Canon, Nikon, Or other brand flashes on Sony?

I have a Sony NEX-6.

To my knowledge, it has a universal hot shoe. Does that mean i can use ANY type of flash on my camera? I've heard that you can use other brand flashes (ie. Canon, Nikon) on any camera if they have a universal hot shoe.

looking to use a safe sync in conjunction with an old Vivitar 283
https://www.amazon.com/Hotshoe-Adapter-SM-512-Nikon-Coolpix/dp/B008BMREXA

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Is The Nikon Coolpix l840 Any Good Starting Out?

I don't have a high budget and after reading reviews and seeing pictures it looks pretty good. I'm just wondering if it's good for someone that's brand new? I've taken really nice photos on IPhones (as in, I had actual photographers tell me they were legit nice and I have a good eye for taking picture) and I've ALWAYS been interested in photography. Is it any good? I want to try my best with what I have right now and take pictures any time I go to the park or any time I see anything interesting and I'd also like to use it at parties etc.

Read more: Is The Nikon Coolpix l840 Any Good Starting Out?