Summary: The HVL-F1000 is dedicated to some Sony digital cameras, such as my MVC-CD400.

It connects to a camera via its permanently attached 11 inch dedicated sync cord - a single mini plug with four contacts on it.

The HVL-F1000 has NO HOTSHOE CONNECTION - it has a contactless cold shoe and 1/4\" threaded mounting hole

At the time I am writing this , many websites claim the flash features TTL metering - it is not true. Your camera's built in flash may be TTL, but the HVL-F1000 features non-TTL thyristor metering via the sensor on the face of the unit. If the sensor on the flash is covered, or not pointing at the subject, the flash has no idea when to cut off light output. This is detailed in its own instruction sheet. At no point do the instructions indicate any possibility of TTL flash metering when using this flash with any camera model.

On the plus side, it is a nice flash when used as instructed with the flash's built-in sensor facing the subject. With a guide number of 28(meters), it works well even as a bounce flash in a typical room.

Also, it does not have a preflash, so it is the ideal accessory to trigger a studio slave flash setup with your Sony digital camera!

Summary: Just received this flash today, and so far it works very well with my Sony. Has a built in diffuser and can be adjusted to 0, 60, 75 and 90 degrees.
Wish it also had a hot shoe, so we could use it on my wifes Pentax, but all in all it's exactly as Sony described it.
Remember to grab 4 AA batteries! They don't mention this even on the packaging!!!