Spec me a flash and instructions!

[ajf]

I have come to the conclusion that I need a flash for some of my indoor photos.
Last time I had one I never managed to get very successful results - either too harsh or too dark.

So, in addition to what flash I should buy, does anyone know good books/websites for showing the best ways to do flash photography?

I gather that most modern flashes are fully automatic anyway so simply point and click?

The camera is a Canon 600D.
I have looked at the Yongnuo 565ex and 568ex. Would these be a suitable place to start?
Not sure of the differences between the two other than high speed sync, which would I ever need?

 

[ajf]

With a flash it would be either a Canon 17-40 F4 or a Sigma 24-70 F2.8.

I've also got a Sigma 10-22mm and the canon 100-400mm but unlikely to use these much with flash.

 

[ajf]

Thanks.
Think I'll get one of the 565s then. Had a quick look at that site too and looks like it has some useful bits on it.

 

[ajf]

Can anyone confirm that the 565ex has a manual power mode?
Couldn't find for sure.