Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is a Gigapan? show

GigaPan, or Gigapixel Panorama, is an extremely high resolution image. GigaPan images have amazing detail, achieved by combining hundreds or thousands of individual digital photos into one brilliant panorama.

How can I make a GigaPan? show

It´s easy with our complete GigaPan System - EPIC, Stitch and Website! The GigaPan EPIC, EPIC or EPIC Pro quickly and easily takes hundreds of individual photos with most ordinary digital cameras. GigaPan Stitch Software is custom software designed to combine these photos into one brilliant panorama with a billion pixels or more. GigaPan.com hosts your image online where you can share it, interact with other users, and see thousands of other amazing GigaPans.

Camera Compatibility

Will my camera work with the GigaPan EPIC? show

Over 200 common cameras are compatible with GigaPan products - please see our Compatible Camera page for the most recent listing.

What if my camera is not listed? show

If your camera is not listed as compatible, it either does not currently work with any of our systems or has not yet been tested. We regularly test new or common cameras and update the results on our Compatible Camera page. There are two general requirements for a camera to work with the EPIC:

1. It must be able to physically fit on the GigaPan EPIC.
2. The camera must have manual mode and the ability to set or lock exposure, white balance and focus.

Is there a GigaPan model for DSLR's? show

Yes, the EPIC Pro supports larger digital SLR cameras. Learn more about the EPIC Pro here. 

Equipment

What do I need to use the GigaPan EPIC? show

Here is a list of required and recommended equipment:

• Tripod
• GigaPan EPIC
• 6 AA-sized Batteries for the EPIC or EPIC 100 (recommended: rechargeable NiMH batteries plus spares). The EPIC Pro comes with a rechargeable battery.
• Compatible Digital Camera with memory card (4GB card recommended)
• A Mac (Intel-Based) or PC with a minimum of 1 GB of RAM (recommended: 2 GB)
• GigaPan Stitch Software Software
• Memory Card USB Reader or USB camera cable

 

What kind of tripod should I use? show

Any basic, sturdy tripod will work. Having a quick release plate mechanism is helpful.

Will my camera work with the GigaPan EPIC? show

Over 200 common cameras are compatible with GigaPan products - please see our Compatible Camera page for the most recent listing.

What kind of batteries do you recommend? show

We recommend rechargeable NiMH batteries, as they often last longer and can be reused many times. AA batteries are used in the EPIC and EPIC 100. The EPIC Pro comes with a rechargeable battery.

What is the size and weight of the GigaPan EPIC? show

• The EPIC´s dimensions are approximately 7.75" W x 5" D x 7.75" H, and it weighs approximately 4 lbs.
• The EPIC 100´s dimensions are approximately 8.37"W x 5"D x 8.71"H, and it weighs approximately 4 lbs.
• The EPIC Pro´s dimensions are approximately 10-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 5-7/8" (27.12cm x 30.25cm x 15 cm), and it weighs approximately 7.25 lbs. with Battery (3.3 kg).

How long does it take to shoot a GigaPan image? show

If you´re taking a panorama with fixed focus and fast shutter, you can capture over 20 pictures per minute. Indoor or night-time shots require longer shutter times and can take longer. Using the 2-second camera delay allows the GigaPan EPIC and tripod to settle before each picture.

What is the best way to transport the GigaPan EPIC? show

The EPIC is quite durable and easy to handle. It is easiest to use a camera bag or backpack and leave your camera attached to the EPIC.

How does the GigaPan EPIC perform in weather? show

The GigaPan EPIC can be used in snow, rain and wind. Keep the EPIC and camera as dry as possible, and be sure to secure your tripod so it will not tip over if bumped or pushed by wind.

Software

What are compatible Operating Systems? show

Windows XP, Vista, or 7 and Intel-based Macs with OS X 10.4.9 or later. You also need at least 1GB of RAM, but 2GB is recommended; and 30 GB of free hard drive space (this can be an external drive).

How long does the GigaPan Stitch take? show

For GigaPans up to several hundred input images, stitching can be as fast as shooting (just seconds per input image). GigaPan Stitch Software quickly prepares a low-resolution preview of the final result, allowing the user to view, check, and even begin upload and export of their GigaPan before it is completed.

GigaPan Stitch is fast to do the initial stitch and gets to 19-25% complete quickly; then it performs a global alignment of the whole image. (This global alignment may take some time and may make Stitch appear stalled or timed out) The global alignment will finish and then it will stitch the remaining portions of the image.

GigaPan Stitch can do stitching, viewing, uploading, and exporting simultaneously, if desired.

What are my options after stitching? show

GigaPan Stitch Software output formats are TIFF or Photoshop RAW and you can save the GigaPan to the location of your choice. You may upload your panorama to the GigaPan.com website, or embed in your own website or blog.

Which stitching software should I use? show

GigaPan Stitch is custom software developed for use with the GigaPan EPIC series of robotic camera mounts and provided with each EPIC purchase. Our software integrates information from your images for faster, more accurate stitching. Third party stitching software will also work with our images.

