I was thinking of buying a Canon Powershot digital camera
Which model are you interested in, we all want to know?
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Fred said:
I seldom shoot flash so I will let the more experienced reply to that part of the question.
I'm not sure if I'm more experienced than Fred
![Roll Eyes](https://ddisoftware.com/tech/Smileys/default/Rolleyes1.gif)
but an external flash can be useful, they are much more powerful than the built-in flash on a compact camera, indeed, any camera including DSLR's.
I'm not sure if all Powershot models have a flash hot shoe, so make sure the model you choose has one, even if you don't buy a flash gun straight away.
My advise is to buy the most powerful flash gun you can afford, obviously it does not want to be too top heavy on a compact camera, but there are ways of solving that - a flash bracket that is secured by the tripod socket - but that is another story
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The essential accessory is a carrying case or bag to protect your valuable asset. Make sure it has capacity for spare batteries (oh yes, don't forget those), cards and possibly a flash unit.
I must say it's good to hear someone talking about a compact camera, rather than all the "heavy" stuff that many of the guys & gals here use. Compact digital cameras have done much to re-invigorate photography for everyone, rather like when the old Box Brownie was introduced.
Fred will remember those
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Terry.