Coolpix 4300 vs. ?

Hello all;

I have been looking into digital cameras for "through the ep"
astrophotography and was wondering if it is even worth it.

I would like a digital camera I can use for both everyday photography and
astrophotography. I have had good success with a borrowed HP photosmart 720
on the moon but I would certainly purchase a camera with manual control for
any attempt at dimmer objects.

My question:

Is there a camera out there, under/around $400 that can handle imaging of
say Andromeda, M81/82, Double Cluster, M13, or Ring Nebula right out of the
box?

I have scoured the thread from a few days ago, and it seems as though the
Nikon Coolpix 4300 could work but you'd need a remote cable that doesn't
seem to be worth the extra $100. see this review
http://www.buytelescopes.com/product...isplay=reviews

Does anyone have any POSITIVE experiences with a similar setup? Or with
another camera? I will be using a C8 (sometimes my school's Nexstar8 when I
host my middle school astronomy astronomy club)

I guess what is important to me is extended exposures and manual focus while
either remotely operating or setting up a delay to minimize vibrations.

OR...

Should I just buy a webacm and stack images?
WIll this method even work on dim objects? (ie, brighter messiers listed
above, I can't even find the dim ones here on Long Island)


I know it's alot to ask, but any input is greatly appreciated

Thanks, Tim
(formerly Chunga, it's been about 6 months since i've posted)