GigaPan EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount
The EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount from GigaPan is a unique robotic camera mount that empowers most large point & shoot and small digital SLR cameras with the ability to capture gigapixel images. It is easy to use and remarkably efficient. Simply set the corners of the panorama you want to capture using the LCD interface.
The built-in software works out how many photos your camera will need to take, hundreds or even thousands. Then the EPIC 100 begins snapping the photos, automatically organizing them in overlapping rows and columns. After shooting, the included Gigapan Stitch software assembles, aligns and blends the individual images into one large panorama. The software then uploads your panorama to GigaPan.com for sharing. You also can embed your uploaded panorama onto any website.
For a list of compatible cameras visit cameras.
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The following equipment is needed for using the EPIC 100:
- Tripod (capable of supporting the EPIC 100 and your camera)
- 6 x AA NiMH batteries (rechargeable ones are preferred)
- Digital camera
- Memory card (4GB is recommended)
- The GigaPan EPIC 100 comes with fully integrated software - GigaPan Stitch, which automatically combines the images captured by the GigaPan EPIC 100 into a single brilliant panorama. Upload the images onto your computer and into the GigaPan Stitch software. GigaPan Stitch does the work for you, aligning and blending your individual pictures together for a single panorama.
- Share, store, and explore, by uploading your gigapixel panorama to GigaPan.com where the powerful technology of the GigaPan Viewer allows you to zoom in and out, seeing unbelievable detail.
- If you're taking a panorama with fixed focus and fast shutter, you can capture over 20 pictures per minute. Indoor or night-time shots require longer shutter times and can take longer. Using the 2-second camera delay allows the GigaPan Imager and tripod to settle before each picture.
- The GigaPan Imager can be used in snow, rain and wind. Keep the Imager and camera as dry as possible, and be sure to secure your tripod so it will not tip over if bumped or pushed by wind.
- An easily adjustable metal plate accommodates larger cameras.
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The EPIC 100 provides elevation of the camera plate from the imager body 1.3" (33.5 mm) to allow a greater range for camera pitch (tilt or elevation).
Gearing for the pitch is 15:1 which allows greater holding torque and fine precision movements.
- The EPIC 100 supports 360° panoramic and 60-90° tilt ranges-of-motion.
- A Start/Delay function enables a timer delay before each panorama capture begins. The timer can be set to 1, 15, 30, 60, 120, or 300 seconds. Not only does this provide time for the equipment to stop its vibrations, it gives you the option to include yourself in the panorama.
- The EPIC 100 has a multiple shutter which allows the GigaPan unit to take up to 9 captures at each image location.
- The EPIC 100 supports shutter actuation through the remote shutter port that is available on most DSLR cameras. A separate cable (not included) is required depending on camera make/model.
- The Pause and Scroll functions give you the ability to recapture a specific photo or photos in the sequence.
- The EPIC 100 moves your camera with precise incremental movements of 0.36°.
- The device is robust and durable.
- A stainless steel mounting arm minimizes flex and vibrations.
- It is easy to navigate the EPIC 100's menu with a highly visible LCD screen.
- The built-in bubble level lets you quickly position the EPIC 100 for a perfect horizon.
- Scale and marking features enable repeatable adjustment.
- The anti-slip camera pad keeps your equipment from slipping out of position.
- It features a sleek design with strong cast-aluminum chassis.
- The Epic has a battery tray that is easy to remove and refill.
- The controllable backlit screen can be set to "On" or "Auto" for low-light conditions, or "Off" for daylight conditions, minimizing battery drain.
| System Requirements |
Intel-based Mac or PC with 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended) Memory card, card reader or USB from camera 30GB GigaPan Stitch software (included) |
| Display | 2-line monochrome LCD |
| Bubble Level | Yes |
| Power Requirements | 6 x AA batteries (alkaline, rechargeable NiMH, Lithium-ion) |
| Battery Capacity |
More than 1000 images (on fully charged batteries)
1
Please Note:Many conditions affect battery life (temperature, age, settings, etc.). close |
| Camera Mount | 1/4" thread |
| Dimensions | 8.4 x 8.8 x 4.9" (21.4 x 22.4 x 12.5 cm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 5 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attaches firmly (3)
- Stable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 5 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Easy operation
- Excellent at what it does
- Good Stability
- Great firmware
- Large Range of Motion
- Near-perfect Device
- Practical
- Slick design
- Smooth Operation
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Battery Hungry
- Lacks Documentation
- Steep Learning Curve
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about GigaPan EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount:
What can be said? Gigapan Systems is from the future. Here's a little robot that you attach to your tripod, throw in your best camera, and it shoots X number of photos for you. Sounds cool, right?
