Help with buying a flash?

I have a digital rebel and am looking at buying a external flash. Is it imperitive to buy a canon flash or do other brands work with the canon cameras. I know you can buy them that say they are made for canon cameras (such as Quantaray) but are they really adapatable? I posted this question in another area but I guess it is really a question for the studio and lighting.

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I have a phoenix DZBIS-112CII flash and it works well for me, I have no regrets at all. I only paid $99 for. If I had the money though, I would have bought the best canon flash I could afford.

If all you want is a flash that works in Auto to set its own exposure, you can use most any flash with your Canon. One issue to be aware of, though, is that the trigger voltage of many flash units is higher than many Canons can tolerate...resulting in 'fried' flash trigger circuits in the camera.

If you want an ETTL compatible flash, yes there are alternatives to Canon units. Sunpak and Metz both make flashes that can be mated to Canon ETTL when the proper adapter module is used with the flash unit.

A Canon EX unit is the safe bet, get a used 420EX if you're on a budget

[QUOTE=Wilt]If all you want is a flash that works in Auto to set its own exposure, you can use most any flash with your Canon. One issue to be aware of, though, is that the trigger voltage of many flash units is higher than many Canons can tolerate...resulting in 'fried' flash trigger circuits in the camera.

How do I make sure that I get one that will not have too high of a voltage?

>>How do I make sure that I get one that will not have too high of a voltage?<<

There is some info on the web compiled from measurements taken by many, search Google for 'trigger voltage'. Or if you have access to a voltmeter, you charge up the flash to be ready for firing and measure between the two contacts of the PC connector (center pin, and outside)