Panoramic photos (Microfsoft Ice)

[cragster]

Does anybody here use stitching software to join digital photos together to create panoramic views? I've just started using microsoft ICE (Image Composite Editor) and am impressed with how well it works.
 

These are two images taken from the same spot on Loughrig looking over the Langdale Valley.
 

This one is two images looking over to High Spy down towards Catbells and the Newland Valley.
 
I haven't really taken these photos with the intention of stitching them together which is why I'm impressed with how well the software seemlessly joins them in a matter of seconds. Certainly when I go out on the fells now I will be looking at taking more photos which I can stitch together as I am often frustrated by the fact that I can't always get what I want in frame. I was looking at the option of buying an extra wide angle lense but will save myself the money now.
 
The software can be downloaded for free here if anyone is interested: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/groups/ivm/ice/
 
 
 
 

[susiej]

ooh Cragster, they is purdy 

[gam]

1st 1 is a belter
well done
 

[sunnydale]

Mmmm, lovely!

[KentYeti]

Hey craggy, that is very good. 
 
Must browse to read about that software.
 
 

[Granty]

Autostitch is pretty good. The pictures look great - I think thats a trick i've been missing with high up mountian views.

[ken]

great shots and thanks for the link I think I might give it a go as I have sum recent shots from Skye that may stitch together quite well 

[KentYeti]

I can't find the software on the Microsoft Dowload Web Site. 
 
I can find something very similar that appears to be gaming software.
 
Can anyone help please? 

[cragster]

I can't find the software on the Microsoft Dowload Web Site. 
 
I can find something very similar that appears to be gaming software.
 
Can anyone help please? 

Have you tried this link:
 
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/groups/ivm/ice/

[cragster]

I think if you went out taking photos specifically to use with this software you could get some very nice results. The exposure differs slightly on the two photo's I 've stitched here and also I've had to crop them as the pictures were out of line with each other, so they overlapped on the edges.Therefore the composition isn't as good as it might be. Foreground was a bit of a problem on the second photo as I'd probably moved a few paces between taking each shot so had to crop that out. I think using a tripod though it would work really well. I'm looking forward to experimenting with this software as it really is frustrating when you see a view but you just can't fit it all in in one shot.

[mick]

Hi Cragster,  
First of all, smashing photos, especially the first one, it certainly has got the wow factor I have got to go there and see for myself.  
Secondly have you tried this free stitching software?  
Link:-  
   
http://hugin.sourceforge.net/  
   
I have been using it for a couple of years and can’t believe how simple it is to use and my old pc is steam driven……… its that old.  
I will certainly have a go using Microsoft  ICE (Image Composite Editor).
It will be interesting to see which one works the best for me.
Anyway just wanted to say thanks for the link & again smashing pics.
   

[amnesiacjimmy]

Wow that has worked remarkably hasnt it! loved both of em!   

[yorksgal]

The first one is my favourite one.  I'm gonna have to give this a go myself.  Already got the pics just need to stitch em together now :-)
cheers

[garyr]

Nice pano's Cragster!
 
I use Photoshop to to any pano's together that I take, one of the benefits is that it automatically blends any differences in exposure you may get in adjoining photos. I wouldn't say a tripod is that essential, you just need to stand in one spot and take your series of photo's from there. A couple of tips, use your camera in portrait mode rather than landscape, will give you a bit more height in the final pano. Also try and over lap your photo's by at least 30% but I find 50% is better.
 
Happy snapping, will look forward to loads of pano's in the future 

[Al plus boots]

   Nice love em both, but the first one edges it for me. i will look out for that software. Al.