How do I know if I am using the most current GigaPan Stitching Software? show

The current Stitch software releases can be found on the GigaPan Stitch software page. If you currently have GigaPan Stitch, the software will continue to work without re-typing the license key when you update to the latest version. If you purchase the upgrade to GigaPan Stitch.Efx, simply enter the license key when you're prompted the first time you run Stitch. To determine which GigaPan Stitch product you're currently licensed for (Stitch or Stitch.Efx), run your Stitch software, click on Help, then click on License.

How do I get a copy of the GigaPan Stitch software? show

GigaPan Stitch software is complimentary with the purchase of a model in the GigaPan EPIC series. EPIC owners can download their software online. Just go to the GigaPan Stitch page for details on how to register to receive your complementary software.

In addition, GigaPan Stitch and Stitch.Efx are available for purchase separately at the GigaPan Store on GigaPan.com

I purchased an EPIC and did not receive my complimentary copy of Stitch. show

To receive your Stitch software, visit the GigaPan Stitch software page and follow directions to complete registration. Once registered, you’ll be sent an email with your license key and a download link. If you did not receive an email with your license key after registering, make sure you check your spam/junk folder. If you still did not receive it, please contact us.

What is the difference between GigaPan Stitch and Stitch.Efx? show

Stitch.Efx has all the same great features as Stitch, including vignette correction, in addition to advanced options for color and contrast adjustment, image arrangement, and fine-tuning the blending of your images. Learn more about Stitch and Stitch.Efx

What's the difference between the Stitch and Upload applications? show

GigaPan Stitch takes multiple overlapping images, typically tens of megapixels each, aligns them, blends them, saves the resulting panorama on your computer, and it can upload the stitched image to gigapan.org for sharing and web viewing. GigaPan Upload takes an image in a single file, typically hundreds to thousands of megapixels, and uploads to gigapan.org. The latter is useful if you've stitched an image and edited it with software such as Photoshop, or if you stitched using software other than GigaPan Stitch.

How do I get the GigaPan Upload software? show

You can download the software here.

What are GigaPan Stitch’s compatible file formats? show

The input images must be in JPEG, TIFF, or PNG format. Stitch does not accept Camera Raw format as input, so if you have shot in a camera Raw, you will need to convert images into a compatible file format.

Once you stitch your images you can export as a RAW or TIFF file.

What are GigaPan Upload’s compatible file formats?show

Upload software will upload JPG, RAW, TIFF, KRO, PSB, PSD formats.

View and Share at GigaPan.com

Can I embed my panorama in my website or blog? show

Yes, provided you agree to and abide by the GigaPan Terms of Embedding. Learn more about embedding here.

How do I embed? show

Method 1: Anyone can go to the detail page of a gigapan whose owner has checked the "Allow others to embed" box. Once there, click Embed and copy/paste the code.
Method 2: The owner of a gigapan can use the Embedding Wizard by going to "My Gigapans" and clicking the "Embed" link next to any embeddable gigapan then following the instructions on the embed wizard page.

Can I comment on other panoramas? show

Yes, we invite you to be part of the GigaPan community. You can share ideas, take a snapshot, or make comments. The GigPan community explores and shares images, learning and making amazing discoveries.

How can I make my panorama visible in Google Earth? show

Login in to your account. After logging in, click on "My GigaPans" at the top right side of the page. All of your panoramas will be displayed. Click on your panorama to view it's detail page, then click on the Edit button. Access geolocation interface by clicking on the "Place this panorama in Google Earth" link. The image location data can be changed by dragging the map interface or by editing the text boxes that list the image coordinates. Be sure to click the "Save" button located below the coordinates after any changes.

Do note, panoramas are not automatically included in the Gigapan layer in Google Earth. Displayed panoramas are hand-selected and only periodically updated. We look at several aspects when deciding which panoramas to include in the Google Earth layer update, including the quality of the image, interesting features of the image, and quality of the geolocation/placement in Google Earth.

How do I join the Gigapan community? show

Register for free! Becoming part of our community allows you to view, share and explore incredible high resolution imagery. Share your own panoramas and your insights about others. Explore and discuss amazing panoramas from around the world.

Purchasing

Where can I buy GigaPan Products? show

Our products are available via this website and several international distributors. Interested in becoming a retailer? Please contact us

How much will shipping cost? show

Once you place a product in our online shopping cart, click "Proceed To Checkout". Enter your name and shipping address to see a list of shipping options. Choose a shipping option to see your final price.

How can I pay for my order? show

We accept all major credit cards. Other terms may be available for bulk purchases (5 EPICs or more) - if you qualify, contact us for more information

What is your return policy? show

If you are not satisfied with your GigaPan product, you can request a return within 30 days from the date of your purchase. Products must be in sellable, like new condition and include all original materials. Approved returns will receive a full refund of the product cost. Some products, such as accessories and software, are not eligible, so please review our return policy first and then contact customer service for any further support.

Shipping

What shipping options do you offer? show

We ship via USPS and UPS and offer a variety of choices offering both speed and value. To see a shipping quote, place a product in our online shopping cart, then click "Proceed To Checkout". Enter your name and shipping address to see a list of shipping options.

How fast will my GigaPan arrive? show

All models are currently in stock, and orders usually ship the next business day. We offer a variety of shipping choices offering both speed and value, including overnight shipping in the US.