Joerg Colberg had an interesting post (and updates) last month about over-sharpening images.  I apparently missed it – I blame having family around for the holidays and thus having more important things to do. I’m glad I found it again, though – there are excellent thoughts.

In particular, I note his update from 12/22/2009, where he highlights Joseph Holmes’ observation:

If you get close enough to start making out too much film grain, you naturally back off. If you move in and see sharpening artifacts, you feel like something has gone horribly wrong.

Go read the whole post.  I’m still pondering it, but I think it’s great for perspective.