Do I need a flash?

[Kimberlyscklli]

Hi I am a newbie taking pics only for pleasure usually of family. Do you recommend getting an extrernal flash? I have a rebel xt. If so which one do you recommend and if you don't mind telling me anything that I maight need to purchase to go with it.



Thanks,
Kimberly

[flipteg]

you don't need a flash especially if you have a fast lens, but regardless, having an external flash and knowing how to use it is a great benefit to your photography especially with people pictures... the one i'd recommend that is not too expensive is the Canon 430EX...

[simply amazing]

if it's just family snapshots, i would just get by with the on-board flash. play around with the FEC a little bit and you'll find out whether you need a stronger flash or not. the only reason i want to get a 430ex or 580ex is because i prefer using bounce flash. but if you can bare the shadows of the built-in flash, you don't need another one

[Curtis N]

Using flash is a skill unto itself. But if you're willing to learn, a good flash unit can help improve images of humans dramatically, for several reasons. Take a look:
Why should I get a flash unit for my camera? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470)

To help you understand the choices, take a look at Tim's thread:
Which flash unit should I get? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=123694)

The Canon 430EX Speedlite and the Sigma EF-500 DG Super are both good, moderately priced, general purpose flash units.

[In2Photos]

I firmly believe that a flash is one of the best tools in my bag, er on my camera. :) Once I learned how to use it my keeper ratio has improved drastically. The quality of my indoor shots is night and day difference, and my outdoor shots are better as well. I would rather have a cheaper lens than no flash. :shock:

[Kimberlyscklli]

Thank you all!!!

Kimberly