Well, for about 6 years, I have used my D50 with the sharpening default set. I didn't even know there was such a thing as sharpening till I accidentaly read it in the manual last summer, looking for something else.

Hmmmm, sez I...I wonder what that's all about?

Sooo..I set a little more sharpening, but can't really tell if it improves my images any. Actually, what does it DO?

I have a new D90 coming, and I wonder if somebody can school me so I can set the new camera for best image quality, or do I just use the default, and live happily ever after?

Thanx;
Carl

It is a Fine and Pleasant Madness

Most images from a DSLR benefi from some sharpening. However, the benefits of it wont be apparent if you are looking at a small image. If you are looking at the image on your computer, zoom the view to 50 to 100%, then see if you can tell the difference between a sharpened and an unsharpened image.

Mick
http://www.mickklassphoto.com
or
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what software are you viewing the images on? Are you shooting RAW or JPEG?

D2XS + AF20-35mm f2.8 + AF35-70mm f2.8 + AF80-200mm f2.8. or...

Nikkors - 28mm f2.8 AFD + 50mm f1.8 AFD + 85mm f1.8G AF-S...

Hunger pays a heavy price to the shining Gods of speed and steel
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Alex

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Alex; Thanks for your reply.

I always shot my D 50 in JPEG, and view it on Windows 7/Picasa. My monitor is calibrated as close as I can come, which appears pretty close, and when I try sharpening from Picasa, I can't tell much about it, except when the levels get nearly maximum, the image goes all wonky, looking like a bad HDR!

Actually, even after I found out there was this digital thing called sharpening, which previously was something I only did to my hunting knives, and my wife's kitchen knives, I seldom observed what I thought was the need for any additional sharpening in my images.

But, in the True Spirit of Never Leaving Well Enough Alone, I started reading,(I'm a photographer,right?)and thought; "Hmmm...I wonder if there is something I am missing?"

The jury is still out. My buddy, the Canon shooter, sharpens the merrie Aitch out of his, but I really can't tell much difference between his'n and mine, except mine are better!

I have bought a D90, and found Ken Rockwell's site, where he has a D90 user's guide, so I set it at his recommendation, where it will stay, until I think it will be an advantage to change, if ever.

Carl

It is a Fine and Pleasant Madness

Here is a couple of links on the how's and why's of sharpening:
http://www.bythom.com/sharpening.htm
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/image-sharpening.htm

---------+---------+---------+---------+
Joseph K
Seattle, WA, USA

D700, D200, D70S, 24-70mm f/2.8, VR 70-200mm f/2.8 II,
50mm f/1.4 D, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX

Good to see you are learning - there s always so much to learn...
I'd ignore Ken Rockwell if I were you...

I'd also use the Nikon software - View NX to start with as it comes free with your cameras, then shoot in RAW and sharpen on the computer - you may see a big difference then...

D2XS + AF20-35mm f2.8 + AF35-70mm f2.8 + AF80-200mm f2.8. or...

Nikkors - 28mm f2.8 AFD + 50mm f1.8 AFD + 85mm f1.8G AF-S...

Hunger pays a heavy price to the shining Gods of speed and steel
http://alexjpscottphotography.yolasite.com/

LIKE me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AlexJPScottPhotography

Follow my blog...

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Alex

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Joseph and Scotty:

Thanks for your answers. Eventually, I'll figure it out.

I know you have to pick your experts carefully. I once took a photo class from the owner of a local business.

He talked a good game, and recommended that a person should format his memory cards at least three times before use.

I figured he knew what he was doing, so I did that, till a buddy who is an IT manager for a large company told me it wasn't necessary, and explained why. Not that I understood the answer, but I do know how to look intelligent and say "Uh huh" at proper intervals!

The D90 manual has some sharpening recommendations, which I think I may follow..it couldn't hurt!

Carl

It is a Fine and Pleasant Madness