It is. I love the Gigapan. For me, someone who shoots thousands and thousands of photos a day, it makes a lot of sense to automate parts of my process. The Gigapan, in the hands of a Gigapan Operator, can work wonders.
In the hands of just about everyone else, however, I warn you that there is a steep learning curve. Understanding what's going on with this type of photography is no cake-walk. I have been working for three hard years on it and still consider myself pretty n00b. But I'm a generalist.
The Epic 100 that I purchased had some problems initially with the electronics. B&H took that model back, however, and hooked me up with another model, which has shown no difficulties and works like a charm.
Two other major issues: Battery Life and Documentation
1. Battery Life
Shooting thousands of photos? Well, be ready to invest in a solid battery collection just for your Gigapan. The little robot is helpful, but power hungry. In other words, I would recommend rechargeable batteries and a lot of them. I use upwards of forty, and would like more, for each Gigapan Epic 100 I use. Be ready to use a lot of batteries if you want to use this product at a professional level.
2. Documentation
Frankly, the documentation that Gigapan has provided for the Gigapan is minimal. They offer a single notecard, single-sided, about how to operate the thing. At least they had that, I guess, for it made my first few minutes with this rather complex object more manageable. I would suggest, however, that most people will need to spend quite a while figuring out how everything works on their own. While that is not a deal-breaker, I would encourage Gigapan to expand their documentation and instruction manual to something more "real" and less of a joke.
Nonetheless, the Epic 100 is awesome and none of these problems can push past that point. I have been plugging away with it, now that I have acquired enough burnt-in rechargeable batteries to run the thing for more than a few quarter-hours, it is a dream:
The construction is solid. The motors operate well and without problems. Once I taught myself how to set it up, I found myself liking the entire operation of the Gigapan.
Furthermore, the menu system and processes are well-tuned, easy-to-understand after use, and offer a lot of great options for duplication of excellent results. It has a lot of flexibility built right into the present firmware. I would argue that next to my Sony A100s, the Gigapan is another near-perfect or perfect photography device. In short, when looking to the actual mechanism, there is nothing that I can say that's bad about the Gigapan Epic 100.
The Gigapan Epic 100 is a perfect little robot for certain tasks, despite the fact that it is somewhat mercurial for n00bs, and the market for this object is five years down the line.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about GigaPan EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount:
The battery indicator is not accurate, it flashes low battery just a short time after installing a fresh set of NiMH but the batteries last a long time after the warning comes on...just ignore an keep shooting!
The Canon SX10is does not fit as described in the literature. You cannot adjust enough to accurately determine the Nodal point.
G12 works great though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about GigaPan EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount:
Of course we all dream about a 50M pixel medium format camera to shot stunning landscapes and panorama. I have a great news for you: this Gigapan device can turn your camera into a 100M+ digital camera!
I use it with a Leica M8-2 with a Leica 90mm, shooting from 20 to 50 shots. Once stitched either in Photoshop or Gigapan software, a 40x60" at 300dpi is no more a dream it's real. Facing the prints I've done this way is... a stunning experience!
Of course to get seamless stitches, perfect optics is necessary. This methods is also limited to non-moving subjects.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about GigaPan EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount:
After viewing the instrutional video on the Gigapan website is was very easy to use. The challenge after that was to find fun places to use it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable so far
- Easy to use
- reasonable price
Cons
- Weight load limit 3lb
Best Uses
- Commercial
- landscape
- Personal
- Reasearch
- Sports
Comments about GigaPan EPIC 100 Robotic Camera Mount:
In minutes, you will shoot like a pro! Very soon you will start thinking of buying the Epic PRO. If you like and appreciate quality, than go for the PRO because you will not be able to mount you high quality lens and DSLR on it. The maximum weight load is 3lbs whereas the Epic PRO is 10lbs.[@]
Displaying reviews 1-5
Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $0.59
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- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Remote Controls
- Price: $14.95
Turntables, Panoramic Stands & Accessories
- Price: $27.95
What's in the Box
- GigaPan Stitch Software
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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