Requesting help on a flash decision

[Jeremy Z]

So, I've got my Olympus XZ-1 on the way. (it's an advanced point & shoot, with a hot shoe)

One of the cool features about this camera is that it will do wireless flash actuation.

Here are the flashes I'm looking at:

1) The Olympus FL-36R. Kind of expensive at $180, and two customers said it crapped out RIGHT after warranty, and they had to pay $95 to get it fixed. But I know it would work wireless.
Amazon.com: Olympus FL-36R Electronic Flash for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

2) Metz MZ36352... Gets great reviews, but the zoom head is manual. The bigger Metz with the auto zoom head is HUGE, so I don't want that.
http://www.amazon.com/Metz-MZ-36352...UTF8&coliid=I15L3IXY6PZJ0&colid=28I78N2NAL6TG

3) Vivitar DF183. Reviews are like: "Yeah, it's a flash. It's weak and a little flimsy, but it works." Simple, compact, bounce, but nothing else.
http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-Viv-D...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327810450&sr=1-2

4) Nissin DI466. Gets good reviews, has the auto zoom head, seems to work in slave mode, but is out of stock. Fair price, but it's a 4AA flash, so it might be on the big side for my compact camera:
Amazon.com: Nissin Speedlite Di 466 FT Four Thirds Digital Flash for Olympus and Panasonic Cameras: Electronics

5) Olympus FL300R. Looks kind of weak and is expensive for its feature set. Bounce by tilting it back seems a little cheezy:
Amazon.com: Olympus FL-300R Compact Flash for Olympus E-P3 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera: Electronics

Which one would you guys get?

 

[Jeremy Z]

(bump)

Anyone?

Someone's got to have experience with Olympus-dedicated flash units...

 

[cgipson1]

I shot Olympus Om-4's with various Olympus flashes for a long period.... and found that the OEM flashes were always the most reliable and compatible. You get what you pay for!

 

[TheBiles]

Get the most expensive flash that you can afford! It will last you quite some time!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

[kundalini]

I've not read anything about the Oly flash units that would make me want to purchase one.

This probably won't help you at all, but I trigger OCF (speedlights and monos) with my EP3 via PCB Cybersyncs. I assume any hotshoe mounted transmitter will work.