$100 - Which flash ?

[tkbslc]

So based on the title, I want an external flash. This would be for my Canon Rebel XS. Problem is, I only have $100 to spend on one. I want something I can bounce off the ceilings in normal sized rooms in my house. To start with, I would like this to be auto or semi-auto from the hotshoe, and eventually I would like to experiment off camera.

Obviously, the default answer is Canon 430EX, but I can't even come close to one of those used for my budget. I was looking at a Sunpak rd2000 (same as quantaray XLF-50). It looks nice, but maybe underpowered. I have read about a few of the standard off camera flashes, like the Sunpak 383 or Vivitar 285, but don't know how they would work on shoe. Any recommendations would be very helpful.

[Zansho]

the sunpaks and vivitars, are fine what most people do, however they do take some understanding of flash photography to get them to work effectively.

Learn about guide numbers and how to use said guide numbers to be able to light your images the way you want. If you look around, you might be able to find a couple of older 380 EX flashes or 550 EZ (non ettl) flashes made by canon on ebay for a decent price.

"EX" generally denotes that it is ettl compatible, while EZ means it works through TTL, and manual, mainly. Pick whichever one you're more comfortable with.

Additionally, I've heard a few positive things about Nissin Flashes, so you might want to check that out too.

[Lotto]

Well, the Sunpak and Vivitar have semi-auto mode that let you pick the a aperture on the flash and match that on the camera, but one has no zoom, the other can swivel, neither has focus assist or HSS, and they don't work as too well for auto fill light outdoors.

Amazon currently has a Sigma 530 ST for $147, and the 430EX I for $187. Skip lunches a few times, you can save the extra few bucks :)

[katodog]

I have a Digital Concepts (http://cgi.ebay.com/E-TTL-LCD-Power-ZOOM-Flash-for-CANON-40D-30D-20D-10D-5D_W0QQitemZ360103131471QQihZ023QQcategoryZ48515QQ tcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem) flash, and it's great. Cheap, too. It pivots up/down, left/right, and has a retractable diffuser and bounce card. It's worth a look. The only thing is that it doesn't come with a stand. But, stands are pretty cheap an eBay.

Don't pay attention to the typo, though. It doesn't take 40 AA batteries, it only takes 4.

[msowsun]

These "Bower" flashes seem to get respectable reviews.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ETTL-II-Flash-for-Canon-EOS-EF-Digital-Film-Camera-NEW_W0QQitemZ200275554028QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigita l_Camera_Flashes?hash=item200275554028&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[Curtis N]

I haven't checked the E-Bay market, but you might see if you can land a 550EX within your budget range.

[DoomMan]

540ez has never let me down, <$100 for each