The future is changing, Google are allowing the new photographers to use less than professional equipment, which is a shame. Therefore the quality you may see now is not as it was a few years ago. When I joined the project a few years ago, I had to use or purchase certain equipment, work to set standards and all the work was checked by Google quality control, and was not published until it had passed qc. I am still shooting to the original standards, if not higher, better, and still adhere to the rules that were set out years ago.
I’ve been shooting panoramic 360 degree photographs for 20 odd years, long before Google introduced it. All of my work is shot on a digital camera in hdr (high dynamic range), all of my photographs are run thru editing software to blend out any potential abnormalities, shadows etc. The photos are stitched into a panorama before uploading to Google maps to gain the best quality. I also shoot panos as a hobby and submit to Google maps free of charge. I care about my work and my clients. I want your business to look as good as it can. Please, when choosing a photographer to shoot your business look at their existing work. Is it really their work? Is it clear, sharp, in focus? Has the nadir (floor) been edited? Do they like myself, have full insurance to cover you, your business and your customers? Do they offer a full no quibble money back guarantee? Lately there have been many newcomers to this business in #Essex and the UK using these new ‘one shot’ or portable systems. They do not compete against a full digital set up. And don’t forget, I offer a price match policy!