I desperately need a flash. Please recommend me something CHEAP! I say cheap, but efficient for a n00b like myself. I've gotten my tax refund and it's pretty much tied up in other things that we won't to do with it so I'm limited to about $200 tops. Please help. I've been PMing Matt often, and I appreciate your input, but I need some help.

Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks!

Excuse my noobness, but what do you shoot with?

Canon 430ex is 240 bucks from BH I believe. (Use the advertiser link from NSOP!!!!!) Or its like 220 with shipping used from POTN classified. lol

I have a Canon XT. I was hoping to get something under $200. I guess that's not possible.

It IS possible. You might be able to get a 420ex for less than 200, but the 430 is so much nicer. I am going to buy one, but its just hard to hit the 'buy now' button.

Either find a used 430EX or pick up the Sigma 530. The Sigma is a good flash and gets good reviews. It is no Canon 580EX, but you are paying less than a 430EX for it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._ST_Flash.html

GRR!! I'm trying to stay under $200!!! There's a Bower that I've been eyeballing, I gotta do more research.

When I'm looking for a flash what guide no is better? what am I looking at when I'm looking at guide no and mm?

guide no is how strong it is. More number = flash is brighter and can light up objects further away. There is some equation wandering out there, but i doubt you care about that.

The Sigma I linked to is $189 for the Canon mount. Forgot to mention that in my post.

Great! That helps a lot. I've got a few photo gigs that I need a flash for. (Unpaid events that are for building up my experience) I want to do a good job. The flash I have now is made for film cameras and I think it's okay for use, but I read somewhere that it will fry my camera in a matter of time.

If anyone can continue to give me recommendations, I'll continue to do my research.