Help choosing the right flash

I just got into the DSLR world, and I've had my Canon T2i for around 4 months already. I'm still getting used to all the settings, but I've been having fun with it. I've been looking at pictures with an external flash, and have been amazed at the pictures. I have been thinking about getting a flash, but don't know what to get. I'm not a pro or anything. I just like capturing moments. I like taking pictures of almost anything.

I have been reading the strobist page to learn a little bit more, but I'm a bit confused about everything. Probably because I don't have that equipment with me. I'm more of a visual learner, and doing things myself.

Here are some of the pictures I've taken, so you guys can see what type of pictures I like taking.

Either the 320EX or the 430EX II would be great. The 430EX is a little more powerful for still photography, but the 320EX has a video light built in and is a few bucks cheaper. You should be happy with either one.

Thanks very much. What would I need to have the 430EX II in a different place? I've been reading about it being triggered by the flash or some radio thing? Yeah, I'm a beginner and have been getting confused with everything I've been reading. :/

If you use a diffuser-reflector like the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro, you can achieve fairly nice lighting (both indoors and out) by bouncing the flash when attached to the hot shoe of your camera. You don't need any additional equipment..

www.dembflashproducts.​com

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Is the off camera sync cord connected to the camera and the flash? Sorry for these noob questions. Can the 430EX II be triggered by the flash from the Canon t2i?

What setup would be good for parties?

memo90061 wrote in post #12979561
Can the 430EX II be triggered by the flash from the Canon t2i?

What setup would be good for parties?

Unfortunately they added in the flash triggering feature with the T3i and 60D. The T2i cannot without some expensive add ons.

FOr parties, I would just use normal bounce flash. Put flash on camera, set it in M mode to about ISO 400, 1/60 and f5.6 and point the flash upward.

I feel for you, memo90061, because I'm in the same boat.

Just got into the DSLR world and got an XSi. I knew I always wanted an external flash and got a used 270EX, mainly because of the smaller size. A few weeks later I ended up also getting a 430EXii for indoor portraits (haven't had time to try it, though).

Also been reading through the strobist blog and yes, it's a lot of information for me to process. These forums and people here have been extremely helpful.

Thank you very much for the replies. I think I will be saving for the 430EX II. I feel like I'm going to get addicted, and keep buying equipment. I was looking at the multiple strobe thread, and there are so many interesting pictures.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. When reading all these posts I feel dumb for not understanding. I think I would probably understand a little bit better if I had the equipment here with me. I would like to see your pictures with the 270EX, and with the 430EX II.