I don't know how I dealed without having an external flash for so long. The difference is phenomenal. These shots are with no post-processing done at all and it's now easy to justify spending the money on the flash. Seeing this now convinces me that I would have spent more if I didn't get my lucky deal a few days ago.
In the first test shot you can plainly see the color balance issues arising from using a room's natural incandescent globe causing the very yellow whites and softened blacks. Secondly, and more importantly, notice the 1.8 second exposure time required to get enough light in the shot. That's using my lenses highest 2.8f aperture and still there's no way you'd be able to hold a camera steady long enough to get a good shot off. And I consider my room fairly bright, it's a disappointing result when you want something crisp at 100 ISO.
Introduce the in-built flash of the D60 and with some correction in Photoshop you'd salvage this shot, but off the lens it looks so under-detailed. You can't tell if there's any depth of field in the shot and the heavy shadows from the shoe distract a lot of the highlights in the shoe. At least the color is somewhat correct even if it is a little bluely tinged and exposure is where you want it to be.
Bump it up again another step to my recently purchased SB600 and you've got an almost perfect shot. Even without a diffuser and you still lose the shadows behind the shoe which create distinct impact of the object. Depth of field is re-introduced and you have some bokeh (so hip right now) in the background. Color is finally spot on where you want it to be and without compromising exposure you still have enough light to frame the shot. It almost brings a tear to my eye how easy it is.
If you are wanting to further your photography, do yourself a favor and don't put off buying a flash any longer. Seeing this impact it's as worth it as buying a new low aperture lens
