I had a gradient on today's picture that I thought really emhanced the picture's ambience, but I decided not to submit it because the picture quality was so diminished by the gradient optimization. I don't want to post the degraded picture now because the contest is still open. But I would be interested in knowing if anyone has a remedy for this problem.?
Thanks,
Pat(Patre)

Yep,

had it too. Gradients with too little colors from begin till end, will show lines. Specially even more so, when u wil save jpeg lower than quality '8'.

The contrast might not be too big on a too short distance.

Sjait, aye?



Greets,
AAA

Thanks aaanen..
I saved the gradient pic as a jpeg at the maximum quality level-12. And still there was major debris. I don't know if you were referring to the picture you submitted in today's contest, but if you were, you did a terrific job of cleaning up the debris. If not, my guess is that there is no efficient remedy that works to solve the degradation problem. Or I am just missing some constructive solution that is simple, but not obvious. I have got to say that that has been the case with me more than once.

Hi Pat,

I use gradients all the time. The best way that I know of is to apply a bit of noise to the gradient first before saving. This will add some to the file size though as does sharpening. The best way to apply noise is to use the noise filter and add small amounts severl times as opposed to using a large amount once. I usuall start with a setting of about 1.8 to 2.3 and apply it as many as four times. You'll just have to experiment to find something that works for you.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry..
I didn't have a clue, so I am going to give it a try and see what I can do..
Just tried it, Jerry. Works great!!Fantastic tip- Much appreciated!

YAY JERRY!

JERREEEEEEH!