Fuji Pixelshift Multishot processing

[SRPcashie]

Hi Everyone, 

I realize that Fuji shooters might use capture one more often than not but I don't.  That said, I have a question about processing Fuji Pixelshift multishot, in this case the 16 shot version.  I was able to shoot a series of these and combine them in the fuji software successfully (no defect detected).  It leaves you with a gigantic shot (1.5-1.6gb), which my client had requested. 

I also shot regular versions of this with the Fuji 100sii which turns out to be 580+mb's at 16bit and about half that at 8bit (does anyone have any use for 16bit?? do people use these to print ever?). 

My main question is in processing the multishot.  It seems WAY softer and less detailed than the regular shot.  It looks a little better with some aggressive sharpening, but the regular shot always looks better.  I'm not sure if there is something else I should be doing to process the combined multishot (which is a DNG after combining in Fuji software.)

Is it better to just upres the regular shot?  Does anyone have any experience with these?

I haven't upres'd an image in ages.  Do you still do it slowly at 120% with bicubic smoother?  

I really appreciate any help you all can provide.

Thanks!

Mac Sequoia 15.5

LR 14.3.1

PS 26.7.0

[LAMY2017]

This is more about Fujifilm -- the camera, the firmware, the software (pixel shift combiner) -- and technique than Adobe applications.

Theoretically, your massive images should be sharper, but just because you might get a highly viewable/printable image doesn't mean you should evaluate it by pixel-peeping. Not denigrating you, just don't be wowed by megapixels.

What is PIXEL SHIFT MULTI SHOT? points out that technique makes for better shots.

Check out the section, 

Precautions when shooting with PIXEL SHIFT MULTI SHOT (Subject)

"a misalignment or blurring in each RAW image taken, 'defect detection' will be notified when the images are combined."

But I can imagine that some blurring slips through to avoid disappointing the purchaser with failure to combine the pixel-shifted images into uber-sharp images.

Fuji's tips --

Avoid vibration.

Avoid photographing moving subjects that are not stationary.

Do not shoot in environments where the brightness changes.

Shoot with a wide-angle lens.

Failure in any or more than one item decreases the joy.

Then, there are the camera settings/limitations  (selected for brevity) --

Precautions when shooting with PIXEL SHIFT MULTI SHOT (Camera Settings)

"The following limitations apply to the use of the pixel-shift multi shot option:
- Pixel-shift multi shot photography can only be performed using the electronic shutter.
- Sensitivity is restricted to a maximum of ISO 1600. Choosing higher values or a setting of AUTO results in a sensitivity of ISO 1600, while lower values remain unchanged.
- The only option available for RAW RECORDING > RECORDING TYPE is LOSSLESS.

. . .

If the subject or camera moves during shooting, the desired results may not be achieved when the shots are combined."

PIXEL SHIFT MULTI SHOT shooting procedure

(only one item of concern, from my point of view)

"- To minimize vibration, use the self-timer or a remote release."

[Trevor.Dennis]

How are you viewing thew multishot?  I'm guessing it has a lot of pixels, so won't fit your screen at 100% zoom ratio.  View the image at actual pixel size (Cmd Opt 0) and see if that still looks soft.

What resolution is the client requesting, and why do they need it?

There are some really good Ai upscaling tools nowadays like Topaz Labs Gigapixel and Photo Ai.  If you upload a full frame image at full res, I can show you what Photo Ai can do.

Have you tried merging the files with Photoshop's Photomerge to compare results?