Lens softness correction: creating consistently sharp images
Most lens softness corrections apply uniform corrections across the entire image. This can mean an oversharpened centre, or soft corners. At DxO, we do things differently.
What is lens softness?
Sharpness, which is also known as acutance, refers to how crisp an image appears. In a photo with sufficient sharpness, you’ll be able to see even the smallest details, as well as any micro-contrast. This characteristic is closely related to the manufacturing quality of your lens and the materials used in its design. It also depends on the settings used to create the photo, such as the aperture of the diaphragm, focal distance, and focal length.
However, sharpness is rarely consistent across an entire photo, which often results in the central zone being sharper than the edges. This kind of characteristic blurring is often referred to as lens softness.
Even without any motion blur, a properly focused photograph can appear blurry if the lens is not sufficiently sharp.
- Camera: Nikon D4
- Lens: AF-S 24-70mm 2.8
- Parameters: 27mm f/7.1, 1/250, ISO100
- Correction optique DxO
Extensive analysis based on more than 100 measurements
DxO goes beyond the standard modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements to produce a comprehensive perceptual profile of image sharpness. For each aperture and focal length combination, perceptual blur is estimated using a single BxU (blur experience unit), resulting in significant data for 121 separate points in the image. The aperture setting is then used to correct softness and compensate for lens diffraction.
DxO superimposes a model on a BxU map to provide the function for every position in the image.
DxO superimpose a model on a BxU map to provide the BxU measure function for every position in the image.
A correction directly applied to the RAW or JPEG file
Unlike ordinary sharpness improvement tools, DxO’s methods directly affect both RAW and JPEG files, which enables DxO to use the best version of the image before applying other settings or modifications.
Sharpening applied precisely where it is needed
Any lack of sharpness is corrected across the image by adjusting for the measured perceptual softness, so the image is only sharpened where necessary. The result is an evenly crisp photo, from center to edge.
DxO’s sharpness improvement algorithm also recognizes homogeneous and blurred areas. Rather than degrade the quality of these parts of the image, they remain soft.
Get more from your gear
DxO’s lens softness corrections go far beyond the competition, giving photographers the ultimate in performance from their gear.
Discover camera and lens corrections with DxO PureRAW 3 and DxO PhotoLab 7
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