Help! My head is spinning with all of this Flash knowledge!

I just read all of the information from the "all about flash links thread" and wow that was alot to take in.

Now forgive me as i am a beginner and plan on in the next couple months buying my first external flash unit. I probably going to get the 530ex or maybe even the 580ex but I haven't decided yet on everything i need. I was hoping i could get your help.

My questions are
1. I were to just by the flash unit and not anything else can on use it as an on board flash unit?

2. Also i would prefer since the reason for me buying this would be to get alot better indoor quality picture to actually use the flash off camera. What would be everything i would need for the basics to be able to acomplish this.

3. Also, one other thing. I did see another post were they talked about lighting and how its better to have more than one source of light to create a better pic indoors. They showed pictures of what I think looked like a light bulb that they screwed into a lamp, do I have to have some kind of lamp for that?

Thanks,

Michille

1. Yes.
2. Master use on camera first, then branch out to off-camera. Since you are a beginner, you will likely be reliant on ETTL flash automation. The only way to accomplish that is to get a very long (not from Canon!) off-shoe extension, with contacts that mimic those on your camera hotshoe. Or to get an even more expensive Canon ST-E2 wireless transmitter unit. All other 'remote' flash lose ETTL functionality, so they require totall Manual flash control and exposure calculation, unless you buy a flash that has an Auto mode (which 430EX or 580EX do not have...580EX-II does have this)
3. Any old ordinary lamp and bulb can be put to this usage, but you will need to make sure your camera is set to AWB, or even better that it is set to Tungsten White Balance. But caution that you do not try to use this at the same time as Daylight balance light is in the room.

My first external flash was a 430EX and its been a great run. Now I have 2 430EXs, 580EX II, and now switching to AlienBees. The 430 and 580 will be my travel show.

Can't go wrong with the 430EX. If you're going to be using as your main and only light for portraits, I think the best recommendation is to move it off of the camera. Either by a short cable and hand holding it or with a flash bracket to hold it up and over.

Awsome, you both answered my questions wonderfully. Thanks!

Michille

1 - Yes
2 - I'm having good enough results with http://www.abetterboun​cecard.com that I haven't needed anything else yet for indoor photos. Others like the lumiquest products.
3 - There are flashes/strobes that screw into a standard light bulb base. I'd start with on camera, move to off camera and then off camera with a reflector before adding a second light.

Some thoughts

Rob