[VinnyP]

I have the older FZ30 which is very similar. I also have the remote from Ebay and it works fine. I haven't ever used it in anger with an external flash; but I have tried it with a number of flashes and it seems to work with most modern flashes that have an auto aperture mode. Even the Pansonic flash is not TTL You could use any non dedicated flash. I have a Metz 34 CS-2 which works just fine in hot shoe mode and has the added benefit of a slave mode so could be used off camera fired remotely by the built in flash and can be a godsend with a compact. My Nikon SB800 also works fine in aperture mode
A bounce head might well be more useful and, whilst it's been a while since I used one, the Sunpak ones still seem well respected and represent very good value.
If you are considering a return to an SLR in the future then a flash which can also work TTL with your intended brand might be a good investment.