GH5S vs. Your Eyes: Can You Match What You See in Camera

Have you ever been fascinated by how the human eye perceives the world? I was, and I wanted to capture that same natural perspective through a lens. One afternoon, while observing the new Bean Bar on campus, something caught my eye: the warm ambient light, fun doodles on the wall, and a neon sign that popped right out. It had this laid-back, cozy energy I wanted to preserve exactly as I saw it.

The human eye, with a focal length typically around 22mm, is often compared to a 50mm lens on a full-frame camera. So, to recreate that experience, I chose the Panasonic GH5S, which features a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and used the kit lens (12-60mm) but zoomed in to the 25mm mark.

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MAKING NICOSIA LOOK LIKE A SCIFI CITY WITH EDITING

When I first heard about this project, my mind immediately went to cyberpunk. I imagined neon-lit streets, futuristic vibes, and a city that felt straight out of a sci-fi movie. My first instinct was to capture Nicosia at night, where the tall, modern buildings could help bring that aesthetic to life. At the same time, I knew that shooting in LOG, a flat, low-contrast video format, would preserves more detail, giving more room to play with colors in post-production. Continue reading

How to get a Cinematic Look with just a Tripod

When people hear the term “cinematic shot,” they often picture smooth slider or dolly movements. However, for me, it is quite the opposite. I find beauty in static tripod shots. They allow you to truly capture a moment, creating a calm atmosphere that encourages viewers to relax and observe what unfolds on screen. That’s why I was excited to write this blog, I knew I would enjoy sharing my approach to achieving a cinematic look with minimal equipment.

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The Gimbal challenge: What’s the Longest Take We Can Pull Off?

What is the longest continuous take you have ever spotted in a film? Was it in Goodfellas by Martin Scorsese, with its mesmerizing three-minute tracking shot that kept your eyes glued to the screen? Or maybe it was in the war movie 1917, where the seamless cuts were nearly impossible to spot, with uninterrupted shots lasting up to 8 minutes. Regardless, one thing is for sure: We have a newfound respect for anyone who attempts a long continuous take.

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Behind the Screens: The Unseen Challenges of Running a University AV Department

Most people just see the final product—a polished video, a flawless live stream, a perfectly lit interview. What they don’t see is the behind the scenes effort. The last-minute technical glitches, the juggling of multiple projects, the race to fix something before anyone notices. That’s where Studio Assistants come in.

Working at the University of Nicosia’s Mediazone isn’t just about handling cameras and sound equipment. It’s about thinking on your feet when a microphone suddenly stops working or a file won’t export five minutes before a deadline. It’s about guiding students who’ve never touched a camera while keeping things moving for those who have. Supporting our students and staff in their practical courses means great ‘customer service.

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“I’m with the Crew”

The word “crew can mean a lot of things. You need a cabin crew to fly an airplane, a rowing team is also called a crew. From my very first event, Music Vibes, back in my first year in 2021, I wore the Mediazone Crew Shirt for the first time. That black polo felt like armor, preparing me for a battle; directing one of the most crowded and highly anticipated Music Vibes events we had ever hosted. This was no ordinary event, it was the first one after COVID. The music blared through the speakers, students jumped and danced like there was no tomorrow, and my crew and I stood shoulder-to-shoulder, cameras in hand, ready to capture it all. It was chaos, it was exhilarating, and it was our moment.  

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Fresh Start: Mediazone. New people, new experiences, new lifestyle.

I always thought that the people who worked at Mediazone were professionals of the highest caliber, and to join their ranks, I believed I would need to master every piece of equipment inside and out. They seemed incredibly dedicated to their craft, and the work they did felt significant and inspiring. I aspired to be one of them, yet I constantly wondered if I was good enough to belong. 

 

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The Power of Progress

When I first joined Mediazone, I was filled with uncertainty. My confidence was low, weighed down by a rough period in my personal life, and I was honestly scared. I did not think I had what it took to succeed on the team. Watching everyone around me fulfill their roles with ease made me wonder if I would ever find my place. But looking back now, I am amazed at how far I have come, not just in developing my technical skills, but in growing as a person with newfound confidence and resilience. This journey, though filled with challenges, has been incredibly rewarding, and has pushed me further than I ever thought possible. 

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