The present invention provides a system for processing panoramic
photographic images. The system includes a mirror for reflecting an image
of a scene, a mounting assembly for mounting the mirror on an axis, a
first camera for capturing the image reflected by the mirror, at least
one secondary camera for capturing a portion of the scene, means for
mapping pixel data of the image captured by the first camera into a
viewable image, and means for cooperatively displaying the viewable image
and the portion of the scene captured by the at least one of the
secondary cameras. The mirror may include a convex reflective surface
defined by rotating around the axis: an equi-angular shape or a
compensated equi-angular shape. The secondary camera may also capture a
portion of the image reflected by the mirror. Alternatively, the system
may include a single camera including an active-pixel image sensor for
capturing at least a portion of the image reflected by the mirror.
Methods for processing images in accordance with the system are also
provided.