Very new to this ...

[newtophotography]

Hi everyone. I am new to the forum and to digital photography itself. I only have a Rebel XT and I have a question about getting an affordable external flash. Funds are very limited right now ... What do you think about the Canon 270EX vs. Promaster 7200 EDF. This is for hobby only ... so far I've played mostly with nature pictures ... but now we have a new baby so I think I need to learn to take pictures of people as well. :-)

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Curtis N]

Promaster makes quality flash units that are fairly priced. There are just a few things to be aware of.
1) Aftermarket flash units usually lack some features, which may include high speed sync, manual mode or other capabilities which may or may not be important to you.
2) Aftermarket units are "reverse engineered" to be compatible with Canon cameras. Every time Canon makes a change in their flash system, the aftermarket brands need to go back to the drawing board and update their firmware. While every EX series Canon Speedlite ever made is still compatible with today's cameras, aftermarket units only a year or two old are incompatible with Canon's most recent camera models. This is something to keep in mind if you ever upgrade to another camera.

You'll want to buy a flash with a head that will both bounce and swivel. Being able to aim the light where you want is really the minimum of creative control that most people need.

[Federkeil]

I used a Promaster 7500dx with my XT system. I liked it. It worked well for me. PM me if your in the market for a used one. I don't use mine anymore. (I've since upgraded)

[FLiPMaRC]

This is what I used, and still have, before buying my 430exII. I practiced with it and served me well.

http://www.adorama.com/FAB.html

[steve547]

I think the 270ex has the advantage of being small enough to put in your coat pocket which means you'll use it more an wont outgrow it. Plus it has a manual setting which is important. The downside is that it's way overpriced for a low powered flash. You might look at the Sigma st flash but it is bigger.

[newtophotography]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply. I am eager to learn with the limited time and resources that I have and I can use all the help I can find.