Ext flash compatability with FZ50K

[gsmithp]

I need advice about which external flash unit I can use on this camera. So far the Sunpak 383 or the Olympus FL-36 look good (in my price range) but am worried about compatability with the FZ50 hotshoe. Will any TTL flash unit work or do I need to go with the Panasonic flash unit? Some units are dedicated to camera mfg. Sorry if I sound ignorant..I'm a noob . My daughter is a photographer but she hasn't sat down with me yet. Thanks for your thoughts!

[genece]

From what others have said for the flash to be TTL compatible you need the FL36 or 50 from olympus......they will work exactly like the Panasonic flash as they are the same flash.
The Sunpak 383 as well as some other flashes, will work on the FZ50 but not in TTL mode.... Meaning the camera can not meter thru the lens with the 383 so you must set it manually.

[jcon]

While the Sunpak 383 is a great flash, why not get a TTL flash so you can utilize that feature?

[gsmithp]

Thanks, first of all for the quick responses to my questions. The price difference will be a factor since one is twice the price of the other but I can't make an intelligent choice yet based on their differences..I like the general idea of the automatic TTL concept but have no idea yet about what's involved in the manual operation of the Sunpak. I might be putting the cart before the horse here looking for a flash before really knowing enough about the different ones. I'm a little impatient I guess to get busy with my new hobby but I will camp here for a time and learn what I can.

[jcon]

The benefit of TTL is that you can set it to full auto mode and let the camera and flash work together and determin the needed settings. Once you learn more aobut the flash and exposure, you can then step into manual controls.

As Gene stated, the Sunpak is a manual flash, you have to enter the settings.

[Honest Gaza]

gsmithp....I have the FZ-20 and purchased the Sunpak 383 for it. It is infinitely superior to the in-built flash (the swivel head is brilliant for bouncing the flash).

However, having said that, I agree with Gene and Jason. While I can use this same flash on my 400D (and again, it is superior to the inbuilt flash), I am now looking at purchasing a TTL flash in the future which will hopefully take out some of the guess work.

[debu_17]

will a wireless trigg. flash ( 2nd unit) work in the FZ 50 manual focus/manual exp. mode with "flash forced on"
does the -50 fire a pre flash in this mode ?

in the -50 auto mode i had similar problem (s the original post) ith darker than expected exposure, after which i realised the pre flash was triggering the 2nd unit.
i have full manual vivitar flash

[genece]

Almost all digital cameras preflash and as near as I can tell it does it in manual mode as well.....Some cameras have the ablity to turn off the preflash...Nikon dslrs.......but any slave flash sold today should be digital smart and be able to be set to ignor 1,2 or 3 preflashes.
such as this one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=PHD92BZS&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=311150