Genuine Fractals Impressions #4

I just ran another test on Genuine Fractals.  Here it is.

I’m working on an image for the Orange County Fair and I want to blow it up to 16X24.  It is Kolob Terrace taken with my 10D last year in Zion so the image size is 3072X2048 or 6 M pixels.

I use Image Print to make my prints on my Epson Stylus Pro 4800.  Image Print likes to print at two PPI settings – 180 and 360.  So here is the question: Can I get the same degree of sharpness with Genuine Fractals at 360 PPI as I can get with 180 PPI?

First the 180 PPI Test

At 180 PPI the image is increased by about 200% to 4320X2880.  After up-sizing the image I applied the Photokit output sharpener for matte paper at 180 PPI.  The results were stunning.  Sorry I can’t show them to you because on the web the resolution is only 72 PPI.  But suffice it to say the cry grass in the foreground is razor sharp.

Next the 360 Test

At 360 PPI the resolution is 8640X5760 for an increase of nearly 800%.  The up-sized image was again sharpened with the Photokit sharpener for matte paper, this time at 360 PPI.  The results, while still impressive, were a bit softer.

Conclusion

OnOne claims Genuine Fractals can increase the image size by 800% and it certainly can with impressive results.  However, the 200% image up-sizing was noticeably sharper.  Now, in all fairness, it’s a bit crazy to try to push a 6 M pixel image up to 16X24 but with Genuine Fractals it certainly can be done.

The Story Continues – more experiences with Genuine Fractals

180 or 360

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Author: doinlight

Ralph Nordstrom is an award-winning fine art landscape photographer and educator. He lives in Southern California and leads photography workshops throughout the Western United States. View all posts by doinlight