Systems, methods, and techniques are provided for performing any one or more of edge-preserving image sharpening, edge-preserving image smoothing, edge-preserving image dynamic range compression, and edge-aware data interpolation on digital images, wherein a pixel prediction module is adapted for coupling to a memory storing pixel data representative of a digital image and extracts from the image predicted pixel values using robust smoothing. The predicted pixels are stored in a memory and respective detail values equal to the difference between respective original and predicted values are computed. A pixel update module computes approximation values by averaging the respective detail values with original pixel values using robust smoothing, and stores the approximation values for subsequent rendering. The prediction and update modules run recursively and a manipulation module increases or decreases the detail values and the approximation values depending on their magnitude and depending on the kind of edge enhancement required.