Is external flash unit the way for me?

[pinholecam]

Yes, a flash should solve your problems.
You need to read up a bit to use it well/properly though. (plenty of resource on the internet)

If you are on a budget, a 3rd party flash can do the job too, but they will likely be manual power adjustment only. Make sure the flash is made for Sony hot-shoe mount as well.

 

[AlphaLuver]

We all do at times.. hahaha

neither did I intend to start a brand war with my comment. Just wanted to clear some misconceptions =) and it seems like the others who commented are not Sony users.. Haha.. Sorry for the OT..

I would say the most useful purpose for your flash is that it allows you to shoot at a smaller aperture and faster shutter speed than the ambient light would have otherwise allowed.. Not sure if I'm right. (pros, pls correct me if I'm wrong so that I can learn at the same time)

I found some articles online on flash, perhaps you could start by reading them?
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/an-introduction-to-external-flash-units
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/introduction-to-external-flash-units-part-2
(source: DPS)

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/when-you-need-an-external-flash-in-photography/
(source: picturecorrect.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1jRsTPK10Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
(YouTube)

Note: I do not own any of the websites, articles and video, nor have I contributed to them in anyway, or own the copyrights.

As for prime lens, like area0404 pointed out, it's mind activated zoom. Once your brain detects the lack or excess focal length, it will automatically activate your legs to zoom in or out =)

Hope this helps =)

Edit. Thanks alot for the link. You've really helped a noob here. Oh ya, Sony Alpha FTW!!
Oh and if i commented on the links late, im sorry. Why i said that? Cus THE INFO IN THE LINK IS "MOTHER OF GOD"!!!! LOL. Thats it, no workarounds, no 1.4f, im gonna get a flash and shoot with flashed turned backwards like a boss. (I lol'ed when i see that guy turned his flash backwards but srsly it works too.)

 

[Prince Photogenic]

Edit. Thanks alot for the link. You've really helped a noob here. Oh ya, Sony Alpha FTW!!
Oh and if i commented on the links late, im sorry. Why i said that? Cus THE INFO IN THE LINK IS "MOTHER OF GOD"!!!! LOL. Thats it, no workarounds, no 1.4f, im gonna get a flash and shoot with flashed turned backwards like a boss. (I lol'ed when i see that guy turned his flash backwards but srsly it works too.)

Hahaha.. You're welcomed =)

The world of BBB knows no boundaries, after flash, you'll want diffuser, light sphere, light bender etc.. :bsmilie:

 

[Valkarian]

The world of BBB knows no boundaries, after flash, you'll want diffuser, light sphere, light bender etc.. :bsmilie:

BBB wins all the time.

 

[AlphaLuver]

Hahaha.. You're welcomed =)

The world of BBB knows no boundaries, after flash, you'll want diffuser, light sphere, light bender etc.. :bsmilie:

BBB? What that stands for?

 

[Prince Photogenic]

BBB wins all the time.

Yea.. Many before us have fallen, so will many after us.. Lol

BBB? What that stands for?

BBB = buy buy buy

It's basically the urge to keep buying or upgrading ur equipment/accessories/body/lenses without a proper thought-through of whether u need it. There are instances where u know or think truly needs these items though..