Benefits to external flash units

[GuruX]

I just recently picked up the Konica Minolta Dimage A200 digicam, and noticed it has a hot-shoe for an external flash. My question is, what benefits would I get if I were to purchase an additional flash unit?

On a potentially related note, is there a way to get good macro shots using a flash? I find with my camera, the flash definately is way too powerful when doing close-up work.

 

[HorsePunchKid]

There are many benefits to having an external flash. The two main ones (to me) are that an external flash will be dramatically more powerful and that it can be aimed in other directions (e.g. bounced off the ceiling).

Using a flash in the macro realm can be tricky. One tried-and-true method is to hold a piece of paper in front of the flash (see the end of this thread). This will help reduce and diffuse the light. Also, make sure you're using a small enough aperture (larger number). This will also help give you more depth of field.