How to Shoot 360 degree panoramas with Android Smartphones

Taking panoramic shots can be difficult without the help of a special type of app. Panorama app 360 is the best of a very elite bunch.

Switch quality. Depending on your Android device, and the camera you're using, you may want to switch between the different quality settings. Although selecting the high-quality image is very much preferred, if you have a slightly older device, images will take far longer to process than the standard quality option.

Stay on track. When you're ready to start taking your panoramic shot, make sure you follow the on-screen instructions to get the best possible shot. As you start taking your photo, hand gestures will appear showing you which way to go, and when you should stop moving. Once it has finished building, your image will load instantaneously.

Calibrate your screen. Before you can begin to create panoramic shots, you first need to make sure the app is properly calibrated with your device. This makes sure that your camera picks up the right details in the images as you scan your closest surroundings.

Slow and steady. The best tip we can give you when taking your panoramic shot is to make sure you're moving at a very slow pace. This not only allows the app to pick up every detail of the scene you're capturing, but also stops the app from distorting your final image.

Those pixel-perfect phones

Here are three phones that can take fantastic-looking pics:

Sony has a decent pedigree in the world of DSLR cameras, so much so it has integrated the EXMOR sensor it uses in some of its high-end DSLRs into the camera on the Xperia S.

HTC has been heavily touting the cameras on its One series. With a dedicated processor for imaging the HTC One X becomes a tool for the more advanced photographer.

Although it isn't as highly regarded as the other two, you'll find the Galaxy Nexus is a big step up, in terms of camera quality, thanks to Jelly Bean. Panoramic mode is great.