• First is the ability to work directly with 16-bit images. In the past you would have to convert to 8-bit to implement sharpening.
• Selective tool now allows you to brush on where you want to implement your sharpening. If you want to sharpen the eyes while leaving the skin less sharpened you now can.
• Advance panel gives you more control over the amount of sharpening to the entire image as well as to specific areas within the image. There are five sliders that control the amount of sharpening across a different color range.
• Raw presharpening allows you to sharpen based on images converted from a raw format. Raw files are generally less sharp than their processed JPEG counterparts.
• Larger Preview lets you see more of your image as well as display before and after panels as well.
• Analysis Modes give you two overlay modes to show you what will be sharpened and just how much it will be sharpened.
I think that nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is a must have addition to your photographer's tool box. Remember, sharpening does not make blurry images clear; it makes clear images crystal clear. It is one of those improvements that without it, your images will be ordinary. With it, they will look professionally done.
The biggest downside to nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the price, but fortunately there are two versions available. The Complete edition which retails for $329.95 USD and contains all output devices; the version reviewed here, and the Inkjet edition which retails for $169.95 and contains the filters for Inkjet and Display output. You can get a full demo version to try it out for 15 days.
There are a lot of plug-ins that are available for Photoshop and most specialize in one fix or another. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is probably one of those unique products that you will use for every photo you process to display and to that end, it is probably the one you need the most. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is highly recommended.
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