Res-up M8 files?

[RichardM8]

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Hi all,

 

In various reviews I've read about the possibility to res-up DNG files from the M8 with good or even great results.

 

I have never done this. I work with LR3.2. In the Export function you can simply add a larger # of pixels. I've done a few tests and the results look indeed pretty good on screen.

 

Is this a good way to do it? I have no idea how well LR does this job 'technically' under the hood. Does it do this the same way as ACR or PS would?

 

Thanks for any help or insight!

 

Richard.

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[delander †]

I dont see a difference between PSCS5 and ACR. Two examples. First Photoshop (left or above depending on your monitor) second ACR. Original uprezzed to 5120x3444. No sharpening.

 

Dont use Lightroom but it is supposed to have the same innards as ACR.

 

Jeff

[wda]

It depends on the degree of size increase. If relatively small increments, Photoshop bi-cubic works reasonably well. For anything bigger I use Alien Skin Blow-up which was recommended by an expert on this forum several years ago. He used it for enlarging M8 files for wall art purposes and the results were highly impressive. Worth searching the forum. Much has been written.

[Guest WPalank]

It depends on the degree of size increase. If relatively small increments, Photoshop bi-cubic works reasonably well.

 

Not since about CS3. If you have CS3 -CS5, best to do it in one step.

[LuxBob]

I have been asked to produce some images that will be printed approximately 2 metres by around 1.3 metre. They will mostly be seen from a distance across a room and the closest viewing distance will probably be around 3 metre, therefore exhibition quality is not sought. Probably 120ppi will suffice.

I would like to use the M8 and will not crop the images.

Question 1. Given that there have been advances since the Sticky on this topic what would now be the recommendation? PS CS5 or Alien Skin Blow-up?

Question 2. How do I calculate how much upsizing is needed?

Question 3. Should I use Noise Ninja before upsizing and should I consider using sharpening at any stage? I am presuming no as I can only see the processes conflicting with each other.

There is some possibility to trial and error this but I would rather land in teh ball-park firts time so any advice woudl be welcome.

[jaapv]

If the viewing distance is > 3m I doubt that you have to upsize at all.

[RichardM8]

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Thank you for the replies!

 

Yes I think the engine from ACR is the same as from LR. Nice to know that - if needed - the M8 files can be 'savely' ressed-up.

[RichardM8]

Question 2. How do I calculate how much upsizing is needed?

 

Well, if you know the printsize and the amount of ppi it shouldn't be too hard to calculate?

[LuxBob]

Well, if you know the printsize and the amount of ppi it shouldn't be too hard to calculate?

Yes, as you say it, it seems obvious but sometimes a stupid question paves the way to knowledge. Thank you JaapV and Richard M8.

[delander †]

Thank you for the replies!

 

Yes I think the engine from ACR is the same as from LR. Nice to know that - if needed - the M8 files can be 'savely' ressed-up.

 

They can be safely rezzed-up to the size of an M9 file, but it all depends on so many factors including any sharpening done. Here is another example uprezzed in Capture One along with the full image.

 

Jeff

[LuxBob]

I upsized a test image by 150% and have just had it printed to 120cms by around 85cms. It can be viewed easily from around 1m which is more than enough for the task. Incidentally I am just sitting about 4 metres from a Candida Höfer full size original about 120cms by 120cms and her definition is not as good. Her reputation though is somewhat better.