The Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 interchangeable lens cameras have just been given a firmware upgrade, adding the option of a 3D Sweep Panorama mode amongst other features. There’s just one catch: to view them, you’ll need a 3D TV.
Sony announced the 3D Sweep Panorama mode at the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 launch back in May, but said the update would only be made available in July. Right on cue, the version 02 firmware is here and ready to download from Sony’s support site – Sony NEX models will now be sold with it preloaded also.
If you’re wondering how a camera with only one lens takes 3D shots (Panoramas, not stills), the Sony NEX-5 and 3 pull it off by slicing the pieces of adjacent shots in the sweep together to create a 3D image with two different perspectives in. We were shown how this works at the launch event in Croatia, and were mildly impressed with the effect.
Read our Sony NEX-5 review now
The catch is sadly, that unlike Fujifilm‘s 3D camera with a lenticular screen, the 3D images can only be viewed on a 3D TV, which Sony happens to conveniently sell. We asked Sony at the launch about the possibility of 3D panorama prints, but were told that since they’re saved as video clips, it isn’t possible right now.
Even if you don’t have a 3D TV (like most people), the Sony NEX-5 update is still worth grabbing, since it also decreases power drain and improves start up time in low light. Can’t hurt can it?
Out Now | £from 549 | Sony
