CCD Digital Compact Camera for Astrophotography

[Distorted Vision]

Hi,

I was wondering if a Digital Compact Camera which has a CCD sensor can be used for astrophotography.

http://www.samsung.com/sg/consumer/camera-camcorder/cameras/compact/EC-ST66ZZDPPAS

Sorry if its a stupid question but I'm a complete beginner.

[sgazer]

you should be able to get some image, even if it's a constellation or the moon. It has an 8sec shutter and up to iso 3200, which will be pretty noisy, but perhaps point it towards Orion and see when you get. Zooming in will darken the image, so try to use as wide angle as possible and crop the image after (from 14MP). Main issue I see is whether there is an infinity focus setting. If not, it may not be possible to focus correctly.

Do you have a scope? First thing I did was point the scope at the moon and Saturn and taken photos through the eyepiece with a compact. I was stunned by Saturn. Captured rings and some banding colour.

[Distorted Vision]

Yeah I have a Meade ETX 125PE. I should say I don't own this Samsung camera I was thinking about buying it but it seems less than ideal. Still trying to find a Philips SPC 900NC. Thought this might be a viable alternative.