G3 external flash

[Eyesthruthelens]

Any recommended brand for external flash for Canon G3?
What are the important features to look for when purchasing an external flash?

Saw this in ebay and it's cheap.. good buy?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2951451931&category=15215#ebayphotohosting

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2951118812&category=48515#ebayphotohosting
:think:

 

[mpenza]

you probably could get this cheaper in singapore.

 

[Eyesthruthelens]

Where? Any recommended shop?
:angel:

 

[mpenza]

reemmber seeing it at cathay photo. if you just want a cheap and simple flash like the one you linked, consider the Achiever 115A/S which costs less than $30. for this type of flashes, you need to fiddle around with settings though.

 

[chriszzz]

I recommend a used Canon 380EX. There are lots of people who, after buying a piece of hardware/gadget, rarely use it, or take very good care of it. Then, after seeing a more powderful gadget ( like the 420EX or 550EX) , they dump the old one in perfect condition to get the new one !

A used 380EX is about $150-$170 in very good condition. Just look around or post a new WTB message. The 380EX, like all other EX flashes, are specifically made for Canon cameras, and offers ETTL metering, unlike the ugly and cheapo flash you are considering. ETTL means that you will get very good and accurate thru-the-lens flash metering, increasing your chances of getting a well exposed shot. It supports flash compensation, rear curtain sync, slow sync, and whatever else your body can throw at it.

That one you linked is probably an auto flash. They are cheap, simple, and works reasonably well. But it can't compare to a dedicated Canon EX flash.