Grainy images in PSE

[froyd]

I'm noticing that images that display fine with most programs end up looking extremely pixelated when I open them in PSE. There are medium-sized files (maybe 3000 pixel wide) and I'm viewing them at a reduced magnification so I can see the whole image on the screen (FIT TO SCREEN option). If I open the same image, at the same magnification with just about any other program, it looks smooth and as good as can be.

Is this an issue with PSE?

 

[willie_901]

Your PSE default parameters must be causing this. I have never experienced this issue so I regret I have no idea what's going on with PSE.

 

[froyd]

Windows Photo Viewer and PSE Organizer show smooth previews:

Windows:

PSE Organizer:

But PSE Editor shows a preview that shows more grain, moer moire', and more contrast.

What gives?

 

[Photo_Smith]

Just a question, does this moire and grain change with magnification? like you see it a 33% not at 50% again at 66% not at 100%?

What you've shown looks like screen spatial anti-aliasing.

 

[froyd]

Yes, the moire changes with changing magnification. I think the screen grab is at 33%.

However, even zooming in or out of the images at various magnifications I still see an image that looks much "crunchier" than what is shown by the organizer.

 

[Photo_Smith]

Two thing's are happening here, 33% 66% etc cause the effect due to spatial aliasing I see it in varying degrees on every machine I've ever used in PS.

The picture viewers apply some smoothing, I know my Mac does and some hate it:
http://jaws.wordpress.com/2006/07/03/apples-use-of-image-smoothing-irks-me/

 

[froyd]

Is spatial aliasing to blame also for the grainy look? I was beginning to fear that the poor image quality was PSE's way to cope with an underpowered machine.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

From my own experience I think Photo Smith is correct. If you try viewing files at eg. 25% or 50% I suspect you'll find it looks fine.
Cheers
Brett

 

[froyd]

Bingo!

25 and 50 magnification look fine. Thanks for the help!