Adobe ACR Sharpening for Nikon D3

[ultravista]

I am a Nikon D3 shooter and would feedback and opinion on post-processing Nikon NEF files, specifically ACRs sharpening settings for an overall best result.

I mainly shoot mixed martial arts (MMA) RAW at f/2.8 (24-70mm) in the ISO 800-1600 ballpark and 500+ shutter speed.

My workflow is Bridge and ACR only, no post-processing in Photoshop or Lightroom. As a result (I theorize) of ACR only, my images lack tack sharp quality. I went the Bridge & ACR only route to save time. Now I'm wondering if I should begin post-processing in Lightroom to apply sharpening not available in ACR.

For my fellow D3 shooters, what are your ACR settings, sharpening and luminance? For the record, my ACR is 7.3

I can't be the only one who performs 100% post-processing in ACR. Is this too simple of an approach to expect stunning results?

If anyone is willing to share, attach (or email) your xmp settings file.

 

[KmH]

The experts who wrote the sharpening function software in ACR, recommend doing sharpening as a multi-step procedure:

• Capture sharpening and mid-tone contrast adjustment in ACR.
• Local sharpening/local edge contrast. in CS 6
• Output sharpening. Images destined for prints can usually tolerate more sharpening than images destined for electronic display.

The sharpening settings and techniques used depend on image content, or more specifically vary based on edge frequency.
In addition to the sharpening panel in ACR, USM, other sharpening filters and the Sharpening tool in CS 6, there are several other sharpening techniques, like LAB sharpening, Luminance sharpening, High Pass sharpening, and more.

Those experts mentioned above are part of the company - Pixel Genius LLC. PixelGenius - People

Real World Image Sharpening with Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Lightroom (2nd Edition)

 

[ultravista]

KmH - do you have any recommendations for local edge contrast settings? Maybe a place for me to start?