Buying a flash...

[slickhare]

will a camera only function with a flash of the same brand? or can you mix and match? if so can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive flash?

 

[Big Mike]

A dedicated flash will allow the use of TTL (through the lens) metering (with modern cameras & flashes)

An off-brand auto flash will work just fine, but you have to match the settings on the flash to the settings on the camera.

Vivitar 283 flash units are highly rated and not too expensive on the used market.

 

[JonathanM]

I bougth a second hand Metz to go with my Olympus E500.

Something to watch out for is trigger voltage, as some trigger voltages can harm camera circuits.

 

[Big Mike]

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html