Why Do My RAW Images Look Out of Focus in Lightroom 5?

Are your RAW images taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark I looking slightly blurrier in Lightroom 5 (LR5) than when you upload them to Google Photos? This common issue can arise from several factors. Below, we explore the reasons behind this discrepancy and provide solutions to help you achieve sharper images in Lightroom.

Rendering Differences

The varying algorithms used by Lightroom (LR5) and Google Photos can significantly affect the appearance of your RAW images. Google Photos is known for its automatic tone and contrast enhancements, which can make images appear sharper. Conversely, LR5 might require more manual adjustments to achieve the same level of sharpness.

Camera Profile

Lightroom uses specific camera profiles designed to enhance and correct images. However, if the default profile is not optimally set for your Canon EOS 5D Mark I, it may not render as sharp images as expected. To improve this, you can try changing the camera profile in LR5. This step can significantly influence the sharpness and overall quality of your images.

Sharpening Settings

The default settings in LR5 for sharpening might differ from those in Google Photos. By experimenting with the sharpening settings, you can enhance the sharpness of your images:

Amount: Increase the amount of sharpening to a degree that brings out more detail without harshness. Radius: Adjust the radius slightly to control the extent of sharpening. Detail: Fine-tune the detail settings to avoid losing texture on your subjects.

Additionally, excessive noise reduction in LR5 can soften the image. Decreasing the noise reduction settings can help achieve the desired sharpness without compromising details.

Lens and Focus Issues

The quality of your lens and the accuracy of your focus settings can also contribute to out-of-focus images. Some lenses are not optimal for certain camera models, and ensuring proper focus is crucial. Clean your lens and check that your focus settings are correct, especially if you were relying on autofocus. Misfocused images, whether they are back-focused or front-focused, will appear out of focus.

Post-Processing Workflow

Your editing workflow in LR5 might differ from other software, such as Snapseed. Experiment with more basic adjustments, including exposure correction and contrast, to fine-tune the images effectively.

Apply basic adjustments in LR5 before fine-tuning sharpness. Optimize your export settings to ensure the images retain their sharpness for the intended output resolution.

By tinkering with your post-processing workflow, you can achieve a more consistent look across different viewing platforms.

Viewing Conditions

The calibration of your monitor can also affect how you perceive the sharpness and coloring of your images. Ensure that your display is calibrated for accurate color representation, which can help in achieving a more visually consistent output.

Recommendations

Experiment with the sharpening settings in LR5 and observe the results. Change the camera profile in LR5 to see if it improves the sharpness of your images. Compare the exports of your images to what Google Photos shows and adjust your settings accordingly.

By addressing these factors, you should be able to achieve sharper images in Lightroom that more closely match the quality you see in Google Photos. Properly calibrating your software and hardware can ensure that your images look their best across different platforms.