From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A panoramic tripod head is a piece of photographic equipment which allows photographers to shoot a sequence of images around the entrance pupil of a lens to produce a panorama. The primary function of the panoramic head is to precisely set this entrance pupil for a given lens or focal length.

The resulting sequence of images can then be assembled ("stitched") using stitching software. Stitching software generally takes two forms: semi/fully automatic or manual. Semi/fully automated stitching software uses sophisticated image analysis and processing to detect matching features in adjacent images. The images are then aligned using the matching features, once aligned the overlapping regions are blending to create a seamless single image. Manual stitching software relies on the end user physically setting control points on matching pixels in adjacent images. The manual software usually results in a more accurate stitch but at the expense of effort.

The final panoramic images can then be viewed or printed as flat images or viewed interactively using specific playback software.

Panoramic Head	Features
303SPH [1] Manfrotto	Three sliding plates for precise nodal point positioning on all planes/axes. Short plates included for more convenient use with compact cameras. Long plates included for use with larger SLR or medium format cameras. Camera attachment via 1/4 - 20” and 3/8” male screw. 3/8” female tripod fitting. Dual graduated scale to set the angle of rotation Graduated scale from 0° to 360° on lower part of 300N rotation unit. By removing vertical brackets, the 303SPH can also be used as an object turntable. Vertical bracket folds down and removes for compact size during transport.
3Sixty [2] Peace River Studios	Accepts most cameras Mounts on most standard tripods Standard indexing intervals of 20 and 30 degrees, additional indexing disks available Asymmetric rotation prevents the user from backing up and shooting out of sequence Trigger-clutch allows free motion in either direction and manual angle settings Mount Adjusts to photograph in portrait or landscape orientation, and also to photograph stero image pairs Bull's eye level Rugged mount, made from black anodized aluminum with Teflon coating to assure smooth action of the moving parts Folds to fit easily in your camera case
Absolute [3] 360Precision Ltd	Highly accurate Batch Stitching Solution High Precision Engineering Full spherical panoramic tripod head Full multi-row compatibility Zero degree vertical flex Designed to take 10kg loads Extremely easy to use Built-in bubble level High Quality FAG bearings Indestructible brass detent ring 1/4" and 3/8" tripod mount save hours in post production 5 year warranty
Adjuste [4] 360Precision Ltd	Fully Adjustable High Precision Engineering Compatible with all current DSLRs Full multi-row compatibility Zero degree vertical flex Designed to take 5kg loads Extremely easy to use Built-in bubble level High Quality FAG bearings Ships with standard 12 stop detent,can be changed in 30 seconds 3,5,6,8,10,12,24,32,40,48 detents available 1/4" and 3/8" tripod mount 3 year warranty
Nodal Ninja 3 [5] Nodal Ninja	Other QTVR Tripod heads can cost hundreds of dollars more. The smallest panoramic tripod head on the market today. 475 grams FULL rotation UP with many cameras and wide angle lenses. Fits most DSLR’s Reversible detent rings offer click stops at varying degrees 15/18 (default) 20/24, 45/60, 72/0, 90/120 degree rings Sturdy - made from lightweight aluminum metal (extremely durable for field use) Allows your camera to be mounted in landscape mode (with optional N3T30 adapter) Allows the use of Quick Release Adapters (like Velbon or Bogen/Manfotto) Made to higher precision tolerances than earlier models. 3/8” AND 1/4” thread mount adapter. Adjustable resistance for horizontal panning. Easy to assembly - no tools required. Leveling - built-in quality bubble level for exact leveling. Finish - attractive “non-glare” matt black. Ease - large easy to turn knurled edge adjustments knobs (great with gloves in cold weather) Numerical demarcations on horizontal and vertical rotators Rail rulers - remember your set points with different lenses. Closed rail design - assures your expensive camera won’t slip off accidentally. Small Rotator Base - less footprint to edit out when doing full spherical panos. Customer support - top notch. 2 year Warranty - against breakage due to manufacturer defect. 30 day money back guarantee