[Vmax911]

Hi All,

I'm hoping to step up in the photography world, and purchase a flash for my K100D. I think I've narrowed it down to the Sunpak 383 or Pentax 360, but I'm not sure which to choose.

Both flashes seem to be equivalent in power. The 383 has the advantage on cost and swivel, but the Pentax has P-TTL. Since this is my first flash, my initial thought is I will be much more successful with the P-TTL option. But then I wonder if the Sunpak would make me actually learn how to use the flash, not just rely on the camera. Also, I use portrait a lot indoors (camera sideways) and the swivel would be very handy to bounce the flash. Thus I am torn between the two. I simply can't afford the 540.

Are there any other features that could sway me to either flash? Will either of them work with a shutter faster than 1/180? Will they both work off camera? (Triggered by the popup flash, since the k100d doesn't have wireless.) Can they both be used in manual mode?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

[hll]

hi,
i recently bought a sunpak 383 and i am glad to have it.
after using i decided that i won't buy a flash without swivel function.
ok it is really easy to use flash except using it with the umbrella ( (hey, help me guys)
i think we should learn how to handle a flash.
if you don't buy af360, you will save 90$ for the next one, af540
if you don't need to be very fast, go for sunpak...
again, for me swivel is essential
halil

[Vmax911]

Thanks for the response. The more I read, it seems that many people don't believe the p-ttl is worth it. I, like you, would probably miss the swivel more.

[hll]

i am glad you are now more closer to make the right decision

[Keith]

I think that p-ttl is handy to have but swivel is a huge plus - I would personally choose the 383.

cheers
Keith