  We report on the development of nearly quantum limited SQUIDs with miniature
pickup loop dimensions. The implemented high quality and low capacitance
cross-type Nb/AlOx/Nb Josephson junctions offer large $I_CR_N$-products and
therefore enable an exceptional low noise level of the SQUIDs. Devices with
loop dimensions of 1 {\mu}m exhibit white flux noise levels as low as $45
n{\Phi}_0/Hz^{1/2}$ corresponding to an energy resolution {\epsilon} of about 1
h at 4.2 K, with h being Plancks constant. Moreover, the large usable voltage
swings of the devices of about 300 {\mu}V allow highly sensitive and easy
single-stage operation while exploring nearly the intrinsic noise of the
SQUIDs, beneficial e.g. for sensor arrays in SQUID microscopy.
