The basics

230 ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
MAKING BETTER PANORAMAS
9.08 Ensuring consistent overlap
Suitable for Elements – 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0
Diffi culty level – Basic
As you are capturing, ensure that the edges of sequential images are overlapping by between 15
and 40%. The exact number of images needed to complete the sweep of the vista or the full circle
will depend on the angle of view
of the lens as well as the amount
of overlap that you have used.
A quick way of calculating the
pictures needed for 30% overlap
is to count the number of images
required to complete a full 360˚
rotation with no overlap and
then multiply this value by 3.
Or, alternatively, you can use
the recommendations detailed
in the table below as a starting
point for the number of overlap
portrait images required to
construct a 360˚ panorama.
Professional VR heads ensure
Click-stop heads >> To evenly space sequential image capture points
and ensure consistent overlap some companies like Kaidan (www.
overlap consistency by placing
‘click-stops’ at regular points
kaidan.com) produce panorama tripod heads with a built-in ‘click-stop’
system. The number of stop points is dependent on the angle of view
of the lens used to capture the source pictures.
on the circumference of the
(a) Rotating the camera and stopping to capture picture.
(b) A variety of click-stop disks designed for use with different camera
head. On many models this is
a variable feature that allows
lenses or zoom settings.
the photographer to change the
interval to suit different lenses
Focal length in mm
(35 mm equivalent)
Number of images
required for 360˚
panorama
and/or overlapping amounts. Those on a more
14 12
modest budget can mark regular intervals on
18 12
their tripod head using a protractor or use the grid
20 12
within the camera’s viewfi nder as a guide.
24 18
28 18
Some cameras now provide a special
Panorama mode that ghosts the
previous shot in the LCD screen so
that you can line up or overlap the
next picture accurately.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
35 20
42 24
50 28
Number of images for 360˚ >> Use the
table above to calculate the number of
overlapping pictures you will need to
capture to create a 360˚ panorama.