Canon PowerShot S1 IS Image Quality

[iAm4Free]

Hi guyz....

I read over 200 review's before i picked up a Canon PowerShot S1 IS..... the problem i'm facing is.... the Image Quality..... My aunt has a Canon PowerShot A80 and the quality is just outstanding...... so when i compare the pictures with my aun'ts camera..... the pictures aren't that great.....

I am a beginner.... so i wanna know if my problems are due to my inexperience or becoz.... of the camera

1. I get great photo's at times at ISO 50 and in Auto mode....
2. Once the ISO crosses 100 the photos' get some dots.... when u see the pictures at 100 %.... which i have never seen in any canon camera before...
3. the 10x optical zoom and image stabilizer is a little too complicated for me.... do anyone have suggestions as to how i get to learn it better?? most of the pictures i take turn up blurred.... do i have to get a tripod stand or do i have to change my style of taking photographs???

I have gone thro many sites..... finally decided to go to forums.... for help.... this is my first post hope u guyz can help me out!!

regards,
nikhil

[Peter_AUS]

Have you tried upgrading the firmware, someone here posted they had and got a marked improvement of their camera.

Also posting examples would help as well.

[Chunk]

What resolution are you shooting at? How much jpeg compression? Ask your aunt to take a few pics with it and compare all your settings with hers. If you are taking shots at the 10x zoom it would probably be best to support the camera on something - even with the IS.