actually... i have a S400 and it has a manual mode. but the manual mode is NOT the manual mode i'm used to seeing on other cameras that allow u to adjust your shutter speed and aperture independently in order to acheive a look you want.
in fact, you can adjust the shutter speed to slow it down for night shots but it is kinda a pain to do because u have to access it thru the menu and not a button on the camera etc.
i bought my s400 knowing that the so called manual mode was VERY limited but i wanted someting that i could carry on my hip and not get in the way. i always have my DSLR if i need that control although i am thinking of replacing the s400 with and s60 or s70 which has true manual controls
s400:
good luck.