What if your iPhone could transform into a full-fledged mirrorless camera that not only captures stunning images but also edits them in real-time using advanced AI? Well, hold onto your phones, because Camera Intelligence has just unveiled Caira, the world’s first ‘AI-native’ Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera designed to snap onto your iPhone via MagSafe! This game-changing device integrates Google’s cutting-edge generative AI model, dubbed ‘Nano Banana,’ letting photographers perform astonishing edits on the fly.

Last month, Camera Intelligence, formerly known as Alice Camera, made headlines by pivoting to AI-driven imaging technology. Originally introduced in 2020, Alice Camera promised a revolutionary fusion of AI and smartphone photography, but development delays hindered its launch. By the time it came to market, the photography landscape had dramatically evolved, prompting CEO Vishal Kumar to rethink their approach.

“In today’s world, creators need more than just high-quality images,” Kumar emphasized. “They’re juggling a multitude of responsibilities, and traditional content creation tools can be overwhelming.” This insight paved the way for Caira, which promises not just to capture but transform photos seamlessly.

While Caira shares some features with its predecessor, it steps up the game significantly thanks to its larger Micro Four Thirds sensor and compatibility with MFT interchangeable lenses. Unlike typical smartphone cameras that rely mainly on AI for image enhancement, Caira harnesses generative AI to make edits right as you capture the shot.

Imagine this: you snap a picture and, using simple voice prompts through the Caira app, you can switch the scene from sunny to starry night, change outfits, or even swap out the sky—all in real-time! It’s a dream for content creators, but whether this is a blessing or a curse for professional photographers is still up for debate. However, Camera Intelligence firmly believes that Caira will empower users who may not have traditional photography experience.

“With Caira, we’re not just launching a new camera; we’re introducing an intelligent creative partner,” Kumar explained. “Creators need efficient tools that match their creativity. By integrating Nano Banana directly into Caira, we’re changing the entire workflow of content creation.”

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. The rise of generative AI raises critical ethical questions, and Camera Intelligence is taking a proactive approach. They’re collaborating with professional photographers to establish responsible usage and ensure that Caira adheres to ethical standards. Crucially, the camera will not allow changes to a subject's core identity, such as skin color or facial features, aligning with Google’s AI guidelines.

“Thoughtful integration of this technology can be truly beneficial,” Kumar remarked. “We chose Google’s Nano Banana for its ability to maintain detail and deliver flawless results, often in just one attempt—without the dreaded ‘hallucinations’ that can plague other AI tools.”

Caira is tailored for creators and businesses who crave high-quality imagery and complete creative control. It’s bold, ambitious, and yes, a bit controversial. While generative AI is becoming standard in various photo editing apps, having it built into an interchangeable lens camera is a whole new frontier.

As for the launch? Caira will debut on Kickstarter beginning October 30, and early backers can snag it for just $695—a price that jumps to $995 upon retail release in January 2026. But remember to do your homework before backing any crowdfunding project. Transparency is key!