Our guidance for videographers to ensure
optimal productions of Uhobs.
The Uhob Guide is a practical resource for videographers producing Uhobs for hotels.
It applies to creators working within an Uhob Production as well as those producing Uhobs independently.
While the Uhob Standard defines the mandatory requirements for Uhobs, the Uhob Guide explains how to implement these requirements efficiently in real hotel environments.
The guide provides clear direction on workflows, camera settings, on‑site behavior, and production best practices. It helps videographers avoid common mistakes, maintain consistent video quality, and work efficiently within active hotel operations.
By following the Uhob Guide, videographers support compliance with the Uhob Standard and contribute to reliable, scalable, and efficient Uhob Productions.
The Uhob Guide focuses on reliable, efficient setups that deliver consistent results across different hotel environments. The following recommendations are based on real production experience and are designed to help videographers produce high-quality Uhob Videos efficiently.
An Uhob Productions requires at least a mirrorless camera with a minimum sensor size of MFT (micro four thirds).
Cameras that can record in 10-bit are much preferred but we understand that 8-bit cameras are still in use.
A full-frame equivalent focal length of 24 mm or wider is required for Uhob productions.
From experience, 17 mm works best in narrow or confined spaces.
A wide-angle zoom lens has proven to be the most versatile all-in-one option for our productions.
On full-frame cameras, a 17–35 mm zoom range covers all typical use cases.
On APS-C cameras, lenses such as the Sigma 10–18 mm provide equivalent coverage and are a highly capable, affordable option with a fast f/2.8 aperture.
A maximum aperture of at least f/2.8 is strongly recommended. Many interior areas are not sufficiently lit to be reliably recorded with an f/4.0 lens.
A gimbal is mandatory for Uhob productions.
Make sure to fully calibrate the gimbal the day before the shoot. In the past, we have seen too many slightly tilted horizons caused by improper calibration.
Always balance the gimbal according to the lens and any attached accessories.
When using a wide-angle zoom lens, we recommend balancing the gimbal at a focal length between the minimum and maximum range you plan to use. For a 16–35 mm lens, 20 mm has proven to be a reliable balance point, as most shots typically fall between 16 mm and 24 mm.
Attaching or removing filters can significantly affect gimbal balance. To avoid rebalancing when shooting indoors, we recommend using a clear filter with the same weight as your ND filter.
Magnetic filter systems can further speed up this workflow and help maintain consistent balance.
A ND-Filter is also a requirement for our productions to achieve the 180° shutter speed (1/60th exposure time) to give all videos and individual shoots the same amount of motion blur.
The most common ones are variable ND-Filters that have the benefit of quickly changing the amount of light that enters the lens. The drawback are the weight and the fact that variable ND-filters are made from two polarizing filters.
Adjusting the filter always gives you a different polarization that needs to be accounted for by turning the whole filter in its filter thread to achieve the look you want. The advantage is that you don’t need to add a polarizing filter for outside shoots for example but make sure everything is adjusted accordingly.
This section explains the technical camera settings that ensure consistent, cinematic Uhobs across different hotel environments.
Since almost all displays are compatible with 30 fps since they usually work with 60 fps / Hz all our videos are shoot in 30 fps. Your camera may not have a 30 fps setting but will have the option of 29.97 fps. Choose this setting when 30 fps is not available. Since all our videos have a max. length of 30 s there will be no dropped frame when using 29.97 fps on a 30 fps timeline.
Set the exposure to manual.
Apply the 180° shutter rule to achieve natural, cinematic motion blur:
exposure time = 1 / (2 × fps). At 30 fps, this results in a 1/60 s shutter speed.
In bright lighting conditions, use an ND filter to maintain a 1/60 s shutter speed without overexposing the image.
Aperture f 8.0 is the sweet spot for most lenses in terms of image quality. We therefore recommend to generally close the aperture a few spots to get the most out of your lens. It may be too dark in darker indoor environments.
In this case, simply open the aperture (larger aperture = smaller f-number).
Shoot with the native ISO of your camera. The native ISO is the ISO that the sensor naturally has without amplifying or damper the signal of the sensor. In that ISO the sensor has the best dynamic range. For most cameras this ISO is 800.
