simple question kinda a dumb one. im looking to buy my first flash, and was looking at the Sony HVL-F42AM. now does that have the function to use it not hooked up to the camera? so i can made the flash go not direct? are there any addons i would need to do that? what would i be looking at to get a flash like that.

Hi all. My brother-in-law has asked me to take some photographs for a new brochure. The photos are of panels and vanity tops, etc. Not my favorite subject matter but I can't say no. I have an A300 with an HVLF42AM flash & the following: Minolta 50mm 1.7/Tamron 90mm/kit lens. Can anyone give me some pointers? I've been thinking about purchasing a new lens so maybe now's the time? Thanks, Kris

Ok, so I'm going to go with the A300. Most of my shots will be of special needs children so I need Bokeh to blur the distracting equipment & focus on the child. The Live View may prove to be useful. I also want to play around with Macro & from the shots I've seen here, I can do both with Sony. Once I've made up my mind (which is a lengthy process) I want it 'NOW' so, this afternoon I'm going to buy my camera along with a Sigma 105/70 2.8 (I think) & definatley going to order a Minolta AF 50mm 1.7. Getting excited! Just put CS3 on the computer but that's a whole other topic!