[Clicker]

I'm thinking about investing in the Epic 100 as I can fit my X5 (not BMW), XP1,NEX6&F3 and Q!!!!

I know panoramas are considered "specialty" shooting but like "fisheye" I am drawn to extreme types of imaging even if overdone and overshown to boredom

[RyanW]

I am drawn to extreme types of imaging even if overdone and overshown to boredom

Well at least you admit it. Most of us don't.

On a more serious note I'm interested in any replies you get. The gigapan intrigues me. I'm guessing it's probably only quicker than using a pan head. I'm thinking once you learn to do these on a regular tripod, one would pick up to an acceptable speed.

This is something I think a lower megapixel body and a lens that is nice and sharp all the way across the frame would excel at.

[Scobra]

I used the Epic 100 with my old K-x, and now with my K-r, coupled to a Tamron 300mm. Here is a pano I shot with this set up: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

[Clicker]

^^That's impressive^^

[Scobra]

The K-5 fits the Epic 100... one advantage of Pentax DSLRs being a tad smaller and lighter than the Canikons, you can use the Epic 100 which is currently less than half the price of the $995 Epic Pro (though of course the Pro does have extra features that do justify its higher price, the main ones being smaller FOV increments and being able to lift heavier lenses.) The Gigapan hardware business was sold a while back to Omegabrandess, while the free hosting service is still maintained by Carnegie Mellon.
With cameras getting lighter yet more powerful, and still increasing their pixel counts, Gigapan panoramic photography is still breaking new ground... especially if you consider the resolution increase Pentax's Super Resolution offers (on static subjects).
Here are a few gigapans I shot with the K5 using the cable trigger rather than the button push option; the cable option gives quicker, more consistent results anyhow (you might notice the first couple have been tweaked in Photomatix)
Salinas de Maras
Huaca de la Luna
Arica