But IPIX uses only two shots, that must be quick?

Yes, but even faster are the one-shot no-click-fee approaches, such as BeHere and Cyclovision. In our opinion, the one and two shot approaches are limited with respect to final panoramic image quality.

But those other solutions you mentioned don't capture a full sphere, right?

True, but for many panoramas capturing a full sphere doesn't really add anything. And when you do require a full sphere, there are other less-costly alternatives that we believe offer superior image quality.

Why doesn't everyone shoot with one or two shots?

It's a tradeoff. From a technical perspective you'll generally have a much higher image quality when you capture a panorama with more images. The more images, the more pixels. You'll be able to zoom in closer without pixelation. With more pixels, you'll also be able to print high-quality panoramas as well. There's also exposure issues and the cost factor.

What's the cost factor?

IPIX charges a "click-fee" for every panorama. You must purchase "keys" from IPIX. The cost ranges from a special Real Estate four-pack for $50 to a normal single panorama at $25, up to $100 for a high-quality panorama that was shot on film (although I have heard this is coming down to $50).

Is that it?

No, like the other approaches, such as those supported by Kaidan (i.e. QuickTime VR, iMove, iSeeMedia) and BeHere and Cyclovision, you need to purchase equipment. IPIX photography requires a tripod head or "rotator" and a special hemispherical fisheye lens. For inexpensive digital cameras, such as the Coolpix 950, the cost is only several hundred dollars. For a higher-quality solution based on a film camera, the hardware, in particular the large fisheye lens (Nikkor 8mm) can be very expensive - perhaps upwards of $15K.

What are the key points with the Kaidan/iMove SMS-1?

Essentially, you shoot the panorama with a regular camera (digital or film) with a standard rectlinear (non-fisheye) lens. With a 14mm or 15mm lens you'll capture a full sphere with two rows of 6 images. The solution, including hardware and software lists for $1500, and unlike IPIX, there are no "click-fees." You can shoot as many panoramas as you like.

Doesn't it take a long time to shoot two rows of six, compared, say to an IPIX solution?

Shooting 12 images does takes longer than shooting 2. But not as much as you would think. Tasks like, choosing a location and setting up the tripod take the most time. Let's estimate 15 minutes per panorama. It takes about 3 seconds to shoot and rotate the camera with either solution. So, with the IPIX solution you'll need just over 15 minutes to capture a panorama, whereas with the SMS-1 you'll need about 16 minutes. As for indexing the camera with the SMS-1, it's very easy. You simply turn and click the camera into position for each shot.

Hmmm, only a minute difference when actually shooting?

Yes. And since the SMS-1 image quality (because of multiple shots and the potential use of film) compares most closely with the high-end IPIX solution the question becomes, "Is that saved minute worth a $100 (or even $25) click fee and very expensive equipment? If you shoot 4 panoramas in an hour, that's up to $400 per hour of savings that can go into the photographer's pocket, or be passed along as savings to the consumer.

So what do I get for that extra minute of time?

A SMS-1 spherical panorama will generally have more pixels and therefore be able to be support zooming in to see details. Another side benefit of shooting more images is that exposure of the overall image will be more uniform and more evenly blended. With two shots, you often get a dramatic exposure variation between the two hemispheres. This often shows up as a visible seam between the two half spheres.