Topaz Labs Sharpen AI Software v4.1.0
This review is of Topaz Labs Sharpen AI version 4.1.0 using the GPU as the AI processor.
The Topaz Labs Sharpen AI software helps to rescue blurry images that would normally be thrown out by sharpening them with artificial intelligence. Here are some of their promises:
- Reduce perceived movement
- Focus on the eyes
- Recover image detail
- Increase real (not simulated) sharpness
- Rescue multiple types of motion blur
- Save misfocused images
Using with Noise Reduction Software
In reviewing the Topaz Labs DeNoise AI v3.6.1 software, some very soft images resulted. The noisier the original image, the softer the resulting cleaned image was. Can Sharpen AI v4.1.0 restore/create detail that is not there?
Here is the source image that had the noise reduced. Notice that the image detail almost looks like a painting due to its lack of detail.
After applying a "Too Soft - Very Blurry" sharpen model to the image, this was the result. Notice that the AI introduced black hair into the dog's coat. Those are not really there. This is the dark colored dog jacket behind the hair. To be fair, it may be the DeNoise AI that confused Sharpen AI here. There are also black hairs on the dog's head and tail. This it not really that different from v4.0.0 of the software.
Sharpen AI v4.1.0 seems to be less aggressive than v4.0.0 by default. This is an improvement because v4.0.0 really was too aggressive.
Blurry Image
Here is an image of a photograph taken in the dark so as to get a realistically blurry image.
- The AI sharpen model "Standard" was used with the "Automatically detect recommended settings" turned on.
- The AI sharpen model "Motion Blur - Normal" was used.
- The AI sharpen model "Motion Blur - Very Blurry" was used.
- The Photoshop sharpening tools were used to sharpen the image.
Conclusion
It seems there are improvements across the board when compared to v4.0.0! This is great news as this product is worth the upgrade price!
When compared to Photoshop's sharpening tools, the results are much better from Topaz Labs Sharpen AI (even if it needs to be dialed back a bit).
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