100% or 200% zoom to check images before submission?

[elidunkel]

Hi all, before considering the submission of my images should I check them at a 100% or 200% zoom level? Some of them look fine at 100%, while at 200% they don't (soft focus, lack of sharpness of details).

Thanks!

[daniellei4510]

It is generally assumed that some if not all moderators check images at 200%.

[elidunkel]

Ouch! That's a lot.
Thank you very much.

[daniellei4510 · Accepted solution]

If you have Photoshop, a certain degree of lost sharpness at 200% can be corrected by duplicating the layer, then applying Filter > Other > High Pass to the top layer and adjusting the slider until you just begin to see the outlines of the main subject(s) in the background later. Then select the Overlay blend mode. If the result to TOO sharp (which can be just as objectionable as too soft), lower the opacity of the top layer as needed. In any event, what will hurt you as much if not more than softness are artifacts, halos, dust or sensor spots, etc.

[elidunkel]

Yes, I have Photoshop. I will try the method you suggest. I never actually had the necessity of sharp photos at 200%.

Many thanks for your help!