Is night photography beyond my camera’s ability?

I’m still honestly new at night photography, so go simple with me. I"ve had ok luck with low light photography (dusk/dawn), but I want to venture out into something darker. I say "ok luck" because I’m not overly pleased with the results. It could be the cameras I’m using (fixed lens, kind of budget cameras), it could be me, or a combination of the two.

I want to be able to take photo’s like these
(1) http://www.flickr.com/photos/8327406@N02/3427469963/
(2) http://www.flickr.com/photos/fortphoto/2827355561/

I have two cameras to work with. (1) FujiFilm s5700 http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/fujifilm/f700-zoom/fujifilm-f700-zoom-review.html (2) Samsung SL310W http://www.diffen.com/difference/Special:Information/Samsung_SL310W. Would I be able to get photos like this with either of these two cameras? The Fuji’s longest shutter speed is 4 seconds. The Samsung is 8. Is this too small of time to get the results I am looking for?

I’m saving up for a better camera. I’ve had my heart set on a Canon 50D, but, I figure, I could use these two to learn on. I’ve only been daring enough to venture out of auto mode for less than a year. I’m just wondering if I’m wasting my time with these camera’s in my attempt? If not, do you have any pointers?

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Tags: auto mode, budget, cameras, Canon, canon 50d, combination of the two, diffen, dusk dawn, fuji, fujifilm f700, heart, light photography, night photography, photo, photos, pointers, Samsung, shutter speed, wasting my time, zoom