![]() Topaz Detail rocks at emphasizing defined edges. What did I learn with this experiment? Topaz Clarity is amazing for adding depth and dimension to a photograph. The change is subtle but significant! The final photograph has quite a bit more depth (some of which was lost in the HDR tone mapping, which tends to flatten out shadows and highlights), and added crispness to the edges – an important touch for a photograph like this with very defined lines. Scroll back up to the top for a moment and take a look at our starting image. The best of both worlds – depth and edge sharpening! To achieve this result I used the same presets as indicated above in both Clarity and Detail. There is a bit of added contrast from the edge definition, but without adding the depth that Topaz Clarity did. I liked the result so I clicked OK to return to Photoshop.Īs you can see from the before/after comparison below, Topaz Detail gave the edges a more defined look. For this image I chose the ‘Overall Detail Medium I’ preset from the Creative Detail Preset Collection. I click through the presets to find the one that most closely fits my vision, and then fine tune it if necessary. My process in Topaz Detail is similar to how I navigate Clarity. I liked the preset as-is, clicked OK and returned to Photoshop.Īs you can see from the before/after comparison below, the original image looks a bit flat while the version with Topaz Clarity added contrast, enhanced detail, and overall gave the photograph more depth. For this photograph, I chose the ‘Landscape Pop I’ preset (in the Landscape category). If necessary, I’ll adjust the sliders on the right to fine tune the effect. In Topaz Clarity I often start by clicking through the presets until I find one that suits my vision (or comes close). Learn more about that process here. Next, I headed into Photoshop and duplicated my background layer twice (one for Clarity & one for Detail) so I could easily compare the results. I did basic adjustments to the three exposures in Lightroom, and then tone mapped my HDR in Aurora HDR. I shot a 3-exposure handheld bracket with my Canon 6D and 16-35 f/4 L lens whilst laying on the ground, looking up at the sky. This photograph was captured at the amazing Swannanoa Palace. That is when you can really SEE the difference. I was until I did a bit of experimenting with both plug-ins – separately and in conjunction with each other. There is also a tone section that works on exposure, whites, blacks, contrast, highlights and shadows, along with color adjustments (Cyan-Red, Magenta-Green, Yellow-Blue), and the ability to add grain. Topaz Detail affects small, medium and large amounts of detail in the overall, shadow and highlight areas of the image. This program is best used for Creative and Output Sharpening. uses a unique size based technology to separate your images into multiple detail levels, then individually enhances a particular detail size. There is also a masking feature which is more advanced than the masking features found in Detail. The technology behind this program is different in that you can push the sliders over more without receiving halos or artifacts (just don’t push them too far!). There is also an HSL tool for Hue, Saturation and Luminosity adjustments. Topaz Clarity intelligently enhances contrast and clarity using a proprietary technology which eliminates the common problem of artifacts and halos. With Clarity, you can quickly manipulate your micro, midrange and overall contrast without halos or noise, all while maintaining a natural feeling and tonality in your image. What exactly do the terms clarity, contrast, and sharpening mean and how do they apply to Topaz’s software? The simple answer may leave you scratching your head. I know it did for me. Simply said – Topaz Clarity works with contrast and Topaz Detail is an output sharpener. To get the best results for my photo, should I use Topaz Clarity or Detail…or both? I’ve asked myself this question many times. What is the difference between Topaz Clarity and Topaz Detail?
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