Thin and ultra-compact, the new Sony DSC-W30 digital camera (and its sibling the W50 model) updates the Cyber-shot line with convenient portability and fully automatic exposure control in a compact, rugged metal case. The W30 offers the excellent resolution of a 6.0-megapixel CCD and 32 megabytes of internal memory, as well as a large 2.0-inch color LCD monitor and useful range of preset exposure modes. Though the Sony W30 doesn’t offer any direct manual exposure control, the camera’s extensive LCD menu system does offer quite a bit of creative control with image contrast, sharpness, and color options. The 3x optical zoom lens zooms across a range equivalent to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera, and the camera’s Macro focus mode gets exceptionally close at just two centimeters. The Sony W30 boasts an extended ISO range, with equivalent settings from 80 to 1, 000. While the 800 and 1, 000 settings do allow you to capture brighter images under dim lighting, they also bring with them much higher image noise as a consequence. Still, the wide range of ISO settings is a plus for a point-and-shoot digital camera Conveniently above the thumb rest is the Mode dial, and below it is the Five-way navigator. I did require a two-handed grip to accurately turn the Mode dial, due to its low-profile design.The camera’s Zoom lever encircles the Shutter button, making it easy to quickly adjust zoom while holding the camera in shooting position. The virtual dial display shows the currently-selected option and a brief explanation of what that mode is useful for. The Sony DSC-W30 is an impressive offering, much like the rest of the W-series in the Cyber-shot line. It is handsomely constructed, with a feel of quality, is uncomplicated to operate, has good battery life, and is compact enough for most pockets or purses. Its ample LCD screen and quality lens should give most users a great experience capturing pictures they’ll be proud to display. Beginning through intermediate users will be right at home with the W30, and advanced users will enjoy its excellent portability and handful of creative exposure tools. Although the W30 is a point-and-shoot digital camera, it has a lot of creative options and enough image adjustments to handle a wide variety of shooting situations. So, while it’s designed to relieve you from complicated exposure decisions, advanced amateurs and business users will appreciate it for its quality, portability, and varied shooting options. Accessory lenses and filters (rarely found for compact cameras like the W30) make it more versatile for wide or telephoto use, and an optional underwater case lets you bring it along to the beach or on boating excursions with confidence. Overall, an excellent ’’all around’’ camera, with impressive speed and resolution.