I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with using a generic flash instead of the suggested ones by Canon.

I don't intend to take professional pictures, so I don't want to pay for the real flashes.

Many digital cameras will use generic flashes, albiet with limited functionality, and I was wondering if Canon has made a proprietary system for only Canon flashes.

Does anyone know?

Not a big deal, I would just like to occasionally take a quick snapshot every once in a while.

Thanks in advance.