ArcSoft Panorama Maker 6.0.0.92

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on September 04, 2009

ArcSoft Panorama Maker Pro is a simple and elegant way for users to convert multiple images into one panoramic image. Its sleek design and ease of use place it among the best programs we've seen.

The program's interface is quite sleek and attractive. The first screen that users encounter upon opening the program contains information about how to shoot photos that make good panoramic images, including information about camera settings, tripod use, and photo overlap. Past that, to the left is a tree-structured view of the computer, allowing users to quickly locate the images that they want to work with. Because we had access to photos taken by a professional with a tripod, all we had to do was choose our images, click Next, and the program converted our four photos into one seamless panoramic image. We were quite impressed with how good the result looked, with no indication that multiple images had been stitched together. The program recognizes, of course, that in many cases users will not have perfectly level, perfectly metered shots, so it gives users the option of manually adjusting the alignment points and blend. Users can also adjust the brightness and contrast of images. A variety of panoramic layouts is supported, including vertical, horizontal, tile, and 360 degrees. The online Help file is brief but useful.

ArcSoft Panorama Maker Pro is free to try, but results can only be saved at 1/16 size. The program installs desktop icons without asking but uninstalls cleanly. We strongly recommend this program to all users.

Publisher's Description

From ArcSoft:

ArcSoft Panorama Maker 6 lets you create perfect panorama images with photos and videos via quite simple process.

Features include:

Create, view, and export dazzling 3D panoramas
Turn your 2D photos and videos into 3D works-of-art with Sim3D. Stitch your video frames together to create an amazing panorama. Save your panorama as an MPO file so friends and family can view your masterpiece in their favorite 3D viewing application.

Provides five professional stitch modes
5 professional photo stitch modes: Auto, Horizontal, 360, Tile, and Vertical. Make panoramas from vast landscapes, city skylines, mountains ranges, lush forests, towering skyscrapers, and cascading waterfalls by choosing proper modes. Export your panorama as a variety of file formats including: JPEG, TIF, BMP, TGA, MOV, Flash, PTViewer.

Powerful media editing tools
Automatically adjust the color effect of your panorama with auto-color balance. Edit your panorama by adjusting auto-brightness, auto-exposure, and auto-dynamic lighting. Manual editing tools to crop, straighten, and adjust the brightness and contrast levels.

Convenient online print service
Print professional-looking panorama photos in a snap with built-in, online printing service. Customize your panorama prints with size and material (such as Matte and Glossy).

What's new in this version: Version 6.0.0.92 includes the following improvements: