Chuck,

I find this website helpful. http://www.szykman.com/Astro/AstroDigiCamFAQ.html
Sky and Telescope's recent Dec issue also reviews a book called "Astrophotographty: An Introduction to Film and Digital Imaging".

I didn't want to use my laptop either so I bought an inexpensive Sony PS One Interact Unit. It is a high resolution 5" LCD monitor that connects to my camera. This is okay for bright planets and the moon. The people that are using expensive Digital SLR cameras like the Canon 10D are using a Hartmann Mask to focus images. They are taking excellent images and prices are still coming down.

You need to throw out the word "Auto" out, and substitute "Manual". The SB=Sun, Spot metering, Focus Confirm= ON, and Focus set at Infinity.

Debbie