Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better?

[ALB68]

The original image comes from this thread http://www.photoshopgurus.com/forum...elp-creating-blue-curves-gradients-image.htmlIt is a png, 9" or so wide @ 72dpi. That thread is what spawned this one. I own the standalone version of Perfect ReSize 7.5 (Genuine Fractals) and also have the new Photoshop CC where they say the algorithm is improved for enlarging images. Here is a comparison of the image using both programs to arrive at a image size approximately 40" x 40" which at 300ppi would be about 20 times the size of the original. You guys and girls be the judge. Don't judge it based on the inline image, click it to open the better one
.View attachment 35210

 

[SPWA]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

I would have to say the CC one has less patchiness, and looks neater overall.

 

[Tom Mann]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

Hi Larry -

Thanks for the comparison. There has been a lot of similar work posted on the web. For example, the classic (probably originally posted around 2008 or so, and occasionally updated) is:
http://www.americaswonderlands.com/digital_photo_interpolation.htm
http://www.americaswonderlands.com/image_resizing.htm

A more recent (but less extensive) comparison is here:
http://www.tipsquirrel.com/resize-software-a-retrospective/

Some good discussion here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=69603.0

Even though it has fallen from favor, the incremental up-rez'ing method is still apparently available here:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/RP/index.html


I have been keeping tabs on developments in this area since probably the late '90's, periodically running my own comparisons. For probably the last 5 years, my favorite has been Genuine Fractals, but since the introduction of the new algorithm in v5 of PhotoZoom Pro, I generally now prefer that software for critical work or extreme resizing.

As you know, I posted a up-rez'ed version of the "blue washes" image in the "HELP! Creating blue curves and gradients" thread that I did using PhotoZoom Pro v5 (one of the graphics presets) followed by Topaz Clean, and I posted crops of some of the edges. I'll check to see that our magnifications are the same, but I'm pretty sure that this approach beats out both Genuine Fractals and the native PS resizing algorithm on this particular image. It seems to give sharper edges than either GF or PS (native) while also giving cleaner solid areas / gradients.

However, on other types of images, particularly, ones with lots of texture, not just edges and solid color / gradient areas, I still prefer GF over PZ.

Just my $0.02,

Tom

 

[Tom Mann]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

Actually, Larry, I think there is a significant difference in magnifications between your up-rez'ed images and mine.

This is because I did a 1:1 crop (ie, 1 image pixel to 1 screen pixel) after up-rez'ing the image to the requested 4 meter width which is much, much larger than a 1:1 crop of your 40" x 40" enlargements.

If my quick read on this is correct, then my Photo Zoom / Topaz Clean approach beats both GF and PS (native) methods hands down because the width of the edges in my version is only a few pixels wide even when blown up to 4 meters wide. This also would explain why your up-rez'ing ran so quickly and mine took a half-hour each in the two programs.

OTOH, I looked at this very quickly, so pls. double check me.

Tnx,

T

 

[ALB68]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

Tom,
I once owned PhotoZoom in an older version..back in the day as they say. I bought the Perfect Resize simply based on the cost. It is quite sufficient for what I do. The PZ is $199 and the PRz is $49.95, so for $140.00 difference..I'll take the PRz..but I have to say, the PS CC is pretty darn good and faster too. However, I had saved the above png as a tiff before I did the job in Prz. The PS was the dowloaded Png. I used no compression on the tiff, so hopefully the sample is an accurate representation compared to the png enlargement.

 

[Tom Mann]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

BTW, one thing I *REALLY* like about onOne's Perfect Resize is the ease of doing things like gallery wraps. That, by itself, beats the others hands down.

T

PS - I see that we were typing at the same time. Yup, you are right about the cost. For that price, PZ better be good. LOL.

 

[ALB68]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

Hummm. Both were zoomed at 100% after they were enlarged, that's all I know.

Actually, Larry, I think there is a significant difference in magnifications between your up-rez'ed images and mine.

This is because I did a 1:1 crop (ie, 1 image pixel to 1 screen pixel) after up-rez'ing the image to the requested 4 meter width which is much, much larger than a 1:1 crop of your 40" x 40" enlargements.

If my quick read on this is correct, then my Photo Zoom / Topaz Clean approach beats both GF and PS (native) methods hands down because the width of the edges in my version is only a few pixels wide even when blown up to 4 meters wide. This also would explain why your up-rez'ing ran so quickly and mine took a half-hour each in the two programs.

OTOH, I looked at this very quickly, so pls. double check me.

Tnx,

T

 

[Tom Mann]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

... but if I read your description correctly, you took it up to 40 inches wide, whereas I went up to 4 meters wide. I think that's the difference. I can't do it now, but I'll double ck this late tonight.

T

 

[ALB68]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

I ran the Topaz Clean filter on the 40 x 40 from Resize. Strength was 1 I think. But I think it improves it. What do you think?View attachment 35220

 

[Tom Mann]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

I agree that it improved it. However, for an even better effect, carefully adjust the threshold level, and turn the edges control up.

T

 

[ALB68]

Re: Enlargement Software:Image comparison Perfect ReSize 7.5 to PS CC-which is better

Strength was 1.0,Threshold .035, Radius 6, Edge Accent was 0 and Texture was 0. OK, I'll experiment with that a bit.
and yes, it was 40"

I agree that it improved it. However, for an even better effect, carefully adjust the threshold level, and turn the edges control up.

T