"Turns out that it is possible to do a reasonable calibration of the images, based on the published ground calibration factors, using custom software that essentially inverts the autoexposure process that took place on the spacecraft."

How? We dont know how much the exposure was changed from image to image - I mean - this would be a godsend for the amatueur mosaic maker if possible - but I cant see how - based on what we get given - one can do that

For instance - all these images are of one 'stripe' up a panorama - and thus the ground should be a similar intensity throughout.

http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/p/060/1P133512266EFF0830P2217L2M1.HTML
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/p/060/1P133512601EFF0830P2217L2M1.HTML
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/p/060/1P133512895EFF0830P2217L2M1.HTML
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/p/060/1P133513222EFF0830P2217L2M1.HTML
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/p/060/1P133513524EFF0830P2217L2M1.HTML

There is so much different between the 1st 2nd and 3rd - when compared to the 4th and 5th - that one can not get them to match - however much one tries.

One thing that I had thought which might be an interesting exercise using pancam on a target such as a lander or another piece of hardware - is the generation of an HDRI image using multiple exposures to capture the huge difference in brightness between the glare off a piece of metal, and the dim shadow under an airbag or heatshield etc.

Doug