Gunzorro
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More banal research . . .
Possibly overkill, or splitting hairs unnecessarily, but here is a comparison of image handling that I produced today, and thought it might be of interest regarding post processing of the images that make up the panoramas.
This set features four shots taken with a humble Canon G6 as individual 4MP fine jpg files, four shots, processed with LR3 and PSE8. All three of the variations below are from the same original four shots.
All shots were vertical, at the widest 7.2mm focal length (35mm -- FF equiv.), at f/4.0.
The first version is straight OOC from the original jpg, stitched on the Auto setting in PSE8. You'll notice it is stretched, most noticably on the sides, increasing the image magnification slightly (more evident in the 100% close-up further down the page). The stitch was imported into LR3, and slight modified for exposure and not much more.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/gunzorro/Rosebushpano1-2-3.jpg
The second version was OOC as well, but stitched in the Cylindrical setting in PSE8. Imported into LR3 for similar tweaks in PP, but slightly more extensive, including +13 on Manual Distortion and -3 on Vertical.
There isn't much difference in details between 1 and 2, but I'd say the look has been enhanced in 2, but compressing the sides, removing some of the added "barrel" distortion from combining the images, and the slightly richer color in 2.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/gunzorro/Rosebushpano2-2-3.jpg
The third version was imported into LR3 where each individual file was (mildly) processed as though it were for web reproduction, including some NR, and Sharpening to 20. Distortion was increased to +17.
It is always hard to predict how images will reproduce on web forums. In this case, all the images are lighter and sharper than on my LR3 and Photobucket screens. Please don't evaluate the images on whether the exposure or color matches.  The point is whether or not pre- or post- image processing will provide the results you want.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/gunzorro/Rosebushpano3rework-2-4.jpg
Here are the 100% details of the above variations. The first shows the increased magnification (looks more zoomed-in) and the reduced fine details (noticably in the roses and roof vents) due to no added sharpening. The second shows the benefit of PP on the stitched image. Greatest improvement (although slightly over-sharpened) comes from the third version where the images are processed before stitching.
Keep in mind that PSE8 introduces exposure and sharpening controls of its own to "fix" and blend images. I'm sure other programs do the same, so pre-stitch PP is sort of a learning experience to determine how much is enought without overdoing it.
Version 1 detail
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/gunzorro/Rose-bush-pano1-2-2-crop-2.jpg
Version 2 detail
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/gunzorro/Rose-bush-pano2-2-2-crop-2.jpg
Version 3 detail
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/gunzorro/Rose-bush-pano3-rework-2-2--2.jpg
The net result is that it is possible to generate quality images via panoramas from modest low-MP cameras like the G6 (and even P&S), as well as the earlier DSLRs like the Canon 1D and Nikon D1X.
But . . . straight OOC jpgs are somewhat lacking, and to get the most out of them, they will benefit most from processing prior to stitching, although PP on the stitched image is not without merit. I usually shoot RAW in DSLR and make my mods first in LR3 before moving to the stitching, but have been curious how jpgs would do instead. Not bad at all!
I'm prepping-up for an Alaskan cruise where I hope to get some decent panos with the 60D and G6. At least I now know I have a fighting chance, if the G6 is all I feel like carrying around. And jpgs, yet! Who woulda thunk it? 
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