZXR55C
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VRii Lens: amzn.to/2WG1p5f
Nikon 1.4x Teleconverter: amzn.to/2WlkZ1z
Nikon 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 DX Lens: amzn.to/2MiEKUk
Tokina 100mm Macro Lens: amzn.to/2ZRgxfK
Sigma 105mm 1.4 Art Lens: amzn.to/32PmFDZ
Other Gear:
Battery Grip:
VG-C4EM for Sony A7Riv: amzn.to/3g3Wvnm
Tripods & Ballheads
Vanguard Tripod: amzn.to/2WqWB2u
Siriu Ballhead: amzn.to/2W1MyS0
MeFOTO Travel Tripod: amzn.to/31GVvys
The Carbon Fiber Version: amzn.to/2LjVt9m
Joby GorillaPod: amzn.to/2zMNAEc
Camera Straps & Backpack
Peak Design Camera Strap: amzn.to/2Sqi4Eg
Peak Design Slide Camera Strap: amzn.to/2DoLxLl
Peak Design Everyday 30L Backpack: amzn.to/2MJPFcb
Spider Pro Hand Strap: amzn.to/30k170u
Spider Pro Hand Strap ver 2: amzn.to/3aC3p1Z
Memory Cards
Sony 120GB XQD Card: amzn.to/2HlfR8Y
Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 64GB: amzn.to/2PUJHoD
Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB: amzn.to/3oP6EZX
Sony XQD/SD Card Reader: amzn.to/2NBuSHB
Sony 128GB CFExpress Card: amzn.to/353hWC4
Delkin Devices 256GB CFExpress Card: amzn.to/3pULMDR
CFExpress Card Reader: amzn.to/2X2xMbQ
Anthony Morganti’s MUST HAVE applications:
At least one Non-Destructive RAW Editor
Lightroom - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW
Capture One - www.captureone.com
Luminar - bit.ly/2JUJxKw (Save with the Promo Code AM16)
On1 Photo RAW - on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20)
Exposure X7 - bit.ly/2U8UxrK (Save 10% with Promo Code: AnthonyMorganti)
PhotoLab 5: tidd.ly/2HhiN9X
At least one FULL Editing App:
Photoshop - bit.ly/2zwQ0nW
Affinity Photo - affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/
My MUST-HAVE Plugins:
Topaz Gigapixel AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J
Topaz Sharpen AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J
Topaz Denoise AI - bit.ly/3cDqa5J
*Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps - use the Promo Code: AMDISC15
or instead of Topaz Denoise AI:
On1 NoNoise AI - on1.sjv.io/EaGR2K (Save 20% with Promo Code: AM20 - May not work on sale product)
Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 - tidd.ly/3dc4gYm
The Best Sky Images I've Seen Available -- Ocudrone - bit.ly/3vtDpjR
*Save 10% with Discount Code: Morganti10
** Note that all of the promo codes listed above may not work on sale products.
*** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:
onlinephotographytraining.com/code-of-ethics/
Please follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/anthonymorganti/
Thank you!
This one deserves two thumbs up. I'd been using Topaz sharpen AI since last November and learned a few new to me things. THANKS!
The low light sharpening choice works really well. I have my updating set to manual so that every time I move around the image a little bit to look it doesn't try to update again until I click the button.. Thanks for all of the info and happy shooting! I move around the image a little bit to look it doesn't try to update again until I click the button.. Thanks for all of the info and happy shooting!
In a previous Topaz video on this channel I had a bit of a rant about Topaz’s customer service. About a week after I made the comment Topaz did get their act together and via a one to one direct link on Zoom to one of their service guys they got all the software up and running correctly.
Thanks Anthony - very helpful
Thank you for watching the video. So you can apply both sharp models at the same time, right?
The new update seems faster and a a bit more refined on my old Windows PC. I’ll have to do some more to see for sure.
Very helpful overview and tips, thanks.
