DC external flash support?

[Jonathan Gingerich]

I'm trying to figure out what External Flash Support: None on dcresource
means. I take it, it means no hot-shoe and no flash sync socket?
I note Sony's W1 got a 'yes" on the basis that you could screw a
Sony slave flash unit into the tripod socket :eek:

Are cameras coming with flash sync sockets anymore?

What are the issues with slave flashes - how good are they?

[Robert]

There really aren't a lot of digicams that have a hotshoe or external sync connector until you reach the higher priced ($600 US) ones even then it can be pretty slim pickings.

The Sony DSC-W1 as you mentioned can be used with a slave flash. But for that matter just about any digital camera can be used with a slave flash that is designed for use with digital cameras. Also there is on the market several devices (made by Wein) that can be used with most ordinary electronic flashes which renders them compatible with digital cameras.

Oddly enough the Sony DSC-V1, a precursor to the DSC-W1, has a hotshoe as well as a ext sync socket. Although discontinued, the DSC-V1 is still available for as little as $300 US from Ritz Camera as well as Sears.

Also I recenly posted a message here on the Sony forum pertaining to slave flashes. It may be of interest to you.