Sony has posted a firmware update that enables the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras to use their Sweep Panorama technology to capture 3D panoramic images. Other enhancements include improved 2D Sweep Panoramas, reduced power drain when the camera is switched off and quicker start-up in low-light conditions. Registered Sony NEX-3/NEX-5 owners will be advised of the update via email.

Website: Sony Europe Support

Sony Press Release

3D update for Sony’s NEX-5/NEX-3 cameras Free firmware adds 3D Sweep Panorama shooting
01 July 2010

A new firmware update brings the excitement of 3D shooting to the NEX-5/NEX-3 interchangeable lens cameras.

Available now for free download from the Sony Europe support site (http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/DSLR/DSLR.aspx), the update adds several performance enhancements plus 3D Sweep Panorama. Unique to Sony, this exciting feature makes it easy to capture dramatic panoramic images in 3D with an extra-wide field of view.

Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera from side to side. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 shoot a high-speed burst of frames that are automatically combined inside the camera to create a seamless panoramic still image containing depth information. Sweep Panoramas can be enjoyed in 3D when the camera is connected to your 3D BRAVIA or any standards-compatible 3D TV.

The update also offers other enhancements for the NEX-5/NEX-3. These include:

· Improvement of ‘normal’ 2D Sweep Panorama shooting;
· Decreased power drain when the camera is switched off;
· Quicker start-up in low-light conditions.

The update is only needed for NEX-5/NEX-3 cameras with Version 01 firmware currently installed. Cameras shipped with Version 02 firmware or higher are already updated with the new features. Owners can find out what firmware version they’re currently running by selecting [MENU]/[SETUP]/[VERSION]. Registered NEX-5/NEX-3 owners will be advised of the update via email.

*System requirements [PC]: Windows XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter editions not supported); Windows Vista SP2 (Starter edition not supported); Windows 7 [PC/Mac] Hard disk space: min. 200MB / RAM: min. 512MB. Upgrade requires USB cable connection between computer and NEX-5/NEX-3.

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