Which flash to choose?

Hi all, I wonder if some one can help me choose a flash for my Canon 20D, I'm confuse about the canon flash speedlite. I don't know how or what I need to look for on a flash since I'm not using my cheap flash that much, but now I have the founds to get a good flash for my 20D. Is worth the money or I should save it for somenthing else?

Thanks

If you can afford the Canon 580, it will work very well with your 20D!

which one? the 580EX II or the regular 580EX?

Like Don said, the 580 EX Speedlite if you can afford it. LOL

I don't know enough about the new one to tell you the difference.

Here's a few threads that are in the EOS Flash sticky:

Which Flash Should I Get for my EOS Camera?

Web Page for comparing flash unit specifications.

The EOS Flash Bible

The vast majority of non-professionals will do well with an E-TTL compatible flash with a bounce/swivel head, and nothing more. The Sigma EF-500 DG ST is in this category and costs about $150.

Some people eventually want to get more creative and want manual control, high speed sync, and off-camera options. If you're in this category, you probably want to do a lot more research. Start with the "bible" linked above and go from there.

In spite of the posts above, I would not recommend spending $350+ on a flash unit if you don't understand the technical capabilities you're paying for.

wow, thanks Curtis N, that page of comparing the flash units is amazing, that should be on a sticky threat on top of this page.

Thanks!

I have use only the flash on my camera, but I want to learn more about using the external flash on photography, as I said before I'm not a pro, but like to learn a lot of this great hobby, I'm almost a year since I bought my Canon 20D and honestly thats probably the best spend I have made on my life I really enjoy taking pictures and is only a hobby for now, maybe later could be something else.