Before I consider buying it, what are your opinions on this camera (link included)?

http://www.jessops.com/store/s50181/1-13...

Your opinions would help. Thanks :)

Seems like a nice little point and shoot camera. Obviously one of the best ways to tell if it is for you, and how you'd feel operating it, is to go into the store and have a play around with the camera. You've got a good megapixel rating, an average zoom (You're best only really paying attention to optical zoom if you're looking for the sharpest of pictures.). The camera uses SD, which, in my opinion, one of the best memory cards you can use. Also, a nice large screen. One of the main downsides I'd think off is that there is no optical viewfinder, so you are forced to use the LCD screen, which will obviously reduce battery life, and on sunny days, glare may be a problem. Maybe be worth checking to see what scene selection modes and light balance modes are built into the camera also. Overall, if you're looking for a straight, point and shoot camera, I think you'll be very happy with the results from this Pentax. If you want to ask me any further questions, please feel free to contact me. it seems like its a really good deal.

go for it. Here's are some owners opinions:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opi...

It looks as if the owners are quite satisfied with this camera overall. Good choice. Pentax is a respectable camera company. The anti-shaking mode is quite helpful for indoor photography, and it features a rechargable battery too. Go for it. For 10.0 Megapixels, it looks like a good deal. However, I don't recommend people to buy anything with so high resolution. Personally I don't think it makes any difference if it is higher than 6 or 7 megapixels. I had talked to some salesperson before, they don't recommend too high resolution because you don't even have a printer that can print those pictures (which you can see differences). With the development right now, it will get cheaper and cheaper. If you are not in a hurry to get it, you can wait a little. Pentax Optio A30 is a decent camera, but you should also consider the following that seem to be in your price range and preferences:

SD800IS about $300, Image stabilization, Wide angle lens, 7.1 mega pixel

Pentax Optio M40, $199, little on the cheap side, but good quality ultra compact, scratch resistant LCD, 8 mega pixel

Canon PowerShot A570 IS, about $200, image stabilization, most bang for your buck, though it does run off 2 AA batteries, 7.1 Megapixel

Remember don't get fooled by high megapixel, a lot of cameras are bragging on that fact, but if it doesn't have a decent digital processer it could be crap. Unless you're a professional photographer, you won't need anything higher than 6 megapixels tops. (but if you were a pro, you'd look at SLRs first)