Quote Originally Posted by CeraDigital View Post
The sharpen feature on photoshop and other photo editing software is pretty much junk too. Its just there for quick use, but gives you no real control, and can be pretty harsh on your image. Instead, use the unsharp mask. You get pretty much, full flexibility of image sharpening...and although it takes a bit longer, it works better.

To do it, just use these steps...
Image> Mode> Lab Color
Filter> Sharpen> Unsharp Mask...

Then set the Threshold, and radius to your liking. After that, adjust with the amount. I normally use a 1.0 for the Radius, and a 4 for the Threshold. Afterwards, I normally just use a 63-67 for the amount.

These images were sharpened too, btw.
Really? * i will absolutely try your way, just to compare and contrast*

If you give me permission, i would like to show you just what the sharpen feature does to your first image. * which is a really nice close up*

With Cs3 * dont know if the function changes with older photo shop versions* But it actually comes out clearer, and, at least to me, i think really enhances the details of your image BUT, that could be personal preference as to how one likes their images to look. Or you can just do it yourself if you have the same version. Either or.
But i do use the manual sharpen feature as well, depending on what i need, and how much, and also get decent results. * not sure if its the same in whatever version you are using, or under a different name* Ill take a look