@Sean,

Thanks for the heads-up on the tutorial. It certainly covered a lot of ground but doesn't seem to address TTL-related stuff at all. I'm guessing Arena's book will cover that.

What's everyone experience with the LumoPro flash he recommends? IF I didn't want to do any TTL shooting I could buy 3 of these for the cost of a 580 or most of a 10-22 or half a 17-55 or almost half a 7D. So many tough choices so little funding...