OK, I'm buying a digital (compact) camera. I'm a sucker for
high-resolution, and 30fps video.

I want to be able to do night exposures, (northern lights, etc),
photograph fireworks, and all the usual stuff.

Would I be being stupid if I thought I could get all this in a
high-end compact? From what I've seen so far, the Nikon 5700 and 8700
are the only cameras with Bulb (5-10 mins) settings, with all the
other similair cameras having 30s max.

Also, I would really like a manual focus ring, as digital focussing
makes me furious.

Am I naive for thinking I can get away with not buying a DSLR? - I'm
stuck between the highest-end-compact and the lowest-end-DSLR and I'm
getting more and more confused reading reviews.

The cameras I'm considering are the Fuji S20, Nikon 8700, and the
Dimage A1/A2.

I figure I need a remote capture cable, and can only see one for the
Nikon (140 pounds????), and Minolta. Are there any decent compacts
which accept the traditional remote cords?

PLEASE HELP!!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!