I switched camcorders

I had purchased a Samsung DVD camcorder in November. I thoiught it would be okay for the general videos I would be taking. I was surprised as to just how bad the quality of video was. Some videos were okay (not great), while others were horrible. I admit I am fairly ignorant of all the things someone should know when considering a camcorder purchase, but I figured that today's camcorders would give me some level of acceptable video quality. This just isn't true. I have seen better video on old VHS recorders.

So I just went ahead and tried another brand. This time with a little research, I grabbed a JVC model. It is pretty great so far. The model is the GZ-MG330AU. This might well be the smallest, lightest, hard drive based camcorder around. This thing is super tiny. It's actually a hybrid, in that it allows me to record to MicroSD cards as well as the 30 GB hard drive. Whether or not I'll use the MicroSD option, I don't know, but it's cool to know it's available to me. The camcorder also came with some pretty nice software from Cyberlink too. Now I can produce, view, copy, backup and burn DVDs with ease. DVD creation is a snap.

My first test video was a short length piece featuring my son (the ham). Quality was nice, too. I think I will crank up the video quality setting to Ultra Fine and see how it looks. So far I noticed little noise or deterioration.

I hope I don't have to returnn this one like the Samsung. I love this little bugger. Here's picture of the model in blue (4 colors are available).

What's up with Fujifilm ??

I thought I would look at the Fujifilm.ca site and see what I could find regarding my new Finepix S800. I have to say I was a little surprised to find that neither the Fujifilm Canadian nor American sites list the S800. I even sent an email to fujifilm Canada's support asking about this, but they never responded. So I called Fuji. The lady that picked up was surprised by the model I described. She wondered if I wasn't meaning the S8000 (I wish I had an S8000). I explained that I really had an S800. She never heard of it. Maybe I meant the S700. I explained this one has more megapixels thant S700. She put me through tthe techs. I learned that this meant I was transfered to a line where no one picks up, and you have to leave a message. Gee, thanks!

I gave the firearms site a facelift

NewtoGuns.com was looking a little dark. I thought I should lighten it up a bit. Let me know if you like the new look.

If I knew Suneido was this much fun ...

I would have started coding years ago. I admit that I really have only scratched the surface when it comes to Suneido or programming in general, but I feel like I am actually doing alright. Sure I make mistakes and sit in front of the keyboard lost and confused at times, but that was expected. I only wish there was a really great book available that taught object oriented programming from the ground up, and that this imaginary book was based on Suneido. If I could, I'd write that book myself. Until then I will keep slugging away.

My most recent lesson learned in Suneido? My poor typing will result in horrible code. I really need to decrease my typing errors.

I picked up a new camera this weekend

I purchased a new Fuji Finepix S800 this weekend. Sadly I had to exchange it the next day due to a faulty flash. The camera was great otherwise, but the flash would not stay down (it should popup automatically). Once exchanged for a another S800, I was quickly checking out all the cool features. This camera is awesome. It has a ton of features and is very easy to use. I don't always rely on Auto mode for pictures, but found that the pcitures taken in that mode were excellent.

I need to practice a little more in Manual mode before I can start taking those real "artsy" shots, but I can tell already that this camera will allow me to take some superb pictures in all kinds of situations. The manual is big, but I expected it to be, as there are tons of features.

 Now I need to find a nice Finepix bag for it, or some other accessories.

Website neglect?

Poor www.newtoguns.com was sadly neglected for months. I finally decided to put up a bunch of articles wether they all had photos or not. Most articles have really nice pics, while a couple need some images. Each article is of course informative and very readable without images, but I love pictures in documents.

So I no longer will have this poor little site sitting around in maintenance mode. Go over and check it out. If you are new to the whole firearms world, or just curious about guns, it's definitely worth a look. Let me know what you think.

I'm really getting into programming with Suneido

Man, I am on fire! I have already created a simple book in Suneido with 6 or 7 tabs. Users of my very  incomplete "GunData" program can already manage a firearms, cases, bullets, scopes, powders and loads databases. They can even use simple things to make life easier, like KeyControls with nice little Access buttons to easily add and update throughout the software. I am getting pretty good at some of the simpler Field definitions, and have even used some simple Rules. My Access screens are pretty basic, so I need to experiment with different interfaces like Horz and Vert to get things looking a little nicer.

I am considering the release of some sort of Beta version soon.

Still Loving Suneido

I am really getting into this language. I know that I will start getting into trouble as I try and learn about functions, conditionals, and primary keys, etc., but I don't care. To me, just having the ability to see something aon my screen that looks like a real program is exciting.

I have caused the Wokspace to hang while trying to Access a query, but that is likely something I am doing wrong. This is a temporary setback at best.

I already have a screen that enables anyone to create an complete inventory of all theri firearms. it allows them to include all kinds of details such as manufacturer, model serial number, barrel length, barrel shot count, best load, weight, lengths, and more.

I'm finally not afraid to try programming

I have always wanted to experience programming as a hobby. I don't know how people that code all day for a living feel about programming hobbyist, but I want to be one. I have always had the urge to write software, even as far back as the early Eighties. The small amount of coding I did in high school in 1982, was an introduction to Basic. I forget 99% of all that.

Lately I was looking into some languages like Ruby , but never really committed myself to learning it. The books just sat there staring at me, while I imagined cool applications I was entirely incapable of creating. I may still learn Ruby, as it is cross-platform (I love Linux).

Then I considered Suneido.

Even after just a few days, I have to say I really like it. I think I like it because it is so quickly gratifying. Within minutes I had windows on my screen that actually looked (and even functioned) like real programs. Sunedio (http://www.suneido.com/) has a nice manual that actually coached me through the basics. In no time at all, I was creating databases, and even reporting on database contents. Pretty cool!

I know that I have a long way to go. There are a couple of hurdles I need to clear. First off, I am basically a complete newbie when it comes to coding. I don't just need to learn how to program in Suneido, I need to learn how to program in any language. What are objects, functions, definitions, inheritance, etc? I am only part way through the Suniedo manual, but I think some of these will be explained. I have also registered on the Suneido forum, so I at least have some way of getting help or answers to my questions.

Wish me luck. Who knows, maybe I'll have a great little program available here some day.

I just ordered two Choate stocks

I just ordered two Choate stocks from European Target Shooters Supplies. It's my first dealing with them, but so far I think they'll be great to work with.

This is Ultimate Sniper stock I plan to use on my for my .338 Gaillard project;


This is what the new Varmint stock looks like. I think it will be great on my .223 project.

I am also considering getting a nice fat barrel for the .223 and chambering in .223 improved. Comments??