Which would I be more happy with?

[Tortie]

I'm interested in taking improved portraits of my pets (my kitten in particular).

Right now, the only portrait-type lens I have is my kit 18-55mm (non IS) lens. I don't know if it's because I have poor lighting in my home or because of the photographer (me) that I'm having problems. Some of the portrait shots I see here are gorgeous (of course, I'm sure the people taking them have a LOT more experience). It's just, when I take a picture of my cat, I can never seem to get enough light to hit the camera and there is no bokeh present behind her (in other words, I've got a dimly lit picture with everything in the background in focus [to a point- just more in focus than I'd like]). It's probably a mix of both- I don't have enough lighting and the DOF isn't shallow enough.

Now, I was thinking:
I could either get a 50mm f/1.8 to add to my lenses (I've been leaning towards this choice) OR I could get a flash (perhaps a Canon 420EX or 380EX that I could use to bounce of the ceiling).

Which would you choose? Eventually, I will probably get both but for now, which would give me more instant gratification? Right now, getting both wouldn't be an option.

To sum it up: Canon 50mm f/1.8 or cheap flash?

[FZ1]

I'd say the flash. Even with a 1.8 you may have to use high ISO to get good exposure.

[Tortie]

Thanks for your input. Although, I don't mind too much about bumping up the ISO. I'll definitely continue to think about it.

[Winston Deckard]

I have the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and I use it often for diferent sorts of pictures. I think it would definitely help you with your bokeh issues. It also has a very good image quality that would certainly help you get a little closer to the kind of portraits you've seen. Personally, I felt my portraits improved a lot after I got this lens.

If you have never used a prime lens before, it will get some getting used to as you will have to move a lot more to get the desired composition but that also can add some fun to the whole process and maybe give you some practice in composing your images. I know it did so for me.

Plus I'm sure this is one of the best value-for-money lens you can get.

It won't be a substitute for a flash but I think the lens would allow you to evolve more at this point than the flash.

[John_B]

Tortie,
The 50mm f/1.8 is your cheapest route and will probably give you what you want. ex. a photo of your pet with an aperture of f/2.8 will have less background in focus and let more light into the camera (faster shutter speed), then your 18-55 at 50mm f/5.6. Keep in mind your camera does have a built in flash that can work with your 50mm. :)

[Tortie]

Thanks for the suggestions, Winston Deckard and John_B. I decided to go ahead and get the 50mm f/1.8 (becuase of the price, mostly) and I am very glad I did! I love the difference in my pictures already and as Deckard mentioned, I've been having fun learning to play with composition (first time with a prime). Also, as John mentioned, I've been putting my built-in flash to good use. Thanks again. :]