Sharpener Pro 3.0 is the latest addition to Nik Software's collection of digital photographic filters and effects for Adobe Photoshop. This is an updated version of their award-winning software that is aimed at sharpening photographic images.
Nik Sharpener Pro 3.0 has not only been updated with a new interface, it also contains Nik's premier U Point technology that gives you pin-point control over what you want sharpen. No longer are you limited to working with global changes and masking to accomplish your goals. Rather, now you can precisely control specific areas of your image with a couple clicks of your mouse.
What do you need to run Sharpener Pro? System requirements are Windows 2000 Pro or better, Mac OS 10.4 or better, 512 MB of RAM (1 GB Recommended), and Photoshop CS2 or CS3 on Windows or Mac, Photoshop Elements 2.0 or better on Windows, 4.0 and 6.0 on Mac, or any image editing software program that accepts Adobe Photoshop Plug-ins.
Basically, the Sharpener Pro workflow works like this. First you launch Photoshop, open an image, and open Sharpener Pro from the filter menu. This will open the Sharpener Pro interface. At this point you can apply RAW Presharpening which will compensate for any loss due to image capture. You then return to Photoshop to make all of your edits as you normally would to prepare your image.
Once complete you then reload Sharpener Pro to prepare your image to use the output sharpener to make up the loss of detail and clarity that occurs when images are created for different output devices. On the right side are the sharpening controls. You can choose what kind of output your image will take on: display, inkjet, continuous tone, halftone, or hybrid device. If you choose, say, the inkjet, you then get additional options such as viewing distance, paper type, and printer resolution. These will set the output sharpening for the appropriate type of device.
From there you have options for creative sharpening where you can apply global sharpening. Next you can use the U Point Control Points to selectively control where the sharpening is applied to the images. This allows you to control the effect without having to use selections and/or masking. By placing Control Points on an image, you control the effects and are able to fine tune certain areas of your images independent of the rest of the photo. Finally you review the image in the Loupe, apply the filter and then you can to generate your output.
Article comments
1 - Tyke Beard
Looks like you have listed the hardware requirements for a different Nik product (Silver Efex Pro) rather than the reviewed software product.