The Bottom Line
Pros
- Easy to learn and use; doesn't requires saving and reopening a file.
- Several options for fine-tuning the results.
- Real-time preview with integrated crop tool.
Cons
- Maximum scaling is 1600% but may be further limited depending on image size and available RAM.
- Extreme resampling amounts can be slow to render.
- Expensive. Money could be better spent on a higher megapixel camera or higher optical zoom.
Description
- Extensis pxl SmartScale uses "PixelLive" advanced technology to resample images up to 1600%.
- Attempts to increase resolution with minimal loss by preserving original brightness and color data.
- Offers integrated cropping and controls for adjusting sharpness, edge contrast, and edge detail.
- Adjust size and resolution using a slider or enter precise numeric dimensions or percentages.
- Common settings can be saved as presets. Includes several presets for common print sizes.
- "Extreme Edges" option for scaling non-photographic computer art, logos, and illustrations.
- Scale within Photoshop or scale an image directly from disk. Supports RGB, CMYK and Grayscale files.
- Optionally use the PixelLive file format to password protect and losslessly compress scaled images.
- Works as a plug-in to Photoshop (6.01 or higher) or Photoshop Elements (2.0 or higher).
- Mac OS 9.22 or Mac OS X 10.2.5 or higher; Windows 98, 2000, or XP; 256MB RAM suggested (128 min.)
Guide Review - Extensis pxl SmartScale Image Upsampling Plug-in
I found SmartScale much easier to use than the only other upsampling product I've reviewed--Genuine Fractals. It uses controls and palettes similar to Photoshop and common keyboard shortcuts. The plug-in installs as a new menu to Photoshop, and has virtually no learning curve.
I increased the dimensions of several images up to 500% using SmartScale, then compared the results to the same increase using Photoshop's bicubic interpolation. On-screen, SmartScale's results were a definite improvement over Photoshop alone, but the printed results are what really matter. I have a fairly recent photo-quality ink jet printer, and the improvements in the printed photo were barely discernible. A greater improvement was seen in the logo example I tested. Click "Full Review" below for examples.
It should also be noted that, in general, the larger you print something, the farther away it is meant to be viewed. Thus, resolution doesn't need to be as high for a poster as, say, a postcard. Taking all this into account, along with the cost of SmartScale, I believe the money would be better invested in equipment or services to capture the necessary detail right from the start.
