Sony have just released the first update to the NEX firmware. This update fixes the following issues:
- 3D Sweep Panorama function has been added;
- Improvement of ‘normal’ 2D Sweep Panorama shooting;
- Decreased power drain when the camera is switched off;
- Quicker start-up in low-light conditions.
The headline feature is obviously the 3D Sweep Panorama functionality (you can see a preview of it here) but, to be honest, it doesn’t really interest me as it requires a special Sony 3D TV. I’m trying to work out if there’s any hardware limitation to showing these 3D photos on a computer and using the appropriate glasses.
Also, improvements to the 2D Sweep Panorama mode are to be welcomed although I haven’t encountered any issues with this functionality.
It’s interesting that there’s “decreased power drain when the camera is switched off”. Most people would assume that once the camera is off, there is no power drain. Personally, I haven’t noticed this issue but others have seen a marked drop in battery power when the camera was left overnight.
Also, the quicker start-up time in low-light is a welcome sight. It is definitely noticeable that the camera takes longer to wake-up in low-light or when the lens cap is left on.
A small warning:
You will need a Windows 7/Vista/XP machine to update the NEX firmware. This is a little disappointing as there’s no other reason why NEX owners should require a Windows PC. You might be able to run the firmware updater with Parallels or enother Windows-emulation environment but with something as sensitive as a fireware update, I wouldn’t be willing to risk it. You could potentially “brick” your NEX camera permanently. Much better to find a Windows-owning friend to help!
You will also need a fully charged battery (minimum 3 bars) or AC adapter before the update can proceed.
Update:
My firmware update went smoothly and the camera is fine. The startup time seems to be about 1sec without the lens cap on, and less than 1.5secs with it on… which I think is an improvement. It certainly feels much more responsive.
The new 3D panorama mode is accessed from the mode dial:
The new 3D Sweep Panorama mode