For all 10-bit cameras, choose the Log format that offers the highest dynamic range.
For example, S-Log3 on Sony cameras or C-Log2 (if available) or C-Log3 on Canon.
For 8-bit cameras, recording in high-dynamic-range Log formats often creates more disadvantages in post-production than actual benefits.
8-bit Log footage degrades visually very quickly and leaves little room for color correction.
In this case, choose a more contrast-rich Log format, such as S-Log2 or HLG3 on Sony cameras, and avoid the more advanced, professional Log formats.
This section covers the recommended drone settings and filters used for Uhobs.
A ND Filter for the drone would be ideal to achieve the 1/60 s shutter speed but we are aware that this is a very specialized equipment. We highly recommend getting a ND Filter because it makes drone footage, especially closer to objects or the ground looking way more professional.
If you do not have a ND Filter for your drone, please make sure to have the shortest shutter speed dialed in that your drone can shoot while using the native ISO of your drone. This allows us to use specialized software to add natural motion blur which works best when the original footage has little to no motion blur.
Same as for the ground camera. 30 fps, 1/60 s, native ISO, Log if available.
Please make sure to have the license necessary with you when flying the drone.
We have dedicated a separate topic to this issue, as it is the most common problem and renders the recordings completely unusable.
LED’s and florescent lighting do not emit continuous light. It seems this way to the human eye but in reality they send out light pulses that most of the time but not always send out pulses of light in the frequency of the power grid.
Since the camera is recording a sequence of single images, each image can record the lamp in a different state the resulting video shows flickering of that light source.
This flickering is highly distracted and renders the footage useless for our purpose and can't be accepted.
At first: always check your shot on your screen of the camera and play it back after you recorded it.
The solution is easy: get the shutter speed of your sensor set to the frequency of the light source. Some more professional cameras sometimes have a function like flicker prevention etc. or even an adjustable shutter mode that can be set to a precise frequency but on most mirrorless cameras you just change the shutter speed.
This deviates from our rule of using the 1/60 s shutter speed but is the only solution when encountering this problem. You should therefore only deviate from the 180° shutter rule (1/60 s shutter speed) when encountering this problem.
Usually, setting the shutter speed to 1/50 s solves the problem, because the power grid frequency in most countries is 50 Hz, and most LED and fluorescent lights are tied to that frequency.
Professional behavior on property is essential for every Uhob Production. Videographers work in active hotel environments where guests, staff, and daily operations always come first. Respectful conduct ensures smooth productions, protects the hotel experience, and reflects the professionalism of Uhob.
Guests must never feel disturbed, observed, or interrupted by a production.If guests enter a space during filming, pause immediately and resume only once the area is clear. Avoid filming identifiable guests at all times.
Move calmly and quietly through the hotel. Keep equipment compact and avoid blocking corridors, entrances, or common areas.Uhob Productions are designed to integrate seamlessly into hotel operations – not to dominate them.
Maintain close communication with the hotel’s contact person throughout the day. Inform staff before filming shared spaces and respect operational priorities such as check-ins, housekeeping schedules, or service times.
Never instruct hotel staff directly unless agreed in advance. Coordination should always happen through the designated contact.
Do not enter guest rooms, back-of-house areas, or staff-only zones without explicit permission.
Personal items, guest data, room numbers, or internal signage must never appear on camera.
Dress neutrally and professionally. Avoid branded clothing, loud colors, or attention-grabbing outfits. Remain polite, calm, and approachable at all times – even under time pressure.
Hotel environments are dynamic. Be prepared to adjust shot order, timing, or locations if operational needs change. Flexibility and understanding are essential parts of an efficient Uhob Production.
Efficiency never outweighs respect. If something is unclear or changes on site, ask before acting. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smooth collaboration.
Professional etiquette is as important as technical execution. Discretion, respect, and coordination ensure that Uhob Productions run smoothly while preserving the guest experience and the hotel’s daily operations.
Uhob is building the video infrastructure
for booking platforms and hotels.
Uhob is building the video infrastructure
for booking platforms and hotels.
