I've used Autostitch and like it but the free version will not allow you to use tiff pics.

Here is a good article covering all the basics and using Hugin, which is open source and looks pretty good, from Lifehacker

http://lifehacker.com/378490/stitch-photos-into-panoramas-with-free-software

Hugin Panorama photo stitcher is easy to use, cross platform and open source (sourceforge).
The link has samples and tutorials to start you off.

I have had very good results with it on Windows and Unix along with other tools related to GIMP.

I'm not sure there is an open-source photo stitcher (without purchasing a license, that is), but Autostitch is available as a demo for non-commercial use:

http://download.cnet.com/Autostitch/3000-2192_4-530049.html?tag=bc

There's also PanoramaPlus SE, which I believe uses the Autostitch algorithm:

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/panoramaplus/panoramaplus-se.asp

I think you can find older versions of Arcsoft Panorama Maker for free or you can do the free trial of the latest version:

http://download.cnet.com/ArcSoft-Panorama-Maker-Pro/3000-12511_4-10657574.html

I use version 4 - the software was bundled with my inexpensive Nikon Coolpix camera. It's really simple to use and does a beautiful job (360 may be stretching it though!).

Happy shooting!

Gimp has a plugin to stitch photos together. Once you get the hang of it you can also do most other photo related tasks that photoshop does.

Hi Clare,

I found this software rooting around about a year ago - fully automatic!

You don't mention you computer platform (MAC/PC) but Image Composite Editor (ICE) works on:

• 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7

Here's what MS says: What is Image Composite Editor? Microsoft Image Composite Editor is an advanced panoramic image stitcher. Given a set of overlapping photographs of a scene shot from a single camera location, the application creates a high-resolution panorama that seamlessly combines the original images. The stitched panorama can be shared with friends and viewed in 3D by uploading it to the Photosynth web site. Or the panorama can be saved in a wide variety of image formats, from common formats like JPEG and TIFF to the multiresolution tiled format used by Silverlight's Deep Zoom and by the HD View and HD View SL panorama viewers.

Here's the link: link text

PaulS

The very best photo stitching software I've used is PTGui: http://www.ptgui.com/

It works on both Mac and Windows.

Recent versions of Photoshop can't be beaten for ease and quality but of course it is not an inexpensive solution. CS2 was clunky but CS3 and CS4 are a breeze. Simply open each of the photos involved in the Panorama, then click on: File, Automate, Photomerge, Add open files, select type of overlay, and OK. Everything is automatic and colour/light corrected. You just need to crop down to a manageable image. Here is a valuable hint when taking the photos...go with portrait mode instead of landscape, because once you crop the stitched results you will appreciate the extra height.

http://www.philohome.com/panorama.htm most require photoshop

You might want to check out a program called photosynth. It will basically put all your photos together into a 3d view that you can move around in. I've used it with some panoramas that I took in Bolivia and it did a pretty good job. Give it a try because it's free.