I did a lot of reading before I bought my drebel and one thing a lot
of people said was that the on-board flash is OK at best. For serious
portrait work I'm looking for the right flash unit. I know a 550EX
will do the job, but lots of $$$. The 220EX is cheap, but will it do
the job? Any units you would recommend that are non-Canon (I heard
only Canon flash units work best?) Are there alternatives out there
you are using?

Any help is appreciated!

Mark