All scenarios

Party

Medium

Friends indoors with warm dim light — usually the first situation where a kit lens struggles.

Lenses that suit this: A bright 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 lens makes a big difference.

The guide

Starting point

1/125s, f/1.8–f/2.8, ISO 1600–6400.

With flash

Bounce the flash off the ceiling for softer light: 1/125s, f/4, ISO 400–800.