I rarely use Sharpen AI. In most cases the DeNoise AI does a fantastic job, especially in Low Light mode where sharpening is also done - but can be set to zero, if it harms the result. Sharpening AI - and DeNoise AI in other modes - still! tend to leave white haloes around the edges in high frequency areas. DeNoise AI combined with Smart Sharpening in Photoshop is often the best combination - in my humble opinion (of course).
Thanks Anthony. Maybe it remembers mask, just doesn’t automatically turn it on. To check, I guess you could modify a mask and then do this again. After you turn it back on, does the modified mask pop up….
I thought I would rarely use this program after I upgraded to a very high resolution camera with phenomenal autofocus, but I continue to find valuable times to use it. Most recently I got a shot of the Moon at 600 mm and there was enough atmospheric instability to cause softness in the details. I had to find the right model and tweak it, but the end result was amazing. However, you really want to inspect the image closely because I have found the right combination of image features in combination with the various models and settings can result in unnatural looking artifacts, as the “A.I.” guesses wrong. I guess this program may not be for those who want single button operation and find this too complex, but that complexity in certain situations sets it apart.
not as complicated as unsharp mask and other PS sharpening tools!
Try DXO PhotoLab sharpening with Deep Prime noise reduction. Then use Topsaz Sharpening of you still need to.
Love your teaching style.
Some comments. With Topaz improving dramatically over the years. Personally, no slight on video, rarely change suggested levels e.g. effect on feathers, etc. but it's a user preference.
I don't use any of Adobe's software for photo editing. But I am a big fan of invoking "photoshop-style" plugins from within ON1 Photo RAW 2022. Problem is in ON1 Photo RAW 2022, plugins comes back as baked in image so you can't return to the plugins with the preserved edits. I just noticed you "Convert for Smart Filters" from within Photoshop. Do you know if there is such a thing in ON1 Photo RAW 2022? I updated my Topaz Sharpen AI yesterday but couldn't tell the difference until I saw your video. Thank you for sharing.
It is my go to program prior to any others.
EXCELLENT Explanation!
What's about the result with Lightroom plugin?
Thanks, great overview
I use it as a plug in & so it works fine for me.
Unfortunately, the processing time jumped from less than a minute on an easy picture to 25 minutes on my computer. The quality difference didn't justify spending money on fixing that.
Sounds like it may be time to upgrade to a newer computer. I've discovered that even a 3-year-old computer can choke on these new AI software programs but once I got a newer machine, the AI programs work at a magnificent pace!
It won't apply the mask if you return as a Smart Object. You've asked the program to start over.
Great demo and tips. Thanks
Is there a way to use Sharpen to create two or more layers with different modes in Photoshop?
Thanks A.M.
Great review Anthony, quick question: I have a photo let say taken at ISO 1000 or 1600 and I let Sharpen AI take care of the noise and sharpenning. If I use masking on the subject, does it mean that the noise on the background would not be removed?
It will not remove noise on background in that case. You can take a two step process, first use denoise on entire frame and then sharpenAI with mask.
How do you known that photo would not have been better if you had run motion first and then focus?
Great video as usual. Finding that mask ai bit of a hit or miss depending on the complexity of the background. For me birds against a plain background eg clear sky very good but against bushes and clouds often fails to identify the subject. Nothing like Lightroom.
Never mind the software where can I find that smile ?!😍
Could you maybe help with how you update? I have difficulty EVERY TIME I update. I am sure I am doing something wrong but don't know what it is. Thanks in advance
It updates automatically..it gives the option when you launch the application
If on a Mac it will ask you to enter your admin password to complete the install
Just love how you pay for the program and after a year ??? You have to pay for updates. Update cost is very close to the initial cost of the program. It’s all about the all mighty $$$. Thanks for an excellent tutorial, as always…..
You don't have to pay for the update if you're happy with the version you have.
So how will they make money?.. they give you an application for an example in 2011 for 49$…and you just keep using it and updating until 2022 with no cost?
They wouldn’t be in business for long
@@WhoDis1959 Most people upgrade if they are happy with the product and want the new features.
Thanks!
Thank you Daryl!
Sounds too complicated. I sharpen my copy of my original, take it back to photoshop and undo if I don’t like it.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you Tom!