The 430EX II would be your best bet. You don't need the weather-sealing of the 580EX II, and probably don't need the extra power (unless you're shooting large events or birds with a better beamer). I would not recommend the less expensive 270EX - even though it tilts for bounce flash (which is one of the main reasons to get an external flash), it lacks the red/infrared AF assist lamp found on the higher-end models. The 430EX II is also a great place to start in that if you get seriously into strobism, it can serve as an off-camera slave flash controlled by an on-camera 580EX II.


Second the recommendation on Sanyo eneloops.