GigaPan EPIC User manual

C 2010 GigaPan. All rights reserved.
GigaPan is a registered trade and service mark of Carnegie Mellon University licensed by GigaPix Systems, LLC.

GigaPan User Guide
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In this guide...
1. Introduction 1
1.1 What is the GigaPan System? 1
1.2 GigaPan EPIC Parts 3
1.3 GigaPan EPIC 100 Parts 4
1.4 EPIC Special Features 5
1.5 EPIC 100 Extra Features 5
2. Setting up the GigaPan EPIC 6
2.1 Get your equipment ready 6
2.2 Install Batteries 6
2.3 Mount the GigaPan EPIC on a tripod 7
2.4 Mount your camera 8
2.5 Adjust mounting tray/operating arm 8
2.6 Align your camera to the GigaPan EPIC 8
2.7 Set-up your camera 9
2.8 Finding your camera’s nodal point 11
3. Using the GigaPan EPIC 13
3.1 Start a new panorama 13
3.2 Repeat your last panorama 14
3.3 Navigating the EPIC Menu 15
3.4 Using the EPIC 100 Extra Features 17
4. Stitching and uploading panoramas 18
4.1 Using GigaPan Stitch software 18
4.2 Share your panoramas online 21
5. Exploring GigaPan.com 25
5.1 View and share 25
5.2 Embed your panorama 27
5.3 Place your panorama on Google Earth 28
6.Troubleshooting 31
6.1 My photos are blurry 31
6.2 My camera is missing pictures 31
6.3 I want to remove the checklist before every panorama 31
6.4 My panoramas are distorted or misaligned 32
6.5 My computer freezes while the stitching software is working 32
7. Tips and tricks 33
Please Note: This manual applies to both the EPIC and EPIC 100 robotic camera
mounts. Both models will be referred to as the EPIC, unless otherwise noted.

GigaPan User Guide
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1. Introduction
1.1 What is the GigaPan System?
Capturing stunning gigapixel images is easy with the GigaPan System. It is a complete
solution with integrated equipment, software and website. The GigaPan EPIC and EPIC 100
work seamlessly with the GigaPan Stitch software and GigaPan.com to capture, upload
and share gigapixel panoramas. Zoom into thousands of stunning panoramas from around
the world with the amazing GigaPan Viewer. Join GigaPan.com to view and share with
friends, take snapshots and embed panoramas on your own website.
Here is an overview of how easy and fun it is to use the GigaPan System, in 4 simple steps:
1. Pick a scene
The GigaPan EPIC automates the panorama-taking process by taking hundreds of images
of the selected scene.
2. Click
The GigaPan EPIC automatically operates your camera to take a series of photographs of
your scene.

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3. Stitch
GigaPan Stitch software assembles, aligns and blends the individual images into one large
panorama.
4. Share
GigaPan Stitch software then uploads your panorama to GigaPan.com to share with
friends and the GigaPan community. You also have the ability to embed your uploaded
panorama on any website.
Introduction

GigaPan User Guide
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1.2 GigaPan EPIC Parts
Bubble Level
Directional Keys
Platform Thumbscrew
Camera Mounting Screw
Power/OK
Battery Chamber
Camera Mounting Plate
Arm Scale
Button-Pusher Arm
Button-Pusher Arm
Platform Thumbscrew
Button-Pusher
Cancel (X)

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Introduction
1.3 GigaPan EPIC 100 Parts
Bubble Level
Directional Keys
Platform Thumbscrew
Camera Mounting Screw
Battery Chamber
Camera Mounting Plate
(extends)
Arm Scale
Button-Pusher Arm
Button-Pusher Arm
Platform Thumbscrew
Button-Pusher
Camera Mounting Plate
Adjustment Screws
Power/OK
Cancel (X)

GigaPan User Guide
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The EPIC 100 has all the same great capabilities as the EPIC, plus several extra features,
including:
Designed for use with a broad range of large and
small point-and-shoot digital cameras
An extendable metal plate on the camera base tor
accommodate larger cameras
A greater elevation of the camera plate from ther
EPIC 100 body of 33.5 mm to allow for a greater
range for camera pitch (tilt or elevation)
The gearing for the pitch is 15:1 (versus 5:1 for ther
EPIC) allowing for greater holding torque and ner
precision movements
Multiple Shutter - Setting allows GigaPan EPIC 100 to take up to 9 pictures at each image
location (See Chapter 3.4 for more information)
Digital Remote Shutter - EPIC 100 supports remote shutter actuation through the remote
shutter port available on most DSLR cameras (See Chapter 3.4 for more information)
1.5 EPIC 100 Extra Features
1.4 EPIC Special Features
Robust and durable, yet compact and lightweightr
360 degree panoramic range-of-motionr
Easy-to-navigate menu with illuminated displayr
Simple camera mount and bubble level allow forr
quick set-up
Removable battery pack. Requires 6 AA batteriesr
(rechargeable NiMH or Lithium recommended)
GigaPan EPIC robotic camera mount captures ultra high resolution images with a broad
range of compact digital cameras. Small, lightweight and easy-to-use, EPIC is ideal for
travel and adventure.

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2. Setting up the GigaPan EPIC
Carefully follow the steps below to capture the highest quality panoramas.
2.1 Get your equipment ready
To start shooting panoramas with your GigaPan EPIC, you will need:
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set of batteries, especially if using alkaline)
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to take the number of pictures the panorama requires
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2.2 Install Batteries
1. Open the battery chamber on the side of the EPIC
by squeezing the two battery holder clips together
and pulling the holder away from the unit.
2. Remove the battery holder.
3. Install six AA batteries into the battery holder.
Double check to ensure there are no gaps between
the batteries.
4. Carefully re-insert the battery holder, ensuring that
both clips snap securely into place.
A few battery tips:
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charged a week or so ago are still charged before you begin shooting.
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to ensure the batteries don’t drain if the OK button is accidently bumped.
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Setting up the GigaPan EPIC

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To ensure a steady series of images, use the EPIC with a sturdy tripod tted with a standard 1/4-
20 tripod screw.
1. Set up the tripod. Make sure that the legs have a solid footing on the ground and the tripod’s
adjustment screws are not loose.
2. If your tripod has a quick-release plate, attach it to the EPIC’s tripod mount at the bottom.
3. Gently tighten the screw till the quick-release plate is rmly attached to the GigaPan.
4. Clip the plate back onto the tripod.
5. Center the bubble level on the unit using the tripod legs and head adjustments.
2.3 Mount the GigaPan EPIC on a tripod
Quick-Release Plate Tripod Mount
Bubble Level