Testing the Panorama function:

[jaapv]

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Hidden in the scene modes, the panorama function is not too bad.

Drawbacks- the burst rate is fixed, so it takes some practice to juggle the angle of view and rotation speed to get a decent-sized panorama. The best I managed was 8.200 pixels wide. The system also cuts off quit a bit at the extremes, far more than shown on the LCD.

Advantages: good quality jpg, even exposure and ease of use.

 

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And plenty of detail - 100% crop:

 

[mmanda]

Who else read this post and thought  "Oh a Panorama function, I didnt notice that on the CL"    

[jaapv]

Actually I do use it occasionally on cameras that have it; it saves a lot of work in the computer.

Most of my cameras have functions that I never use, like Auto-ISO.

Still, I make a point of knowing it’s there .

[LocalHero1953]

As a matter of principle, I never explore Scene modes. 

My principles are flexible, though

[jaapv]

That is why I found it so late

[andybarton]

Does this record only in jpg, or is RAW an option?

[jaapv]

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Only JPG. (like all cameras I know)

[Tobers]

Didn’t even know it had a panorama mode. Doh! I could have used that many times when up in Scotland recently. Must RTFM.

[jaapv]

Another attempt

 

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[Photon42]

When I went skiing last time, I found it too much effort switching modes and then being faced with less successful rate compared to the iPhone, which actually produces decent panorama quality. After seeing it somewhere on a feature list, I had to dive into the user manual to find the option, though.

[scott kirkpatrick]

JPG and doing is as a scene mode makes sense.  I can't imagine trying to stitch the Bayer image.  Does it fix exposure on the first shot?  I find I usually have to adjust exposure between shots to get a smooth, uniform sky tone, and even then the result is not constant when the sun is out.

[jaapv]

I find no exposure issues in my test shots.

[LocalHero1953]

JPG and doing is as a scene mode makes sense.  I can't imagine trying to stitch the Bayer image.  Does it fix exposure on the first shot?  I find I usually have to adjust exposure between shots to get a smooth, uniform sky tone, and even then the result is not constant when the sun is out.

I have used Lightroom's panorama function successfully to stitch raw images to create a new DNG. A straightforward process, though the original files clog up your catalogue unless you delete them afterwards. I use manual exposure and don't usually adjust it mid-sequence.

 

OTOH, what do you do with a big panorama shot? Viewing on screen doesn't show their full glory, and although printing is possible, framing is expensive and not many people have enough wall space.

 

The best use I have had for this is for taking virtual wide-angle images when I've only had a mid or long focal length lens with me. I shoot in portrait orientation and crop to landscape.

[jaapv]

I am going to print one 2 m wide and have ir on Perspex. I have just the place for it.

[scott kirkpatrick]

Maybe I'm making it harder that it needs to be, but I leave the camera in AutoISO, portrait mode with some longer lens, and take lots of shots.  After I have done any sky corrections, I often find that corrected exposure varies, especially if I scan an angle like 180 degrees.

 

I view them in Preview, Actual size, full screen on a 23" monitor.  And once in a rare while, I get them printed, 1-2m wide.

[jaapv]

Disclosure: The one I am going to print was done in Photoshop, as it needed perspective corrections.