Tripod or external flash? what to buy first??

[sinpig]

What should I buy first, an external flash or a tripod, money is of an essence (I'm on a budget) so what it's your recommendation and why?
Thanks

[candleman]

if you shoot people, events, parties.... get the flash

if you do landscapes.. get the tripod.

...so, what do you like to shoot?

[sinpig]

Originally Posted by candleman

...so, what do you like to shoot?

Anything that crosses my path, mostly my little kids, so I guess a flash it's in my future!

[Shokinen]

You don't necessarly need a tripod to get some stabilisation. A foldable chair could be used for example. Your goal is to sit your camera on someting and use the timer to minimize any vibration (even the one when pressing the shutter). Some people are even using bean bags. A good tripod is a very nice to have but not mandatory.

A flash on the other hand, allow you to shot action (kids never move around anyway...) in low light situation. And if you get one you can tilt such as the SB600, you will be able to bounce it on the celling and cut that arsh bright light. A flash is also usefull outside to cut the shadows sometime created by a very bright background and a darker subject.

Hope this helps