quickcam (standalone) imaging or just go for real (general) camera.

Hello all, I've been intrigued with quickcams used for astro-imaging.
Been reading around, but most info were on those quickcams that need a
computer nearby, i.e., has a usb cable. How about those quickcams that
can be taken away from the computer? some also have ccds and uses
batteries, has anyone tried those (or modified them)? or is it more
reasonable to just buy a real (general) camera like an olympus
camedia, canon, fuji,nikon and get the thing that will let you do
afocal photography?

deo