Stitching images

Quick question about stitching images together.

What is the best software to create a panorama from a number of images? I have tried it in PS CS6 to good effect but wondered if there are any other options out there that are worth a try? An idea of the range of option would be handy so I could head down a google search and have a shot myself.

Any to add complexity.. how about with video? What is the best software to stitch video footage to make a long still image?

I saw someone once with an image stitching software that allowed all the images to be roughly laid out and then datum points put in each image that the software would then align. I guess it would have a slightly heavier archeological rigour but in many ways, that would help. ANy ideas what that would be?

here is one of my practice surface shots that is a composite of about 30 images. Was chuffed with the result, especially for the first shot. However, I would like to make a composite of a wreck site looking down to show the whole. Any guidance from the group would be really welcome.

Thanks loads, keep up the good work!

For still images, I liked Panorama Factory by Smoky City Design

Can't answer video question.

Try Hugin Bob. I used it to stitch some of a mosaic together.

I haven't found Hugin any better than CS6 for my own panoramic still images.

If you have a Sony camera, you can load one of their less-advertised free software that automatically stitches a still image (or video) from a video sequence. The resolution is limited to HD video. The software automatically analyzes the stitching perspective, but, does not turn it. So you'll need to pan your wreck at a 90 degree angle, e.g. pointing camera directly downwards whilst swimming at constant depth. I find this technique useful when the visibility is poor and you cannot get a view of the bigger entity otherwise.

 

Was chuffed with the result, especially for the first shot. However, I would like to make a composite of a wreck site looking down to show the whole. Any guidance from the group would be really welcome.

 

Here's one I did in the English Channel:-

http://theshipwreckproject.blogspot.com/2011/10/surveys-made-easy.html

Around 160 images as a mosaic. The lower left corner of diver and anchor took about 16 images if I recall correctly. I ended up using a variety of tools...do not underestimate the complexity of the task, nor the time you need to stitch.

We might need two pints I think Bob.

 

Here's one I did in the English Channel:-

 

http://theshipwreckproject.blogspot.com/2011/10/surveys-made-easy.html

 

Around 160 images as a mosaic. The lower left corner of diver and anchor took about 16 images if I recall correctly. I ended up using a variety of tools...do not underestimate the complexity of the task, nor the time you need to stitch.

 

We might need two pints I think Bob.

Think we might be bish pished!! Looking forward to it.

Thanks for heads up to all folk who have answered. Much appreciated.

To be honest, the biggest problem I have is getting the camera to recognise indistinct images (eg sky as I am practicing topside) so I am worrying that with a bit of gloom I might lose patches. PS6 been very good, am gonna try autopano on another recommendation.

Anyway, will try for real in the water soon. Watch this space!

Hello Triggerfish,

I have used PTGUI with great results. It can be used to do the type of multi-photo panoramas such as your example. I use it to make 360 degree 'Virtual Reality' panoramas of topside spaces. For your application it is simple and automated. It can stitch together multiple (even handheld) images into one with ease. It also allows you to fine tune the result manually if needed. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.ptgui.com/

Here is also a link to a website that contains a wealth of information about creating panoramas of all types:

http://wiki.panotools.org/Main_Page

I hope this helps,

Randall

Thank you, helpful info, much appreciated.

Hi Bob

PTGUI is the way to go, very easy to use.

I use it extensively for all of my stitching and with a little practice and using layers you can eliminate a lot of the stitching errors that can pop-up…also with layers you can deal with moving subjects a lot easier...

Not sure where you are at with your project, but the best advice I can give is be really conscious of the nodal point of the lens/camera set-up as that significantly reduces the errors when stitching.

Have a look at www.underwatervr.com and have a look at the 360 Gallery, lots of images shot handheld, and yes that is my "office"I am the Dive Manager at the Melbourne Aquarium…

If you have any question feel free to ask...

Cheers

Brett

I used to use Hugin, but I've been very happy with CS6 and now use that all the time:

Dore Holm, Shetland (300mm + 2x T/C, tripod)

Lembeh Resort (35mm, hand-held)

Plymouth Sound (15mm + x1.5 T/C, hand-held)

I've noticed that D800 files stitch much more reliably than D300 files.

You can ask Tomasz Stachura about his experience. He did this mosaic of the Mars wreck

I have heard that He did this manually, because it was to complicated for a software (hundreds of images)

Don't know how well it would work underwater given a whole lot of variability in individual frame orientations, but Microsoft had a free download called their Image Composite Editor (ICE) that I've used a lot for topside panos and been very pleased with. Includes projection correction, different motion assumptions (e.g. 'rotating' in a fixed point cylindrically or spherically, translational movement, etc.) and permits loading files with a-priori knowledge of their correct relative positions in terms of image order at least for 'structured' or array panoramas (X by Y images, vs. just 1 by N stripes).

If you're on PC not a mac, it's worth the price of the free download to try out at least.

Thank you again, some useful info. Now if the wind would stop, i would be able to get back in the water a d try it out!!