Denoise vs Sharpen: When to Use Each
Denoising and sharpening both improve image clarity but address opposite issues.
Denoising
Denoising reduces grain and random pixel variation (noise), often from low light or high ISO. It smooths areas while preserving edges. Use when photos look grainy or speckled.
Sharpening
Sharpening enhances edges and fine detail, making images look crisper. It does not fix blur from camera shake or focus. Use when images look soft or slightly out of focus.
Order of Operations
Denoise first, then sharpen. Sharpening amplifies noise, so denoising first yields cleaner results. Don't overdo either—excessive processing can look unnatural.