Topaz InFocus plugin offers software deblurring
By
Mike Tomkins
(Monday, November 29, 2010 - 17:19 EST)
Topaz Labs has released a new plug-in bringing software deblurring to Adobe Photoshop and other applications with Photoshop plugin support, as well as both Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture, and Apple iPhoto.
The Topaz Labs InFocus plugin offers correction of four blur types: Generic, Out-of-Focus, Straight Motion, and Unknown / Estimate, and in each case allows sharpening to be applied to the image once deblurring is complete. The correction process is controlled with only a handful of slider adjustments. For the Generic and Out-of-Focus types, the user simply specifies a radius for the blur to be corrected, and if necessary uses a second slider to tame artifacts left over from the deblurring process. For motion blurring, you must also specify the angle of motion, and when using the Unknown / Estimate blur type, you provide an edge softness value, and then click a button to have InFocus attempt to automatically determine the blur correction needed. To help users hit the ground running, Topaz includes three built-in presets yielding varying levels of correction with the Generic preset, and users can create their own presets for later recall. The overall user interface of Topaz InFocus will prove very familiar to anyone having experience with the company's other recent plugins. Topaz InFocus is available immediately, with introductory pricing of around US$30 thru this Friday. List pricing is set at around US$70, and a free 30-day trial download is available. Topaz InFocus works on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7, Vista, or XP, and supports Adobe Photoshop 7-CS5, Adobe Photoshop Elements 1-9, or other editors with Photoshop plugin compatibility, as well as Photoshop Lightroom using the free Topaz Fusion Express software. On Macintosh, InFocus requires an Intel processor, OS X 10.5-10.6, and either Adobe Photoshop CS3-CS5, Adobe Photoshop Elements 6-9, and with Fusion Express also supports Apple Aperture 2 or 3, Adobe Lightroom 2 or 3, or Apple iPhoto. 
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Crop of a before and after demonstration showing Topaz InFocus' sharpening capabilities. Click to see the full before and after image (1,800 x 1,290 pixels, 1.1MB, saved as 'Very High' quality JPEG in Photoshop CS5.)
Source images provided by Topaz Labs LLC. |
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Original Source Press Release:
| Topaz Labs Releases New InFocus Software New Topaz Photoshop plug-in is the first to offer a blur estimation feature designed to help detect and solve complex blur types DALLAS -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Topaz Labs announces the release of Topaz InFocus, a Photoshop plug-in used for image sharpening and blur reduction. It is the first commercial software that offers auto-blur estimation and uses advanced deconvolution technology to help reverse the effects of image blur. This new sharpening approach completely changes the way detail refinement is done, by recovering true details, restoring image clarity and offering natural sharp-looking enhancements. The range of achievable sharpening possibilities have been dramatically improved and simplified with this new tool, allowing users to easily go beyond the lens to increase the sharpness and definition of any image. “We are pleased to have achieved the necessary technology required to provide a practical and useful tool to the hands of photographers everywhere.” “Recovering clear and sharp details from a blurry image is a very challenging problem that has been under intense research; and only in the last couple of years have there been some impressive breakthroughs in this area,” said Dr. Feng (Albert) Yang, developer and president of Topaz Labs. “We are pleased to have achieved the necessary technology required to provide a practical and useful tool to the hands of photographers everywhere.” “Topaz InFocus actually recovers blurred detail and finds edges, as opposed to other common sharpening methods which simply boost edge contrast to create a perceived sharpness,” said Ashley Robinson, product manager of Topaz Labs. “By mathematically reversing image blur caused by lens imperfections, atmospheric haze, camera sensor abilities, focus issues and camera shake, we are able to help photographers achieve detailed and naturally sharp images.” Topaz InFocus can be used prior to image enhancements to help reverse the effects of blurry and out-of-focus images or as a post-enhancement solution that can help refine image clarity and vividness – making it a versatile sharpening solution designed for professionals and photo enthusiasts. The program also includes a micro-contrast tool for adding additional finesse to image detail and structure. InFocus is a plug-in that works with a variety of host programs including Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Aperture, iPhoto and Lightroom. It is compatible with Windows and Intel-based Macs. Topaz InFocus retails for $69.99, but is being offered at a one-time introductory price of $29.99 until December 3, 2010. InFocus is also joining Topaz Photoshop Bundle, which offers photographers a complete image enhancement toolbox for all of their post processing needs. The bundle, including InFocus, retails at $199.99. For more information about Topaz InFocus, visit the homepage at http://www.topazlabs.com/infocus. Topaz Labs LLC, a privately owned company in Dallas, Texas, is an innovative provider of advanced image and video enhancement technology. With today’s widespread use of digital still cameras, digital video cameras, and HDTV, the need for high-quality digital images and videos has greatly increased. Topaz Labs’ mission is to bring practical state-of-the-art image and video enhancement technology to both photography and videography professionals and consumers. 
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The Topaz InFocus plugin in use.
Screenshot provided by Topaz Labs LLC. | |
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