Another newbie question

I own a 60D and am going to get a flash for it. i've never used external flashes so the whole thing is pretty new and undiscovered. My first choiche was canon 430 ex ii, so that I can be sure it it perfectrly matches my camera. now I've found out that I can use any other simple manual flash as external flash as my pop up flash would be the only "trigger", ,y camera doesn't have an IR remote controller for axternal flashes.
So what would be the advantages of a canon speedlite over a sevond party cheaper flash?
Sorry for my bad English, hope you understand what I mean

Silma, pop up flashes are generally not controllable, so can't be used as a trigger. The camera doesn't "know" about the other flash and will try to light the scene with just the pop up. you will never get a good exposure that way.

430EXII is a fine flash - a good choice. You can do a lot with it on camera by bouncing it off other surfaces (walls, ceiling, etc.) If money is an issue, the YN flashes also can be good. I have several and they work just fine with my canon gear.

nes_matt wrote in post #16558571
Silma, pop up flashes are generally not controllable, so can't be used as a trigger. The camera doesn't "know" about the other flash and will try to light the scene with just the pop up. you will never get a good exposure that way.

430EXII is a fine flash - a good choice. You can do a lot with it on camera by bouncing it off other surfaces (walls, ceiling, etc.) If money is an issue, the YN flashes also can be good. I have several and they work just fine with my canon gear.

From what I've read my camera body, 60d, can control externa flashes using the pop up flash as a trigger...or not?

If yes, what would be the difference between a canon spedlite like the 430 and a cheaper option?

silma wrote in post #16558948
From what I've read my camera body, 60d, can control externa flashes using the pop up flash as a trigger

You are correct. The built in flash can tell an off camera canon flash what to do. I'm not sure what models but think it is just the 430EXII, 580EXII AND 600 EX. I think there are also some other brands that support this mode.

This works well in controlled indoor conditions where the off camera flash is more or less in front of the camera, so it can see the flash pulses. Outside in bright light it might not work so well.

A generally better option is to buy a set of radio triggers that work at greater distances and in any light or position relative to the camera.

silma wrote in post #16558948
From what I've read my camera body, 60d, can control externa flashes using the pop up flash as a trigger...or not?

If yes, what would be the difference between a canon spedlite like the 430 and a cheaper option?

Yes it can and here is Canons video tutorial explaining just that: http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=p-in23ZXErM

You can also use your pop up flash to fire flashes that have an optical trigger just make sure that you use manual flash mode.

Thanks everybody, I've got a feeling that using strobes is kind of easier than explaining it...best thing is to try them and see the results.
Another question: I've read than I can use a shutter speed faster than 1/200 if the speedlite is on camera (let's say I want to shoot a portrait against a very bright background without burning it); willI be able to use fast shutter speeds when the flash is controlled via pop up flash?

Canon 60d has a sync speed of 1/250 sec. Above that, your flash off camera will require HSS. But it cannot be fired by your pop up, if your using HSS. I think you will need some radio triggers for that.

Also if you have yet to purchase a flash, I recommend the Yongnuo YN565ex (no HSS) or the Yongnuo YN568ex or exII (HSS capable). Both units will work wirelessly with your pop up flash very well indoors. You can get them here: http://thephotogadget.​com …-wireless-ttl-flash-canon

just make sure you understand: a "simple manual flash" as you say in your first post will not work with your onboard flash. It must be one that is explicitly capable of Canon ETTL

Thanks everybody for the help.I've just ordered the 430 ex ii, the yongnuo are currently out of stock here in Italy so I decided to go the easy way with canon as I will have time to learn about light without bothering with hardware matchings.
First I wanna learn using the flash on the hot shoe and bouncing the light around to see what happens, after that I'll move to external flash options...