Ricoh cx4 Low light

[skieferin]

Hello,

I love taking photos of children indoors, however I find very very very few ever come out decent let alone good when I use my RICOH CX4.
I only really use the preset (Green) setting but sometimes I use the macro feature and take the photo from a slight distance....this actually works quite well sometimes.....But overall the pictures are very grainy even in quite bright sunlight...If I use the flash in forced mode their faces appear ghostlike.

I am considering buying a Sony Nex or a dlsr but I don't really want to spend money on another camera wjen I could possibly tweek the camera I have already.....Aside from the indoor photos I love the camera....Any advice will be taken gladly with gratitude and pics posted (If this is allowed) after to show my pre and post advice shots.

Many thanks Skieferin