SD500 on the way - how to use stitch assist?

[ricekiller2003]

As the title says, I shuffled out $500 at Ritz cameras. I now have a Canon SD500 coming directly to my house via Fedex. Can't wait! :D



I've been reading up on it, and I wanted to know more about a couple of things from owners here that aren't really elaborated on in reviews. I heard of a stitch assist? How well does this work with the camera? Would it be a good idea to use this feature with a tripod? Does it look genuine when put together in the software? I am really looking forward to 7.1 MP panoramic photos!


Also, I was hoping someone could tell me more about the Arcsoft software that comes with this. What can I do with it, and how good is it really? I hope someone can fill me in on this before it arrives. I'm taking it out to the scenic stuff the day it arrives with my Sunpak 7500 Pro tripod!

[SamuraiJack]

I just got my SD500. I have only used stitch assist once or twice so far, but I have to say it looks really good. After putting the photos together and cropping it, most of the time you really have to look to see where they were joined. Also...a few simple photoshop fixes can really make it look fantastic. The healing brush is awesome. Overall...it does a very nice job on its own though. I'll see if I can post one later.


Wes

[JTL]

Also, I was hoping someone could tell me more about the Arcsoft software that comes with this. What can I do with it, and how good is it really?Canon ships ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5.5 with the SD500. It is a fairly feature rich package that has just about anything that I can think of that you would need...including layers, a multitude of effects and support for plug-ins. Personally, I don't use it because I am a long-time PaintShop user and don't feel like learning a new application. But it appears fairly complete. Link as follows:

http://www.arcsoft.com/en/products/photostudio/

The rest of the software that comes with the SD500 is as follows:

• Camera Window – The application that allows you to download images from your camera to your computer via a USB cable. It also allows you to change settings on your camera from the computer.

• Zoom Browser EX – An image browser and editing application. It is VERY basic. It has a red eye removal tool, a cropping tool and a tool to adjust saturation, brightness, contrast and RGB balance. It also allows you to stitch images. The image browser allows you to classify images, view them as a slideshow, email images and print images, etc. Zoom Browser also has a sub-app called Movie Edit Task. There are also various export functions (wallpaper, screen saver, CD backup, etc.).

Remember…the Remote Capture function is not supported for the SD series… :mad:

[gary_hendricks]

Also, I was hoping someone could tell me more about the Arcsoft software that comes with this. What can I do with it, and how good is it really? I hope someone can fill me in on this before it arrives. I'm taking it out to the scenic stuff the day it arrives with my Sunpak 7500 Pro tripod![/QUOTE]

Arcsoft is an ok image editing software. But I'd prefer dedicated photo editors (http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/top-5-beginner-photo-editors-for-windows.html) to do a proper job.