I used a few models of powershot S series since s30, and recommended S model to others around (mostly light users) all the time, instead of A or G series of canon, or other lines of different brands.
Because I found it has always been a nice balanced point as a main camera for light users, or backup P&S for heavy users, in terms of image quality, operation control and handiness, and $$.
out there might be a better model at any given time, if you would spend time and effort to search, maybe fuji F or S series, maybe Pan LX. But to me, not worth it any more. Go and get a current or earlier S, keep it in pocket, and start to shot till it dead --- hey my S45 still works nicely to produce vivid images for web or full screen other than a dead battery.
As to "good night pictures", it is where all the $$$ goes, fast F stop, high ISO, IS, AND maybe hundreds of hours of experience. Don't demand it too eagerly until you could understand people spend a few hundred to just buy a capable tripod.