Hate the Pop-Up Flash - I've heard speedlights are better?

I have a Nikon d5000, and I really hate what the pop-up flash does to the quality and color quality of a picture, I've heard speedlights help, I've heard that they're better. I saw one that could swivel so the photographer could just reflect light off of the walls of the room (s)he's in, and make the light a lot softer. ANYWAY, I just want to know a good speedlight to try for better lowlight pictures, or any alternative to one. -Chris

External electronic flash units like the SB600 or SB700 do put out a lot more light than the pop-up and are easier to add flash diffusers to (like the Gary Fong brand). The can also be used in the "bounce flash" mode which will soften the light to some extent.

Lowlight photos (available light) flash is not used. If you do, you loose the ambiance of the local lighting.

Here is a site that will help you with your use of electronic flash.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Here is a good answer to your question

learning to use an external flash is an important part of being a professional photographer once you have mastered the basic skills you will be able to use your speedlight to produce professional photographs that look like they were taken in natural lighting situations