lot of image noise from 300HS

i thought the HS system and the backlit CMOS was supposed to produce quality low light photos. i recommended the camera to a friend of mine, based on everything i have heard and read, but when he got it, the camera produced ALOT of noise in the images. even ISO100 images were very noisy. not sure if it was a defect, but it didnt seem right. he wound up exchanging for an S95, and is very happy.

i was just curious what other people experienced with the 300HS. it may have been a defective unit, but everything seemed to work just fine (noise aside)

Haven't seen many images from the 300HS but from the reviews I've read it's simply average. It's difficult to 'see' what you're talking about without samples. I wouldn't doubt if your friend is much happier with the S95

Even fancy sensor tech can't fully combat the issues of a tiny 1/2.3" sensor. The S95 one at 1/1.7" is huge in comparison.

he is definitely happier with the S95. however, ive recommended the 300HS (based on what ive read) to other friends, as well as my parents. they are not photogs, so an S95 would be above and beyond what they need... however, even for plain point-n-shoot, im not sure i would recommend it any longer.

Sensor size is main reason I went with a DSLR