What would be a good external flash to start with?

[tripp]

I have a canon 60D that I bought for myself this past June and now I and hoping to get external flashes, reflectors, light stands, etc, etc...

On the subject of cameras, well, I never take my camera of Manual setting so I am good with that, but What is the difference between these two flashes and why is one so much more expensive than the other? Is one more powerful? Does the shape of the flash effect the photo?
flash a) http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_580ex_ii

flash b) http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_270ex_ii

I don't have a budget right now I just want to get an idea of what is out there( I am only 15, I am hoping for a nice Christmas present this year :)

Thanks so much :)

[delton]

I have a canon 60D that I bought for myself this past June and now I and hoping to get external flashes, reflectors, light stands, etc, etc...

On the subject of cameras, well, I never take my camera of Manual setting so I am good with that, but What is the difference between these two flashes and why is one so much more expensive than the other? Is one more powerful? Does the shape of the flash effect the photo?
flash a) http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_580ex_ii

flash b) http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_270ex_ii

I don't have a budget right now I just want to get an idea of what is out there( I am only 15, I am hoping for a nice Christmas present this year :)

Thanks so much :)

A 580 packs a hefty punch. A 270 is only about double the power of your popup flash.

Biggest difference is that a 580's head can tilt and rotate. A 270 only tilts which makes it impossible to flash indirectly in portrait orientation.

A 430 is a good first flash, bit more affordable too.

[byron92]

I have a canon 60D that I bought for myself this past June and now I and hoping to get external flashes, reflectors, light stands, etc, etc...

On the subject of cameras, well, I never take my camera of Manual setting so I am good with that, but What is the difference between these two flashes and why is one so much more expensive than the other? Is one more powerful? Does the shape of the flash effect the photo?
flash a) http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_580ex_ii

flash b) http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_270ex_ii

I don't have a budget right now I just want to get an idea of what is out there( I am only 15, I am hoping for a nice Christmas present this year :)

Thanks so much :)