[UVAA] Astrophotography

Does anyone have a recommendation on what digital camera(s) would be good for astrophotography? What features are important and what features are just nice to have? There have been a few times this year I have tried to take pictures with our digital camera, but it just wasn't designed for night-time photography. I have asked at a few camera stores, but their sales pitches end when I ask about astrophotography - they don't know; so I thought I would look for some real astrophotographers. Thanks, Dana Henriksen