nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the latest update to nik's collection of digital photographic filters and effects for Adobe Photoshop. The goal of nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is to simplify sharpening of your images.

So, with three methods to sharpen your photos from within Photoshop already, why would you want to pay for someone else's method? Well, the first reason would be that it takes a bit of work to do it the old fashioned way and you have to learn some skills to do it well. Second, even if you are a seasoned pro, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 can do it faster.

System requirements are Windows 2000 or better, Mac OS 10.4 or better, 128 MB RAM (512 MB Recommended), 60 MB of disk space, and Photoshop CS2, CS3, Photoshop Elements 4.0, or any image editing software program that accepts Adobe Photoshop Plug-ins.

To do sharpening well, it takes more than just random radius and threshold manipulation. You have to take into consideration variables like image size, intended viewing distance, paper type, and printer resolution. Using traditional methods, you are really only effectively sharpening for the monitor that you are working on. With nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 you can plug in these variables and come out with a much more effectively sharpened image.
nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 allows you to sharpen during two different stages of workflow. The first is known as pre-sharpening. It adds a small amount of sharpening without introducing sharpening artifacts or unwanted details The second is as the very last step and is the output sharpening stage. This is the important sharpening and it works based on the needs of your printer.

There are four main methods of output available: Inkjet based which include generic, Canon, Epson, HP, and Lexmark filters. Continuous tone printers which include Photographic & Dye sub, Fuji, or Lab. Halftone printer such as lithographic, gravure, flexographic or any other printing process that uses an ordered dither halftone pattern to create image detail. Finally there is electronic display device for images to be projected on to a screen.

So what is new with nik Sharpener Pro 2.0?