What is the best compact digital camera for solar system astrophotography?

A lightweight (less than 12oz) compact digital camera (*not* dslr) with manual settings manual focus, 2-3 second self-timer, low noise at 400 iso, at least 5-6 megapixels resolution. Some zoom 3x or 4x or better. AA batteries powered. Camera to be used for afocal imaging.

--------------------------------------...

Other preferences, but not essential. Good red sensitivity (for H-alpha solar imaging). A "bulb" setting for extended exposures or option for several minutes exposure. Again these are not essential but would be helpful/useful.

Nikon D70 digital SLR, Canon EOS 10D, Nikon Coolpix 850/9xx, Olympus 20xx/30xx, and Casio QV xxxx.

Or, if you really want to get into it, something like a Lumenera SKYnyx2-2 Color CCD Astrophotography Camera
http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp...

Try searching for the Canon 20Da. Yes, that's a dSLR. It's a factory modified 20D... modified to be good at astral photography. I'm guessing that it will lead you to hobby sites with great tips for compact cameras, too!

Try Canon A540, I am using it and it is the best.

it is 6.1 mega pixel and AA battery powered.

I would like to recomment PENTAX. it's the best camera for me.

The Fuji S 7000 has these slow shutter speeds:
15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4 seconds.
It can interpolate its 6 megapixel image to 12 megapixes.
It has a 55 mm filter mount and manual focus ring.
It requires a circular polarization filter if you use that, because of the polarized internal exposer sensor.
The lens is a Fujinon Super EBC 6x zoom. + 3.2 digital zoom
It has this ISO capability:
鈥?Auto (ISO 160 - 800)
鈥?ISO 200
鈥?ISO 400
鈥?ISO 800 (at 3, 2 or 1 MP only)

I have not tried it with astro-photography. I like it a lot though.
Good luck. I think the finepix is a good brand to check out. My camera is old by now. I am sure there are better finepix out there now...
;-D Happy astrophotography!