I have been successful with one folder, just matching the numbers for each of the 3 different exposure level.
ie: folder B has 24 images at the mid range exposure, folder A has 24 images at the darker range, and folder C has 24 images of the bright exposures. Image #1 in folder A I also use #1 for folder B & C. So, they all end up "matching up" for the pano.
 
I'm fairly new at stitching an entire cylindrical image using nadir and zenith.
How can I make sure the zenith and nadir shots match up for the rest of my pano?
 
Thank you for any help.
 
Gail
 
 

Hi Gail!
 
I'm not understanding the nature of your question.
 
A cylinder projection will not have a zenith/nadir shot, only cubic or sphericals would have this type of shot - perhaps you were refering to the latter file types instead?
 
Assuming you are talking about cubical/spherical projections...
 
You mention you were successful with one folder working properly, I do not see why the zenith & nadir should not work for the other folders as well - but you do not indicate you actually had a problem with them.
 
Also would you describe what your shooting schedule is (i.e. number of rows and number of images in each row, plus the zenith & nadir shots); the camera body and focal length of the lens you are using.

Thank you for your response. And...I WAS referring to sperical. (sry)
I shot 3 rows with 72 shots in each. (accounting for 3 different exposures)
18mm with Nikon DX 18-135 lens
 
 I had shot (handheld) the zenith/nadir but when I went to stitch them they didn't match up properly. As you can tell I am fairly new at this, so I'm assuming the problem lies with my hand holding the camera inproperly.  
 
Can you tell me (while I have your welcomed attention) how I can zoom OUT with stitcher express? It would be helpful to see more of the "whole" picture when stitching.  
 
Thank you.

Hi Gail!
 
I use Stitcher 5.5/5.6 so some of the following might be off base for Express...
 
Let's start with the Zoom in/out question:
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Hold down the CommandKey while the mouse pointer is in the stitching window, then click and drag up/down to zoom in/out.
 
 
Patching the zenith/nadir shot:
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I just checked the feature set chart on the Realviz site and apparently Express does not generate cubical output (i.e. cubic faces - imagine the six sides of a cube). This is the output type that is normally used to fix these holes because cubical projections offer far less distortion, compared to spherical, in the zenith/nadir - and so makes for easy patching in Photoshop.
 
Possibly you could manually stitch these images into place. If this does not work then following are some alternate ideas...
 
Solution #1:
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Upgrade to Stitcher Unlimited (possibly an expensive route for your budget). Unlimited has this cubical render capability and the ability to convert among various projection types.
 
Solution #2:
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Get a "utility" program that can convert from spherical to cubical projection (and vice versa), as well as render QTVRs from these projections. A cheaper alternative for this precise need.
 
If you are a Mac user I would highly recommend purchasing "CubicConverter" from ClickHere Design http://www.clickheredesign.com/software/
 
If you are a Windows user I would browse the possiblities here. Look under "Converters for QuickTime VR" about 3/4's way down the page.
 
 
========
Separately:
 
For an 18mm DX lens you seem to be taking more pictures than necessary. The following shooting schedule for this focal length will work well in Stitcher:
(3) rows of ten images (+45/0/-45) - plus the zenith and nadir shots.
 
Using your (3) bracket scheme that would make just 30 shots per row - far less overhead in the shooting, storage, and stitching/rendering than your current 72 per row. There will be no reduction in output quality or resolution and make things much easier for you.
 
Just a thought.

Hi Jim,
Thank you!! What a thorough answer! I appreciate the time and effort you put forth to help me out.
I will definitely check out the site regarding the cubic converter. I will also use your advice and cut down on my shots.
 
Thank you.
Gail