Expert: John Oliverio - 6/14/2004

Question
Hello,

I am looking for an ultra-compact digital (3 or 4 megapixel) camera that I can carry with me all the time.  I've done buckets of research but am having trouble finding cameras this small with full manual controls (aperture, shutter speed, white balance, ISO).

Picture quality is very important to me, so I don't want to make very many sacrifices in this area (though I realize some will have to be made).

I have two questions.  One, what is the smallest digital camera with full manual controls?  Two, which small digital camera with full manual controls would you recommend for image quality?

Thanks!
Ryan

Answer
Ryan,

 The smallest camera I know of with full manual control is the Konica Minolt G500.  (they may have a 600 by now)

 Personally, I don't feel any of the ultra-compact cameras offer much in the way of image quality.  What folks seem to forget is that the lens is one of the most important aspects of a cameras quality.  And there simply isn't enough room in a compact camera for a really good lens.  

John