P: Poor photo in the library and develop module - smart previews

This problem isn't only during Smart Previews for me. I don't use Smart Previews and I'm facing the grain resolution issue.

I did further testing using Smart Previews with previous version  LrC 9.4 and can confirm it does NOT exhibit the issue. Interestingly my 6000x4000 and 2560x1707 test image files exhibit the same issue as LrC 10.0 in 9.4. So it appears the grain mask is still applied the same regardless of image size. However, Smart Previews have the grain properly scaled down to match the smaller image size in LrC 9.4, but not in 10.0. Confusing yes, but I think that about sums it up.

I did further testing using Smart Previews with previous version  LrC 9.4 and can confirm it does NOT exhibit the issue. Interestingly my 6000x4000 and 2560x1707 test image files exhibit the same issue as LrC 10.0 in 9.4. So it appears the grain mask is still applied the same regardless of image size. However, Smart Previews have the grain properly scaled down to match the smaller image size in LrC 9.4, but not in 10.0. Confusing yes, but I think that about sums it up.

it is however still prevalent for the first second or so when clicking onto an image before it fully loads, something which wasn't an issue in the previous version of Lightroom.

Possible cause is if you edited the image files using Smart Previews with the originals on a disconnected external drive. When you reconnect the external drive LrC has to rebuild the Library preview and camera raw cache with the full-size image data. If that delay wasn't present in LrC 9.4 then it's just another indicator that Adobe changed something in LrC 10.0.

I notice you talk about image size, I'm using a Sony A7riv so my file size is massive, does that mean that this issue is more pronounced on my images than it would be on someone using a camera with a smaller megapixel count? 

The same grain pattern mask is applied to both the original file and the smaller smart preview. So both a higher megapixel camera or smaller Smart Preview Size Catalog Setting will make the issue appear more pronounced.

Original File Long Edge divided by Smart Preview Size

@todd_shaner_6660895 Also thanks for the info on this and how it seems to be a deliberate design decision by Adobe, hopefully this is looked into as it's certainly irritating for some users. By the way, I notice you talk about image size, I'm using a Sony A7riv so my file size is massive, does that mean that this issue is more pronounced on my images than it would be on someone using a camera with a smaller megapixel count? Thanks!

Hi Andrew, as you're referencing me here please keep in mind that the majority of people coming here for help (me included) don't spend our time on this forum usually and therefore it's not initially apparent what information would be useful to share. I've found usually when asking for help keeping the post simple and to the point is usually the best initial option until someone asks for more information (which I would have been happy to provide)

Hi @todd_shaner_6660895 . Thanks for this, what you're saying isn't quite correct though. The issue still arises when "Use Smart Preview instead of Originals for image editing." is unchecked although it is considerably less severe as it doesn't require zooming in and out to fix, it is however still prevalent for the first second or so when clicking onto an image before it fully loads, something which wasn't an issue in the previous version of Lightroom.

@arjun_haarith 

The issue users are experiencing here and in the other post occur when using Smart Previews with the original files on an external drive that is disconnected. The issue is also present when using Preferences setting 'Use Smart Preview instead of Originals for image editing."  I identified the cause at the below link to the other post. I also tested LrC 9.4 and it exhibits the issue, but it is not as severe as 10.0. So it appears something has changed in LrC 10.0. Please let me know if you need more information.

https://feedback.photoshop.com/conversations/lightroom-classic/lightroom-classic-v10-poor-photo-in-the-library-and-develop-module-smart-previews/5f95f02a35f40c3a18c91af6?commentId=5f98566e72a09d709bdf0347

And the answer to Arjun on the other thread and what others should test:

Hey Arjun, thanks for reaching out. I just checked and I did have that checked. I've unchecked the option now and it's kind of fixed it.