A motion estimation method uses a search start point and a plurality of search paths extending from the start point. The method finds an image point along the plurality of search paths that has a minimum comparison value with a reference image block. This image point with a minimum comparison value becomes the new search start point, with a plurality of new search paths extending from the new start point. The method then finds the image point along the plurality of new search paths that has a minimum comparison value with the reference image block. The cycle repeats until points on the search paths have comparison values higher than the start point.