There are places where technology reaches its limits, and others where it shows what it’s truly capable of. Mount Säntis is undoubtedly one of the latter.
At an altitude of 2,502 meters, where wind, ice, UV light, and extreme temperature fluctuations are the norm in the Alpstein region of eastern Switzerland, a panorama unfolds that today captivates people all over the world—captured by a ROUNDSHOT live cam.
More than 1,000 live cameras have now been installed worldwide. Many of them have been in continuous use for years. These live cameras aren’t just used by weather services or mountain railways like the Säntis Cable Car. They offer travelers, nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone else interested an unobstructed view—no matter where in the world they are.
The case study on the ROUNDSHOT Livecam on Mount Säntis impressively demonstrates what is possible when four worlds come together: Swiss precision, decades of mountain expertise, state-of-the-art Japanese FUJIFILM camera technology, and, above all, people who clearly love what they do.
A passionate Swiss family-owned business
Behind the ROUNDSHOT live cameras used worldwide, which feature FUJIFILM cameras, is the Swiss family-owned company Seitz Phototechnik AG. For decades, they have been developing high-precision camera systems and 360° panorama technologies.
What many people don't know: Every single ROUNDSHOT live camera is entirely handmade in Lustdorf (Canton of Thurgau) in the family home, which has retained its original character, and is among the leading camera solutions in the fields of tourism, weather visualization, and B2B live imaging systems.
The three owners—Peter Seitz, Werner Seitz, and Urs Krebs—work alongside the entire ROUNDSHOT team with passion and dedication to maintain and continuously improve their products.
Peter Seitz: The Man Behind the Case
Peter mills the rugged aluminum housings that will later be mounted on mountain peaks, port facilities, or along coastlines. These high-performance housings form the foundation of the weatherproof ROUNDSHOT live cameras. “Our cameras must withstand extreme temperatures, strong UV radiation, and massive wind loads,” he explains. The choice of materials and precision in manufacturing determine whether a camera will operate reliably for a year or a decade—a key requirement for any weather camera.
Werner Seitz: Perfection down to the last component
Once a housing is complete, Werner takes over: he installs the camera equipment, calibrates it, and tests each individual system. He personally assembles every ROUNDSHOT Livecam, fine-tunes it precisely, and tests it for 24 hours under real-world conditions to ensure flawless 360° panoramic images.
Urs Krebs: The All-Rounder
Urs is responsible for software, remote maintenance, and connecting the cameras to the world. The challenge: A ROUNDSHOT Livecam must function reliably—whether it’s installed in Switzerland, North America, or New Zealand. “The FUJIFILM SDK is a crucial component in this,” he says. “It allows us to fully control the camera and ensure stable, long-term operation.” This is a clear advantage, especially for automated panoramic shots and integration into meteorological systems.
What sets ROUNDSHOT apart from conventional webcams
ROUNDSHOT deliberately operates in a segment that goes far beyond the capabilities of a traditional webcam. While conventional webcams are typically designed for static surveillance or simple live-image applications, ROUNDSHOT is aimed at customers who expect much more: high-resolution panoramas, reliable long-term performance, and a system that works in all weather conditions, 24/7. With innovative camera technology, robust construction, and sophisticated software integration, ROUNDSHOT sets new standards in professional outdoor imaging.
Many ROUNDSHOT customers come from the tourism industry, including mountain railways, weather services, and international destinations. They aren’t looking for just any camera: they need a system that operates under extreme conditions, consistently delivers high image quality, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing hardware and software environments. It was precisely this requirement that gave rise to the need to rely on high-quality cameras and lenses capable of guaranteeing this performance over the long term.
Why FUJIFILM?
The partnership between ROUNDSHOT and FUJIFILM began in 2019. Initially, various brands were evaluated with a focus on image quality, durability, compatibility, and low-light performance. In the end, the choice was clear: FUJIFILM.
Compact design thanks to the X-Trans sensor
The FUJIFILM X-Trans CMOS sensor delivers exceptional image quality while enabling a compact lens design. For ROUNDSHOT, this meant smaller, more robust, and more durable camera systems designed for continuous outdoor use.
The FUJIFILM X-T5 is used in conjunction with the XF10–24mm F4 R OIS WR lens for the ROUNDSHOT Livecam.
