NEX Panorama using software (not sweep)

I love the sweep panorama feature on the Sony cameras, but was wondering what might be the easiest way to record images if I want to stitch them together manually in software later for more control.  I didn't notice a panorama assist mode like some cameras have (other than sweep, which is better in a lot of ways), so do you simply have to shoot images side by side and do your best to make sure they overlap?