Getty to take 20 gigapixel image of Olympics opening ceremony

Getty Images and Fujitsu are to produce a 20 gigapixel photograph of the Olympics opening ceremony.

The quality of the image will mean spectators can zoom in and tag themselves in the image on www.GettyImages.co.uk on the night of the ceremony.

Usually images of this size take days to upload, but Getty, official photographers for the International Olympic Committee, said it aims to upload it 12 times faster than usual.

‘The opening ceremony gigapixel image is the result of just one of the new technologies we are embracing, to ensure London 2012 is captured like no other Games,’said Adrian Murrell, senior vice president, Global Editorial, Getty Images.

‘The Games are always synonymous with world records being broken and iconic moments being captured; with over 70,000 people expected at the Opening Ceremony, this image will capture this momentous occasion in innovative, high-resolution detail.

‘Technology that is able to encapsulate a historic moment in time, not only from a distance but also up close, is an exciting industry evolution and we are honoured to lead the way.”