Sony has released a new firmware update for its NEX-5/NEX-3 interchangeable lens cameras, bringing their owners the excitement of 3D shooting. Available now for free download from the Sony Europe support site, the update adds several performance enhancements plus 3D Sweep Panorama. Unique to Sony, this feature makes it easy to capture 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 panoramic still image containing depth information. Sweep Panoramas can be enjoyed in 3D when the camera is connected to 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, Sony said.