How to get good photos at night events

[jchan]

Hello, I'm a beginner photographer who likes taking photos of people (especially my son), food and landscape. I have a Nikon D90 and Nikkor DX lens (18-55mm, 1:3-5.6G). I've been taking photos mostly in the day because of better lighting but I would also like to take photos at night functions such as birthday dinners, Christmas dinners, etc.... to capture these memories. There are lights in the room but doesn't seem to be enough. My photos are always underexposed or too grainy due to high ISO. I don't use my inbuilt flash because it produces harsh images. What should I do to get a good exposure in this situation? Is my gear sufficient?

My thanks in advance for any comments and help.

[autofocus]

Here are your choices...some will cost you money, and one is free
1) Buy a fast zoom lens. Pricing usually starts at ~$500 and up++
2) Buy a hot shoe flash with a diffuser and bounce the light
3) Jury rig a white business or index card to deflect your on camera flash upwards by cutting two slots in it that line up with your flash lifting mechanism. This will be a cheap way to bounce your flash. You may have to adjust your flash output accordingly.

[LoveDSLR]

Take a look at the Exposure Value (EV) chart at Ultimate Exposure Computer.

Exposure Value EV 4 (Candle lit close-ups etc.)
1/60s, f/2, ISO 1600

Exposure Value EV 5 (Night home interiors etc.)
1/60s, f/2, ISO 800
1/60s, f/2.8, ISO 1600

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Take a look at the Exposure Value (EV) chart at Ultimate Exposure Computer.

Exposure Value EV 4 (Candle lit close-ups etc.)
1/60s, f/2, ISO 1600

Exposure Value EV 5 (Night home interiors etc.)
1/60s, f/2, ISO 800
1/60s, f/2.8, ISO 1600

Can't get to F/2 or F/2.8 with that kit lens though

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by auto-focus

Can't get to F/2 or F/2.8 with that kit lens though

EV 4
1/60s, f/2, ISO 1600
1/30s, f/3.5, ISO 3200
...

EV 5
1/60s, f/2, ISO 800
1/60s, f/2.8, ISO 1600
1/60s, f/4, ISO 3200
...

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

EV 4
1/60s, f/2, ISO 1600
1/30s, f/3.5, ISO 3200
...

EV 5
1/60s, f/2, ISO 800
1/60s, f/2.8, ISO 1600
1/60s, f/4, ISO 3200
...

Sure you can get there, but ISO 3200...he's already complaining about the noise that he's getting. Bounced flash seems to be a better solution...you can even buy a diffuser/bounce that mounts to your on camera flash, and I'm sure it's not too expensive

[jchan]

Thanks for the tips... I will get myself a diffuser and eventually upgrade my lens when I can afford it. What brand diffuser will you recommend? I saw something called a Lightscoop. Is that any good?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by jchan

Thanks for the tips... I will get myself a diffuser and eventually upgrade my lens when I can afford it. What brand diffuser will you recommend? I saw something called a Lightscoop. Is that any good?

I personally have not used one, but I don't think they are very expensive. I'm sure it will soften and bounce your flash...you can probably get some reviews, but here's one to start with

Lightscoop Flash Accessory Review | Camera News & Reviews