Most nights, my little free range pets sit out on the balcony and eat insects that are drawn to the light.
The weapon of choice is a Panasonic DMC-TZ11, YES you can do it with a Compact.
On a compact, shift it off "A" or "IA" [auto] select the little flower which denotes closer focus, and for these I selected flash on and in some Red Eye reduction flash. I aligned my subject using a small LED light and simply pushed the button. Depending if the LED was on or off, the Eyes of the frog are either dilated or not.
I was Gobsmacked, I was reading the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the year entries in 2013 a Finalist in the awards had used a compact!
Come on, no you cant do that? Not a National Award winning competition?
Well Yes You Can! A Panasonic DMC-FT3
If you need encouragement ...... YOU CAN DO IT!