There are many ways to create panorama images but like other things the more work put in the better the result. The best quality images are created using desktop software on high quality images taken with a DSLR or high end compact with stitch assist. The simplest way is undoubtably using a basic Sony Sweep camera but for the pickier user the sharpness may be lacking, the exposure is not always well balanced plus the pixel height of 1080 in standard wide mode only allows around 7" prints at best. However, there are now better resolutions availabe on some models and other makes that can do higher resolution 'in camera stitches' notably Olympus, Pentax, and Kodak. The Olympus range e.g. TG610 offer a balance including a 'stitch assist' and 'in camera stitch' selectable by user. The stitch quality of the 'in camera stitch' is poor and similar resolution to Sony. Joining stitch assisted images using their own software does not give such good results as using Photoshop. The best of the 'in camera stitches' is probably Kodak which has models acheiving image heights of 1680px for a aspect ratio of 4 and more for a lower ratio. If buying a camera for this feature please check with your retailer that you can return it with no penalty if unsatisfied as some will stretch consumer law past the limit and charge a 'restocking fee' up to 15% (e.g. Warehouse Express)