Lenses that don't lose focus when zooming
A unique feature of FUJIFILM lenses: The lens remains stable while zooming—a prerequisite for a perfectly stitched panoramic image.
A live panoramic view of Mount Säntis, available in the free ROUNDSHOT app “Livecam global.”
Impressive nighttime performance
For ROUNDSHOT, low-light performance was a key factor. The FUJIFILM X-T series, particularly the FUJIFILM X-T5, delivers images with consistent color, clarity, and low noise even in the dark.
Simple, personalized support
From the very beginning, open and direct communication has been a key factor in the collaboration between ROUNDSHOT and FUJIFILM. FUJIFILM provided the necessary SDK in a straightforward manner and supported the integration process with technical assistance on software and firmware issues. The direct exchange between the teams in Switzerland and Japan was particularly valuable, as it allowed ROUNDSHOT’s specific requirements to be implemented quickly and effectively. Since the 1960s, FUJIFILM has been represented in the Swiss market by CHROMOS Group AG. This long-standing relationship further facilitates the collaboration.
This led to the development of custom firmware versions that are optimally tailored for the continuous operation of ROUNDSHOT live cameras. This collaboration was complemented by joint testing at the European FUJIFILM service centers in Bedford and Kleve. For ROUNDSHOT, this close partnership was key to developing a long-term, reliable B2B solution.
From the FUJIFILM X-T3 to the X-T5: A partnership that keeps growing
The technical collaboration between ROUNDSHOT and FUJIFILM has evolved step by step. Following initial tests and evaluations in 2019, the first camera system—the FUJIFILM X-T3—was officially deployed in the live cams in 2020. The next milestone followed in 2022: the introduction of the FUJIFILM X-T5, which now serves as the standard in ROUNDSHOT’s live cams.
A special place: Mount Säntis
The installation on Mount Säntis is a striking example of just how challenging—and yet valuable—the use of a ROUNDSHOT Livecam can be. For over 150 years, the mountain station has served as a weather station—a function now complemented by high-resolution real-time images from the ROUNDSHOT Livecam, which are also transmitted to MeteoSwiss.
For the Säntis Cable Car, the camera is a key tool for providing guests with up-to-date weather conditions, visibility, and operational information. And for countless hikers, tourists, mountain enthusiasts, photographers, and weather enthusiasts, the day often begins with a glance at this live feed: a window onto the stunning mountain landscape that is viewed by people around the world.
More Than Just Technology: A Partnership with Heart
The relationship between ROUNDSHOT and FUJIFILM goes far beyond shared technology. It is based on trust, openness, and a willingness to listen to one another. Both companies share the conviction that reliable image quality and durable systems can only be achieved when hardware and software work together seamlessly and when the people behind them are passionate about their work.
Further developments are on the horizon: new generations of cameras, more precise lenses, software optimizations, global installations, and specialized firmware adaptations for challenging environments. Our collaboration is therefore not over; rather, it continues to evolve.
A look behind the scenes
We would like to thank everyone who made this project possible through their expertise and support. This includes, in particular, Peter Seitz, Werner Seitz, and Urs Krebs from ROUNDSHOT, as well as Michael Wehrli, Head of Technology and Infrastructure at Säntis-Schwebebahn AG. We would also like to thank the video production team at NEIGHBORHOOD PRODUCTION GmbH for their professional execution of the filming using the FUJIFILM X-H2S.
The creation of this case study provided an opportunity to precisely document the technology and the collaboration between ROUNDSHOT and FUJIFILM, while also offering valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes work processes—both at ROUNDSHOT in Lustdorf and at Säntis-Schwebebahn AG on Mount Säntis.
The partnership between ROUNDSHOT and FUJIFILM demonstrates just how much can be achieved when technical expertise, reliability, and a spirit of partnership come together. What began as an initial evaluation has evolved into a long-standing collaboration that is now visible in places like Säntis and many other locations around the globe—connecting mountains, cities, and countries to offer new perspectives to people everywhere.
All photos were taken by FUJIFILM Switzerland (CHROMOS Group AG) using the FUJIFILM X-T5 in combination with the XF16–55mm F2.8 R LM WR II lens.
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